ATTORNEY IV

Position Details Working Title: Position Details Job Code #: JC-527217 Position #(s): 800-310-5780-024 Working Title: Policy Attorney Classification:: ATTORNEY IV $11,993.00 - $16,096.00 A 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: United States 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. 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. Job Description and Duties The CDSS Legal Division is recruiting to fill one full-time Attorney IV position 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 candidate for the Attorney IV position 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. 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. 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. Resume 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 be typed, no longer than two pages, have standard margins, and be in Arial12-point font type. 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 qualifications, the applicant shall be notified and may be removed from the eligibility list. Employees applying for this position who wish to be considered on a transfer basis must meet the minimum qualifications and all transfer rules. Applicants may be required to provide copies of college/law school transcripts or a copy of college diploma or Juris Doctor degree, if applicable. Hiring is subject to state Super SROA and surplus policies and procedures. 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. Final Filing Date: 8/18/2026 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. 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr