Closing Date: 17th July, 2026
Description:
Job Description and Duties:The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) Legal Division is recruiting to fill one full-time policy Attorney IV position in its Children's and Community Care Licensing Policy and Litigation (CAL) Branch, to support the CDSS Community Care Licensing Division's (CCLD) Child Care Program. The successful candidate will be primarily assigned to provide legal policy support to the statewide Child Care Licensing Program, including but not limited to the areas of federal funding compliance, collective bargaining, child care and development, and health and safety.
The CDSS is a large department charged with administering programs that serve, aid, and protect needy and vulnerable children and adults. The issues facing CDSS are frequently complex, cutting edge, and closely scrutinized by advocacy organizations, the public, the news media, and various state and federal oversight agencies, and are routinely the subject of state and federal litigation.
The Attorney IV will perform the more complicated, politically sensitive, and fiscally significant legal work under minimal supervision. The Attorney IV must be able to analyze and draft legislation to implement program changes involving myriad state and federal rules for programs involving large amounts of the state budget. The Attorney IV must know the regulatory process to assist program staff in developing and defending regulations. Experience working with other state departments, advocacy groups, legislative staff, and stakeholder work groups is essential. The Attorney IV provides expert advice and counsel to Departmental executive staff, legislative staff, the Health and Human Services Agency, and the Governor's Office. The Attorney IV must have broad litigation or litigation support experience to effectively represent the Department and support the Office of the Attorney General in state and federal litigation.
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
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://calcareers.ca.gov/CalHRPublic/Landing/Jobs/Steps.aspx)
Working Conditions:
Work Location: Sacramento.
This work location is very convenient! This location is two blocks from the light rail and public transportation: within walking distance to the State Capitol, parks, restaurants, farmer's markets and the Golden 1 Arena. Our building has easy access to I-5, Highway 50, and Highway 80.
This position is eligible for hybrid work in accordance with the Governor's 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) 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 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.
The Legal Division's Children's and Community Care Licensing Policy and Litigation (CAL) Branch is dedicated to providing legal advice and services to the Divisions within the Department who oversee or administer numerous social service programs.
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=523902)
- Duty Statement (https://www.calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/FileDownload.aspx?aid=32582970&name=DS_SNRPARecruitCALAttyIV(015).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.
The Legal Division's Children's and Community Care Licensing Policy and Litigation (CAL) Branch is dedicated to providing legal advice and services to the Divisions within the Department who oversee or administer numerous social service programs.
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.
A standard State Application Form (STD 678) and must clearly indicate the basis of hiring eligibility on the STD 678. You are required to complete employment history on the application form (STD 678). You may be disqualified from the hiring and selection process if the employment history is not complete. Resumes will not take the place of employment history.
A maximum four (4) page SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS (SOQ) that includes a description of how the applicant meets the DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS identified in this job announcement. Applications without eligibility information and a complete SOQ may not be considered.
Application packages will be screened, and the most qualified candidates will be invited to interview. The selected candidate will be subject to a criminal record background check clearance by the Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Hiring approval is subject to state civil service SROA/Surplus policies and procedures. Please see the California Department of Human Resources website at: www.calhr.ca.gov for further information on taking examinations, obtaining list eligibility and minimum qualifications. Hiring is subject to fingerprinting clearance by the Department of Justice and Department of Finance Approval.
Applications will be accepted from current members of the California State Bar who are currently employed in the classification Attorney IV level, eligible for lateral transfer, reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available).
This position is subject to fingerprinting clearance by the Department of Justice.
This position is designated under the
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.
A standard State Application Form (STD 678) and must clearly indicate the basis of hiring eligibility on the STD 678. You are required to complete employment history on the application form (STD 678). You may be disqualified from the hiring and selection process if the employment history is not complete. Resumes will not take the place of employment history.
A maximum four (4) page SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS (SOQ) that includes a description of how the applicant meets the DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS identified in this job announcement. Applications without eligibility information and a complete SOQ may not be considered.
Application packages will be screened, and the most qualified candidates will be invited to interview. The selected candidate will be subject to a criminal record background check clearance by the Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Hiring approval is subject to state civil service SROA/Surplus policies and procedures. Please see the California Department of Human Resources website at: www.calhr.ca.gov for further information on taking examinations, obtaining list eligibility and minimum qualifications. Hiring is subject to fingerprinting clearance by the Department of Justice and Department of Finance Approval.
Applications will be accepted from current members of the California State Bar who are currently employed in the classification Attorney IV level, eligible for lateral transfer, reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available).
This position is subject to fingerprinting clearance by the Department of Justice.
This position is designated under the
