Closing Date: 2nd February, 2026
Description:
The CDSS Legal Division is recruiting to fill three permanent, full-time Attorney III positions in FAB. 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 III positions will be assigned to one or more of the public social services programs supported by FAB. The candidates should have knowledge and experience of, or possess the skills and experience to learn, the applicable state and federal statutes, regulations, case law, policies, and guidance applicable to FAB's program clients.
- Under supervision of an Assistant Chief Counsel and/or the Senior Assistant Chief Counsel, the Attorney IIIs will perform 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.
- This posting may be used to fill future vacancies in accordance with 2 CCR 249.3.
- If you would like to share how you learned about this career opportunity, please take a moment to complete our brief Recruitment Survey.
- 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
- Follow us on LinkedIn to stay updated on our latest opportunities.
- You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.
Working Conditions:
- Work Location: Monterey Park, Riverside, Oakland, or Sacramento
- This position is eligible for telework under Government Code section 14200 for eligible applicants residing in California. 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). For individuals assigned to work locations outside of the Sacramento office, travel to Sacramento will be required.
- Except when required to report to the office, this position allows for telework at an alternative work location. An alternative work location would be the employee's residence. For travel purposes, reimbursement would be based on the office location.
- Depending on distance, air travel may be required.
- This position is eligible for hybrid work in accordance with the Governor's Executive Order N-22-25 and at the sole discretion of the Department of Social Services under California Government Code Section 14200. All telework schedules are subject to change and may be re-evaluated at any time. The incumbent will be expected to report for in office work and attend work related in-person events as deemed operationally necessary. Telework does not change the terms and conditions of employment, the essential functions of job duties, or required compliance with the CDSS policies. For positions advertised in more than one location, headquarter location may be designated on the selected candidate's primary residence location, and/or the closest CDSS location in accordance with operational need and available space. The successful candidate must reside in California upon appointment.
- Please note: Regular commute is not compensable.
Minimum Requirements:
You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.
Attorney III
Additional Documents
Job Application Package Checklist
Duty Statement
Department Information:
Are you interested in making a difference in the lives of fellow Californian's while achieving your career goals? The mission of the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) is to serve, aid and protect needy and vulnerable children and adults in ways that strengthen and preserve families, encourage personal responsibility and foster independence. CDSS values diversity at all levels of the organization and is committed to fostering an environment in which employees and partners from a variety of backgrounds, cultures, and personal experiences are welcomed and can thrive. We believe the diversity of our employees and our partners bring their unique ideas and perspectives that inspire innovative solutions to further our mission.
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.
- In addition to the STD. 678 job application, applicants must also submit a RESUME and a two-page maximum (Arial 12-point type, 1” margins) STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS (SOQ). The SOQ is a narrative discussion of how the applicant's education, training, experience, and skills meet the job description, desirable qualifications, and duty statement for the position. The SOQ will also serve as documentation of your ability to present information clearly and concisely in writing, since this is a critical factor to successful job performance.
- Applicants who fail to include these items and/or follow the above-established requirements may not be considered.
- Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Selected candidates will be subject to a criminal record background check fingerprint clearance by the Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
- All methods of appointment will be considered
such as list appointment, transfer, reinstatement, surplus, SROA,
general reemployment, training and development, etc. However, possession
of the minimum qualifications will be verified prior to interview
and/or appointment. If it is determined an applicant does not meet the
minimum qualif
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