Closing Date: 26th August, 2026
Description:
Job Description and Duties:The CDSS Legal Division is recruiting to fill two full-time, limited-term Attorney IV positions in FAB. These are 12-month limited term positions and may be extended to a maximum of 24-months and/or may become permanent based on operational needs. FAB provides legal support to various divisions within CDSS which administer the following public social service programs, among others:
- CalFresh and nutrition programs
- CalWORKs Eligibility and Employment
- Cash Assistance Payments for Immigrants
- Child Care and Development
- Civil Rights for Public Social Service Programs
- Disaster Services
- Housing and Homelessness
- Immigration & Refugees
- In-Home Supportive Services
- Trafficking and Crime Victim Assistance
The successful candidates for the Attorney IV positions will be assigned to provide legal support to one or more of FAB's program areas.
Under minimal supervision, the Attorney IV will perform some of the most complicated, politically sensitive, and fiscally significant legal work in FAB, including: reviewing, researching, and interpreting federal and state laws and regulations, case law, and program guidance; advising on funding issues and parameters of broad discretionary authority; drafting legislation including trailer bill and budget bill language; assisting in the drafting and reviewing of program policy guidance; and providing substantive litigation support to the Office of the Attorney General. The Attorney IV should have knowledge and experience of, or possess the skills and experience to quickly learn, the applicable state and federal statutes, regulations, case law, policies, and guidance applicable to the programs supported by FAB. Additionally, the candidate should have experience in a policy legal role and/or experience advising public entities in the manner of in-house counsel.
This posting may be used to fill future vacancies in accordance with 2 CCR 249.3.
The Department of Social Services does not participate in E-Verify for employment authorization purposes. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship by the start date of employment.
If you would like to share how you learned about this career opportunity, please take a moment to complete our brief Recruitment Survey. (https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/VLRZMVQ)
Need help with applying for positions, taking an examination, or preparing for interviews? Our team is here to support you, reach out anytime at Recruiter@dss.ca.gov. For guidance on applying for a state job, visit Three Steps to a State Job (https://calcareers.ca.gov/CalHRPublic/Landing/Jobs/Steps.aspx)
Follow us on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/california-department-of-social-services/?viewAsMember=true) to stay updated on our latest opportunities.
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement. (https://www.calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/FileDownload.aspx?aid=33004602&name=DS_SNRPARecruit2FABLTAttyIV.pdf)
Working Conditions:
Work Location: Monterey Park, Riverside, Oakland, or Sacramento
This position may be eligible for Hybrid work. In-person attendance is required based on the operational needs of the position and in accordance with Executive Order N-22-25 (https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.gov.ca.gov%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2025%2F03%2FRTO-EO-3.3.25_-GGN-signed.pdf&data=05%7C02%7CJessica.J.Cooper%40dss.ca.gov%7C84bbb4f50aea47f5097408dda45c9b91%7C0235ba6b2cf04b75bc5dd6187ce33de3%7C1%7C0%7C638847439836139480%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=FdCOI205eH2D8D%2BTiXWuxpHwxtiiD7Y0GDgkApzNL2w%3D&reserved=0) the Statewide Hybrid Telework Policy, Government Code section 14200, and any applicable department telework requirements. The successful candidate must reside in California at the time of appointment. Proof of California residency may be required.
The physical work location is negotiable and can be based out of any of the Department's Legal Division offices statewide (Monterey Park, Riverside, Oakland, and Sacramento).
Please note: Regular commute is not compensable.
Minimum Requirements:
You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.
Attorney IV (https://hrnet.calhr.ca.gov/CalHRNet/SpecCrossReference.aspx?ClassID=5780)
Additional Documents
Department Information:
Are you interested in making a difference in the lives of fellow Californians while achieving your career goals? Do you set high standards for yourself and enjoy a collaborative and challenging work environment? The mission of the California Department of Social Services is to serve, protect, and support the people of California experiencing need in ways that empower wellbeing and disrupt systemic inequities. The vision of the California Department of Social Services is to provide quality services with a commitment to an inclusive, diverse, and equitable California where all people can thrive.
CDSS oversees and coordinates an array of safety net and emergency response programs, and the delivery of social services totaling $50 billion in partnership with the State's 58 counties as well as community services providers. In support of those efforts, the CDSS Legal Division's Family and Adult Programs Policy & Litigation Branch (FAB) provides timely, responsive, thorough and accurate legal services. We are a dynamic, collaborative and energetic legal team that provides diverse, complex, challenging and, at times, cutting edge legal guidance for some of the largest public social service programs in the nation.
CDSS Guiding Principles
Diversity. Equity. Inclusion. Accessibility. Belonging.
We ensure opportunities for everyone to participate in a meaningful way in fulfilling the mission and vision of CDSS.
Community Engagement
We prioritize the lived experiences of community members as a driving force behind the creation, implementation, desired impact, or change of programs and services.
Empowerment
We engage, operate, and advocate from the understanding that each community and person have desires and capabilities to lead in their own life.
Quality Services
We provide services that align intent and impact by ensuring that they are accessible, community driven, interconnected, and continuously improved.
Data Defined Outcomes
We equitably collect and analyze data, take data-driven action, and measure outcomes relevant to those we serve, ensuring transparency and accountability.
Special Requirements:
Attorney IV (https://hrnet.calhr.ca.gov/CalHRNet/SpecCrossReference.aspx?ClassID=5780)
Additional Documents
- Job Application Package Checklist (http://calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/Jobs/JobApplicationPackageChecklist.aspx?JobControlId=528049)
- Duty Statement (https://www.calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/FileDownload.aspx?aid=33004602&name=DS_SNRPARecruit2FABLTAttyIV.pdf)
Department Information:
Are you interested in making a difference in the lives of fellow Californians while achieving your career goals? Do you set high standards for yourself and enjoy a collaborative and challenging work environment? The mission of the California Department of Social Services is to serve, protect, and support the people of California experiencing need in ways that empower wellbeing and disrupt systemic inequities. The vision of the California Department of Social Services is to provide quality services with a commitment to an inclusive, diverse, and equitable California where all people can thrive.
CDSS oversees and coordinates an array of safety net and emergency response programs, and the delivery of social services totaling $50 billion in partnership with the State's 58 counties as well as community services providers. In support of those efforts, the CDSS Legal Division's Family and Adult Programs Policy & Litigation Branch (FAB) provides timely, responsive, thorough and accurate legal services. We are a dynamic, collaborative and energetic legal team that provides diverse, complex, challenging and, at times, cutting edge legal guidance for some of the largest public social service programs in the nation.
CDSS Guiding Principles
Diversity. Equity. Inclusion. Accessibility. Belonging.
We ensure opportunities for everyone to participate in a meaningful way in fulfilling the mission and vision of CDSS.
Community Engagement
We prioritize the lived experiences of community members as a driving force behind the creation, implementation, desired impact, or change of programs and services.
Empowerment
We engage, operate, and advocate from the understanding that each community and person have desires and capabilities to lead in their own life.
Quality Services
We provide services that align intent and impact by ensuring that they are accessible, community driven, interconnected, and continuously improved.
Data Defined Outcomes
We equitably collect and analyze data, take data-driven action, and measure outcomes relevant to those we serve, ensuring transparency and accountability.
Special Requirements:
The position(s) require(s) a Background Investigation be cleared prior to being hired.
Please Note: A Statement of Qualifications or Supplemental Questionnaire must be submitted along with your application to be considered for this position. Applications submitted without an SOQ may be disqualified for this position.
Do not include any confidential information in any documents (i.e., application, resume, or transcripts) you submit for this job vacancy. Confidential information that should be excluded or removed from these documents include but is not limited to: Social Security Number (SSN), birthday and/or age, photos, student/other ID number, driver's license number (unless required), basis of eligibility, exam results, LEAP status, and marital status. Confidential information submitted via a CalCareer Account (electronic application) is automatically redacted upon submission.
Who May Apply: Applicants must be current members of the California State Bar. Successful applicants will need to have passed an examination for this classification or be an existing State Employee with transfer eligibility and will have followed the instructions under the Special Requirements and Required Application Documents section. Electronic applications are encouraged, although hard copy applications will be accepted. Hard copy applications must include the Job Control and Position number in the “Explanation” section and be signed and dated. Hiring is subject to state Super SROA and surplus policies and procedures.
Interested applicants must submit a completed and signed standard State Application Form (STD 678) and must clearly indicate the basis of hiring eligibility on the STD 678. Applicants must also attach the following items:
Do not include any confidential information in any documents (i.e., application, resume, or transcripts) you submit for this job vacancy. Confidential information that should be excluded or removed from these documents include but is not limited to: Social Security Number (SSN), birthday and/or age, photos, student/other ID number, driver's license number (unless required), basis of eligibility, exam results, LEAP status, and marital status. Confidential information submitted via a CalCareer Account (electronic application) is automatically redacted upon submission.
Who May Apply: Applicants must be current members of the California State Bar. Successful applicants will need to have passed an examination for this classification or be an existing State Employee with transfer eligibility and will have followed the instructions under the Special Requirements and Required Application Documents section. Electronic applications are encouraged, although hard copy applications will be accepted. Hard copy applications must include the Job Control and Position number in the “Explanation” section and be signed and dated. Hiring is subject to state Super SROA and surplus policies and procedures.
Interested applicants must submit a completed and signed standard State Application Form (STD 678) and must clearly indicate the basis of hiring eligibility on the STD 678. Applicants must also attach the following items:
Statement of Qualifications
A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is the applicant's narrative discussion of how their education, training, experience, and skills meet the Desirable Qualifications for the position. The SOQ serves as documentation of your personal ability to present information clearly and concisely in writing, since this is a critical factor to successful job performance. The SOQ must
A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is the applicant's narrative discussion of how their education, training, experience, and skills meet the Desirable Qualifications for the position. The SOQ serves as documentation of your personal ability to present information clearly and concisely in writing, since this is a critical factor to successful job performance. The SOQ must
