ATTORNEY IV

Attorney IV

Department of Social Services

$11,993.00 - $16,096.00 per Month New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

Final Filing Date: 10/29/2026

Application Methods: Electronic (Using your CalCareer Account) By Mail Drop-off Print Job Save Job

Job Description and Duties

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. The California Department of Social Services (CDSS), Legal Division is recruiting to hire one Limited Term full-time Attorney IV position within its Information, Technology and Administrative Litigation (ITAL) Branch. We seek a diverse pool of applicants with a wide range of experiences, including individuals with relevant lived experience such as personal experience with the social safety net or the child welfare system. The work of the ITAL Branch is to support these efforts by providing well-researched legal analysis and expert advice to management at all levels and to the divisions responsible for administering or overseeing these programs and their related functions. We are looking for a detail-oriented, self-motivated candidate that possesses strong interpersonal communication skills and who demonstrates excellent analytical abilities. Under the direction of the Senior Assistant Chief Counsel or Assistant Chief Counsel, the Government Transactions Attorney IV will perform some of the most sensitive and complex legal work including assignments involving a high degree of difficulty and with statewide programmatic implications. The successful candidate will be expert in, and have extensive demonstrated experience in independently providing house counsel or governmental representation in the majority of these areas: state and federal procurement and contracting laws and policies; contract and grant development, evaluation and monitoring; the legal issues presented in information technology procurements both large and small; privacy and confidentiality; and contract management and compliance principles. The successful candidate will also be someone who can gain both the trust and support of, and work cooperatively with, management and staff at all levels. Experience acting as a lead or mentor is desired but not required.

Working Conditions

Travel, including overnight, may be required. The physical work location is negotiable and can be based out of any CDSS Legal Division office statewide (Monterey Park, Riverside, Oakland, or Sacramento.) 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.

Additional Documents

• Job Application Package Checklist
• Duty Statement

Position Details

Job Code #: JC-535990 Position #(s): 800-310-5780-955 Working Title: Attorney IV 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: 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.

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. Applications will be accepted from current members of the California State Bar who are currently employed in a California civil service position at the Attorney IV level, those with current list eligibility for appointment to the Attorney IV level, candidates with SROA/Surplus eligibility, or candidates with reinstatement rights to this level. Interested applicants must submit a resume, a Statement of Qualifications, and a 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 Keeping the desirable qualifications in mind, please answer the following three questions. Each question is to be numbered and started on a separate page. An answer to a single question must not exceed one page. Standard 1" inch margins and 12-point type are required. In order to be considered for the position, your SOQ must meet the above requirements. 1. Describe your knowledge of, and experience with state or federal contracting in connection with a vendor performance issue. Include an example of a situation that demonstrates your ability to analyze complex procurement or contracting issues, taking applicable policy into consideration. 2. Describe your experience, with a specific example, in assisting clients on a matter that may have significantly influenced, or contributed to the development of, policies over a program area. 3. Describe your ability to effectively communicate complex and sensitive issues to high-level management, including presentation of critical issues and recommended resolution. How do you gauge whether you were effective in the communicating the intent of your communication? Applicants who fail to include these items and/or follow the above-established requirements may be disqualified. Candidates meeting the most desirable qualifications will be invited to interview. Selected candidates will be subject to a criminal record background check fingerprint clearance by the Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. A criminal conviction or history does not in and of itself preclude employment. 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: 10/29/2026

Who May Apply Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, eligible for 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