Enforcement Attorney

Job Description and Duties

The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) Legal Division is recruiting to fill one permanent full-time Attorney III position in its Community Care Licensing (CCL) Enforcement Branch.

The office location for this position is in Oakland.

Except when required to report to the office, this position allows for telework at an alternative work location. An alternative work location would be the employee’s residence. For travel purposes, reimbursement would be based on the office location.

As one of the most experienced attorneys, the Attorney III is an expert in the most complex and sensitive legal work related to laws, regulations, and policies pertaining to Programs administered by the Department. This includes providing advice to the Community Care Licensing Division and applicable county clients, and regularly appearing before administrative tribunals throughout the state representing the interests of those receiving care or residing in community care facilities or children’s residential program such as resource family homes, short-term residential therapeutic programs, child care centers, family child care homes, residential facilities for the elderly and adult residential facilities. The Attorney III serves a critical role in enforcing the statutes and regulations of the Licensing Division and prosecuting cases that jeopardize the health and safety of children, the elderly and dependent adults in licensed or approved facilities.

The Attorney III develops evidence, strategies and tactics to litigate a wide range of cases that may involve license revocations, license application denials, and employee and licensee exclusion actions. The Attorney III works with licensing clients, witnesses and victims, medical staff, qualified experts, investigators, criminal prosecutors, law enforcement personnel, and others to effectively prosecute complex and sophisticated cases including child maltreatment and elder abuse. As such, Attorney III must possess expertise in the application of evidentiary rules, hearsay exception statutes, and other trial-related theory. Attorney III must also be adept at facilitating settlements and negotiating stipulations where appropriate. The Legal Division’s offices provide a dynamic and collegial environment in which its attorneys enjoy the satisfaction of public service and the rewards of conducting important work. Its attorneys should be self-motivated, possess strong interpersonal communication skills and demonstrate excellent analytical abilities. Travel may be required for hearings and to meet with clients and/or witnesses as needed.

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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Working Conditions

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  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.

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:

In addition to the STD. 678 job application, applicants must also attach a SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS (SOQ). The SOQ is a narrative discussion of how the applicant’s education, training, experience, and skills meet the job description and duty statement for the position and shall not exceed two pages (12-point type). The SOQ will also serve as documentation of your ability to present information clearly and concisely in writing, since this is a critical factor to successful job performance. Application packages received without an SOQ will not be considered. A resume and cover letter are encouraged, but are not required, and will not take the place of the SOQ.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.