Closing Date: 6th August, 2026
Description:
Job Description and Duties:Hears the most difficult and sensitive cases in all IHSS caseload hearing areas, including CalWORKs, CalFresh, Foster Care, Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants (CAPI), Medi-CAl Eligibility, Refugee Assistance programs, as well as IHSS as needed. Issues decisions in these cases at a rate and quality consistent with SHD standards. Works with the IHSS Supervising ALJs and takes the lead in developing procesess for absorbtion of new caseloads in IHSS, so that line ALJs are ready to hear such new cases. Hears specially set cases and mediation cases as directed by the IHSS Supervising ALJs. Provides the IHSS Supervising ALJs and the Chief ALJ (CALJ) and Supervising ALJs sufficient metrics to identify and track the progress for special calendars assigned to the IHSS. Working under the general direction of the IHSS Supervising ALJs and the Assistant Deputy Director (ADD)-Hearing Operations North, the IHSS Senior Law Judge acts in a lead capacity for designing and leading a training, development and mentoring program for all new and experienced IHSS ALJs. The IHSS Senior Law Judge works with other regional Senior Law Judge staff statewide to coordinate a statewide training and mentoring program that benefits all SHD ALJs. Works with other Senior Law Judge staff statewide to develop training for Agency, County and advocate staff; and to ensure that policies, procedures and training modules are disseminated to IHSS staff. Working collaboratively with Senior Law Judges in other SHD regional offices, the Senior Law Judge assists the IHSS Supervising ALJs in identifying mentors for new judges, and works with the Supervising ALJs to bring new judges up to speed and hearing cases.
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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)
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You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement. (https://calcareers.ca.gov/CalHRPublic/Landing/Jobs/Steps.aspx)
Working Conditions:
Statewide. Will assign to appropriate office location upon appointment.
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://calcareers.ca.gov/CalHRPublic/Landing/Jobs/Steps.aspx) 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.
Please note: Regular commute is not compensable.
Minimum Requirements:
You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.
Senior Administrative Law Judge (https://hrnet.calhr.ca.gov/CalHRNet/SpecCrossReference.aspx?ClassID=6132)
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.
We Provide Timely, Independent and Impartial Due Process Hearings and Produce Timely, Legally Correct Decisions. We Maintain the Integrity of The State Hearing Process, Provide Efficient Administration of The State Hearing Process, Communicate with Counties, Claimants, and Others to Achieve an Efficient and Effective State Hearing Process and Identify and Influence Various Issues that Arise in The State Hearings Process that Appear Inconsistent with Existing Law or Policy.
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:
Senior Administrative Law Judge (https://hrnet.calhr.ca.gov/CalHRNet/SpecCrossReference.aspx?ClassID=6132)
Additional Documents
- Job Application Package Checklist (http://calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/Jobs/JobApplicationPackageChecklist.aspx?JobControlId=526412)
- Duty Statement (https://www.calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/FileDownload.aspx?aid=32823087&name=DS_SeniorALJ2022.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.
We Provide Timely, Independent and Impartial Due Process Hearings and Produce Timely, Legally Correct Decisions. We Maintain the Integrity of The State Hearing Process, Provide Efficient Administration of The State Hearing Process, Communicate with Counties, Claimants, and Others to Achieve an Efficient and Effective State Hearing Process and Identify and Influence Various Issues that Arise in The State Hearings Process that Appear Inconsistent with Existing Law or Policy.
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.
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 Cal Career Account (electronic Application) Is Automatically Redacted upon Submission.
Subject to Fingerprinting and Criminal Record Clearance by Department of Justice and Federal Bureau of Investigation.
This Position Is Designated Under the Conflict-Of-Interest Code.
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 Inaccurate or Incomplete. Resumes Will Not Take the Place of Employment History.
If You Are Meeting Minimum Qualifications with Education, You Must Include Your Unofficial Transcripts for Verification. if Selected, You May Be Required to Provide Official Transcripts at The Time of Hire.
Candidates Who Reside Outside of The State of California May Be Admitted to The Job Interview, but They Must Provide Proof of Residence in California Prior to Being Eligible for Appointment.
Application Instructions:
Completed Applications and All Required Documents Must Be Received or Postmarked by The Final Filing Date in Order to Be Considered. Dates Printed on Mobile Bar Codes, Such as The Quick Response (qr) Codes Available at The Usps, Are Not Considered Postmark Dates for The Purpose of Determining Timely Filing of An Application.
Final Filing Date: 8/6/2026
Who May Apply:
Individuals Who Are Currently in The Classification, Eligible for Lateral Transfer, Eligible for 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). Sroa and Surplus Candidates Are Given Priority; Therefore, Individuals with Other Eligibility May Be Considered in The Event No Sroa or Surplus Candidates Apply.
Applications Will Be Screened and Only the Most Qualified Applicants Will Be Selected to Move Forward in The Selection Process. Applicants Must Meet the Minimum Qualifications Stated in The Classification Specification(s).
How to Apply:
Complete Application Packages (including Your Examination/employment Application (std 678) and Applicable or Required Documents) Must Be Submitted to Apply for This Job Posting. Application Packages May Be Submitted Electronically Through Your Cal Career Account at Www.Cal Careers.Ca.Gov. when Submitting Your Application in Hard Copy, a Completed Copy of The Application Package Listing Must Be Included. if You Choose to Not Apply Electronically, a Hard Copy Application Package May Be Submitted Through an Alternative Method Listed Below:
Subject to Fingerprinting and Criminal Record Clearance by Department of Justice and Federal Bureau of Investigation.
This Position Is Designated Under the Conflict-Of-Interest Code.
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 Inaccurate or Incomplete. Resumes Will Not Take the Place of Employment History.
If You Are Meeting Minimum Qualifications with Education, You Must Include Your Unofficial Transcripts for Verification. if Selected, You May Be Required to Provide Official Transcripts at The Time of Hire.
Candidates Who Reside Outside of The State of California May Be Admitted to The Job Interview, but They Must Provide Proof of Residence in California Prior to Being Eligible for Appointment.
Application Instructions:
Completed Applications and All Required Documents Must Be Received or Postmarked by The Final Filing Date in Order to Be Considered. Dates Printed on Mobile Bar Codes, Such as The Quick Response (qr) Codes Available at The Usps, Are Not Considered Postmark Dates for The Purpose of Determining Timely Filing of An Application.
Final Filing Date: 8/6/2026
Who May Apply:
Individuals Who Are Currently in The Classification, Eligible for Lateral Transfer, Eligible for 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). Sroa and Surplus Candidates Are Given Priority; Therefore, Individuals with Other Eligibility May Be Considered in The Event No Sroa or Surplus Candidates Apply.
Applications Will Be Screened and Only the Most Qualified Applicants Will Be Selected to Move Forward in The Selection Process. Applicants Must Meet the Minimum Qualifications Stated in The Classification Specification(s).
How to Apply:
Complete Application Packages (including Your Examination/employment Application (std 678) and Applicable or Required Documents) Must Be Submitted to Apply for This Job Posting. Application Packages May Be Submitted Electronically Through Your Cal Career Account at Www.Cal Careers.Ca.Gov. when Submitting Your Application in Hard Copy, a Completed Copy of The Application Package Listing Must Be Included. if You Choose to Not Apply Electronically, a Hard Copy Application Package May Be Submitted Through an Alternative Method Listed Below:
Address for Mailing Application Packages
You May Submit Your Application and Any Applicable or Required Documents To:
You May Submit Your Application and Any Applicable or Required Documents To:
Department of Social Services
California Department of Social Services
Attn: Classification & Pay Unit
P. O. Box 944243 - Ms 8-15-58
Sacramento, Ca 94244-2430
California Department of Social Services
Attn: Classification & Pay Unit
P. O. Box 944243 - Ms 8-15-58
Sacramento, Ca 94244-2430
