Senior Legal Analyst

This is a 12-month limited-term position and may be extended to a maximum of 24-months and/or may become permanent based on operational needs.


Are you ready to make a difference in the lives of Californians? Are you ready to work with a dynamic, talented, passionate, and compassionate team of professionals? Are you ready to take the next step in your meaningful career? If you answered yes to these questions and meet the minimum qualifications, the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) encourages you to apply to be a Senior Legal Analyst.


The CDSS Legal Division is recruiting to fill one limited-term, full-time Senior Legal Analyst position in the Children's and Community Care Licensing Policy and Litigation (CAL) Branch. This is a 12-month limited-term position and may be extended to a maximum of 24-months and/or may become permanent. As a Senior Legal Analyst in the CAL Branch, you will provide paralegal support to attorneys who support the CDSS Children and Family Services Division, the Office of Tribal Affairs, the Office of the Foster Care Ombudsperson, and the Community Care Licensing Division. Working closely with these attorneys, your work is critical to the provision of comprehensive legal support to CDSS as it fulfills its mission to serve, protect, and support the people of California experiencing need in ways that empower wellbeing and disrupt systemic inequities.


The Senior Legal Analyst works under the direction of an Assistant Chief Counsel and is delegated analytical paralegal duties. The successful candidate will have, or will have the ability to acquire, working knowledge of the laws and/or procedures pertaining to the Legal Division's role in matters related to the above-mentioned programs.


Duties of the Senior Legal Analyst may include: Preparing analyses of proposed federal legislation or regulations that impact any of the above-mentioned Divisions or Offices; Monitoring state and federal rulemaking impacting the above-mentioned Divisions or Offices; Working closely with CAL attorneys, the CDSS Office of Regulations Development and program staff regarding development of regulation packages; Identifying and researching legal statutes and case law; Researching issues related to Public Records Act requests; Assisting with hearing preparation in connection with administrative actions or civil litigation; Creating, implementing, and maintaining electronic systems to track litigation, legislation, and/or Public Records Act requests; Organizing and storing the Branch's work product; and providing lead person training to less experienced staff as needed. The senior legal analyst maintains extensive communication with the Department's attorneys, the program staff, management, and other agencies and departments as required.


A successful Senior Legal Analyst candidate is expected to perform independent paralegal and analytical support in difficult and complex areas of law. Selected candidates must have the ability to analyze accurately, write effectively, organize large workloads of legislative, litigation, and/or regulatory work; and be able to work cooperatively with attorneys, other paralegals, support staff, and the public. Occasional travel may be required.


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.


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

Working Conditions
Work Location: Sacramento County.


This work location is very convenient! The CDSS is located 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 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 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 LEGAL ANALYST

Additional Documents

• Job Application Package Checklist
• Duty Statement

Position Details Job Code #:
JC-533602


Position #(s):
800-310-5333-955

Working Title:
Senior Legal Analyst


Classification:
SENIOR LEGAL ANALYST $6,330.00 - $7,929.00 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:
Sacramento County


Telework:
Hybrid


Job Type:
12 Month Limited Term - 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.

The CDSS Legal Division's mission is to provide the Department with professional and ethical legal advice and zealous representation to enable the Department to develop, implement, operate, and enforce the CDSS mission, vision, and guiding principles.


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.

INTERESTED APPLICANTS MUST SUBMIT THE FOLLOWING APPLICATION MATERIALS:


1) State Application Form (STD 678). Please indicate the job title on the STD 678.


2) A SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS (SOQ) not to exceed three (3) pages that includes a description of how the applicant meets the DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS identified in this job announcement.


Applications without eligibility information and a SOQ may not be considered.


Application packages will be screened and the most qualified candidates will be invited to interview. Selected candidates 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: for further information on taking examinations, obtaining list eligibility and minimum qualifications.


Applications will be accepted from candidates with lateral transfer eligibility, persons with exam list eligibility to the Senior Legal Analyst or Legal Analyst classification, and/or from candidates eligible for permissive reinstatement. Selected candidate will be subject to fingerprinting and a criminal record clearance by the Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Applications will be screened and the most qualified will be invited for an interview.


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: 11/3/2026
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.


Desirable Qualifications In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:


• Demonstrated ability to regularly and independently perform complex analytical and paralegal skills;
• Demonstrated ability to conduct legal research and prepare legal analysis on legislation, regulations, litigation, or similar assignments, and provide written summaries of such analyses to attorneys;
• Demonstrated experience creating, implementing, and maintaining electronic systems (e.g. Excel, SharePoint, OneDrive, etc.) to track the progress of assignments related to litigation, legislation, regulations, or Public Records Act requests, and organizing and storing confidential attorney work product;
• Demonstrated experience in assisting with discovery requests, preparing for depositions, electronic document review and redaction, hearing preparation in civil litigation;
• Demonstrated ability to maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, program staff, and management, staff of other state and federal agencies, and others while working independently as and as part of a team;
• Superior analytical skills and communication skills, both verbal and written; Superior interpersonal skills and tact.
• Superior research skills and work habits and the ability to complete work under deadlines;
• Willingness to and ability to perform duties in a customer service-oriented manner, and;
• Willingness to maintain a work environment free from discrimination or sexual harassment.


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.
o 100 percent discount on public transit passes sold by state agencies, up to the monthly exclusion amount provided by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
o 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
o 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:
Tuyen Nguyen
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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.