Investigator

BACKGROUND CHECK, FINGERPRINTING, PSYCHOLOGICAL SCREENING AND MEDICAL EXAMINATION APPROVAL ARE REQUIRED.

This is a Peace Officer classification [PC 830.3(h)] subject to Peace Officers Standards and Training [POST] requirements. The Department is looking to fill this position with an applicant that is already POST Certified but may consider applicants that are not POST Certified. The successful applicant will be required to complete POST training within the first year of appointment, if not completed prior to employment.

Under the direction of the Supervising Special Investigator I, the Investigator, will independently conduct the most sensitive, complex, and diverse investigations, which may include sexual and physical abuse, questionable/wrongful death, unlicensed facility operations, registered sex offenders presence in community care facilities and unlicensed facility operations involving injunctions, employment backgrounds, and internal affairs. Duties include conducting interviews of subjects, witnesses and victims. The Investigator must be organized and able to utilize law enforcement databases and obtain large numbers of police, court and analytical reports. They will work closely with local, county, state and federal law enforcement agencies and work in a joint taskforce setting. The Investigator must perform a full range of peace officers duties and responsibilities and have a valid driver's license to work a large area that can involve travel to many areas of the state.

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You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement .

Working Conditions
This position is designated under the Conflict of Interest Code. The position is responsible for making or participating in the making of governmental decisions that may potentially have a material effect on personal financial interests. The appointee is required to complete Form 700 within 30 days of appointment. Failure to comply with the Conflict of Interest Code requirements may void the appointment.


These positions shall be filled as Limited Term/Full-Time if the candidate needs to complete the Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST) requirements. Upon successful completion, the incumbent will be appointed to the Investigator position Permanent/Full-Time. If the candidate has already met POST requirements through an academy, then he/she will be appointed Permanent/Full-Time upon hire.


SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
• If successful in the hiring interview, the candidate must clear the POST reading and writing assessment before undergoing a thorough background investigation.
• The position(s) requires a valid California Driver's License (CDL). You must answer the questions addressing your CDL on your application. Ensure you provide your CDL number, class, expiration date, and any endorsements and restrictions you have on your CDL.
• The position(s) requires incumbents pass a Background Investigation prior to being hired.
• The position(s) requires incumbents pass a Medical Evaluation. You will be required to submit to a Medical Evaluation and receive clearance prior to being hired.
• The position(s) requires incumbents pass a Psychological Evaluation. You will be required to submit to a Psychological evaluation and receive clearance prior to being hired.

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. 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.

• INVESTIGATOR

Additional Documents

• Job Application Package Checklist
• Duty Statement

Position Details Job Code #:
JC-523116


Position #(s):
View phone number on click.appcast.io-027

Working Title:
Investigator


Classification:
INVESTIGATOR $6,339.00 - $8,558.00 A
$7,306.00 - $10,609.00 B
$6,818.00 - $9,428.00 C
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.


# of Positions:
1


Work Location:
Alameda County


Telework:
Hybrid


Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time


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.


It is the mission of Community Care Licensing to promote the health, safety, and quality of life of each person in community care through the administration of an effective collaborative regulatory enforcement system.

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 has 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.
• The position(s) require(s) Medical Clearance prior to being hired.
• The position(s) require(s) Psychological Evaluation clearance 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 on 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.


Interested applicants must submit a Standard State Application (STD 678) with the position number View phone number on click.appcast.io-XXX in the Examination/Job Title section. In addition, please include a document titled Statement of Qualifications (SOQ), as instructed below. The SOQ must be typed in Arial 12-point font and must not exceed one pages in length. Applications without an SOQ may not be considered.


1. Describe the training and work experience that has prepared you to perform the responsibilities of this position. Provide specific examples of your experience in managing these types of activities, the level of complexity and sensitivity involved, and practices that you have used and would continue to employ to be successful.


2. Do you use Microsoft products or services? If so, what is your level of experience for each?

This position is designated under the Conflict of Interest Code.

This position is subject to fingerprinting clearance by the Department of Justice.

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.

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.

Training and Development assignments may be considered based on the availability of eligible candidates and are subject to approval by the Hiring Authority prior to appointment. Training and Development assignments are temporary in nature and shall not exceed twenty-four (24) months.


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: 7/14/2026
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 CalCareer Account at 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:


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


Address for Drop-Off Application Packages


You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:


Department of Social Services
California Department of Social Services
Classification & Pay Unit
744 P Street, MS 8-15-58


Sacramento , CA 95814


08:00 AM - 05:00 PM


Required Application Package Documents


The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:

• Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
• Resume is optional. It may be included, but is not required.
• Statement of Qualifications -
  (SOQ) Please see the Special Requirements section of this job advertisement for detailed instructions for the SOQ submission.
  

Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.


Benefits
There are many benefits to joining our team! The State of California has a generous benefits package that includes medical coverage, CalPERS pension upon retirement, two weeks paid vacation per year, two weeks paid sick leave per year, two paid Professional Development Days, one paid Personal Holiday, pre-tax parking fee program.


TRANSPORTATION REIMBURSEMENT

• Public transit (mass transit) passes.
  • 100 percent discount on public transit passes sold by state agencies, up to the monthly exclusion amount provided by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
  • 100 percent reimbursement on public transit passes purchased by state employees, up to the monthly exclusion amount provided by the IRS.
• Vanpool drivers and riders
  • 100 percent reimbursement on the monthly fee, up to the monthly exclusion amount provided by the IRS.

Click here to view all the attractive benefits available to state employees!


Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.


Contact Information
The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.
Hiring Unit Contact:
Sergio Guerra
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View email address on click.appcast.io


Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.
EEO Contact:
EEO Office
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California Relay Service: View phone number on click.appcast.io (TTY), View phone number on click.appcast.io (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.


Personal Leave Program (PLP) 2025


Personal Leave Program (PLP) 2025 - Salaries do not reflect reductions from the Personal Leave Program, please see the applicable Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for additional information on the length and percentage of reductions.


Examination Information


Those interested in obtaining employment with any state agency must apply and compete through the state hiring and recruitment process.

To apply for the examination for this position, click on the link below to search for the examination and follow the "How to Apply" instructions in the examination announcement:

CalCareers Exam/Assessment Search

Successful examination applicants are placed on an eligibility list. If you already have list eligibility for this classification, you do not need to retake the examination. Applicants should refer to their examination results or check their CalCareer account for specific list eligibility expiration dates and to re-take the examination when necessary. For questions regarding the examination process, please contact the Examination Unit at: View email address on click.appcast.io .


Equal Opportunity Employer
The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.


It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.