Job Posting: Policy Attorney

Department of Social Services

JC-486728
-
Policy Attorney
ATTORNEY IV

$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: 8/13/2025

Job Description and Duties

The CDSS Legal Division is recruiting to fill two full-time, limited-term Attorney IV positions in FAB. These are 12-month limited term positions and may be extended to a maximum of 24-months and/or may become permanent based on operational needs. 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 candidates for the Attorney IV positions will primarily be assigned to provide legal support to the Family Engagement and Empowerment Division (FEED), which oversees and administers many of the nutrition and cash benefit social service programs in California. 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, and 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 administered by FEED.


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

Working Conditions

Work Location: Monterey Park, Riverside, Oakland, or Sacramento

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.

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.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

Additional Documents

Position Details

Job Code #:
JC-486728
Position #(s):
800-310-5780-XXX
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:
2
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 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.

The Family and Adult Programs Policy & Litigation Branch (FAB) is one of five branches within the Legal Division that is responsible for and committed to providing timely, responsive, thorough, and accurate legal services related to the administration of a variety of diverse public social services cash benefit and assistance programs funded by federal, state and/or local agencies. Programs include but are not limited to: CalFresh and nutrition programs; Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP); CalWORKs Eligibility and Employment; Cash Assistance Payments for Immigrants; Child Care and Development; Civil Rights for Public Social Service Programs; Disaster Services; various Housing and Homelessness Programs; Immigration & Refugees; In-Home Supportive Services; and Trafficking and Crime Victim Assistance.


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.
Applicants must be current members of the California State Bar. Successful applicants will need to have passed an examination for this classification or be an existing State Employee with transfer eligibility and will have followed the instructions under the Special Requirements and Required Application Documents section. Electronic applications are encouraged, although hard copy applications will be accepted. Hard copy applications must include the Job Control and Position number in the “Explanation” section and be signed and dated. Hiring is subject to state Super SROA and surplus policies and procedures.

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 attach the following items:

• STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS
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 Arial 12-point font type.

• RESUME
A resume is required and must be included.

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.

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.

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.

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: 8/13/2025

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 www.CalCareers.ca.gov. 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 and Pay
P.O.Box 944243
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 and Pay
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 www.CalCareers.ca.gov. 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 required and must be included.
  • Statement of Qualifications - 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:

  • Education, training and/or experience to successfully perform the most complex and highly technical policy legal work of an Attorney IV with minimal supervision, including, but not limited to: in-depth research and analysis of federal and state statutes, regulations and case law; providing verbal guidance and formulating strategic approaches to implement that guidance; drafting well-reasoned and concise written legal opinions and guidance; analyzing and drafting proposed legislation; assisting in the drafting and review of proposed regulations; and providing substantive litigation support to the Office of the Attorney General on program specific litigation;
  • Comprehensive knowledge of the State’s administration, its agencies and departments, the role and responsibilities of state and federal oversight agencies and county administration of public social service programs;
  • Extensive experience providing advice to a public entity at all staffing and executive levels on a variety of the most complicated legal issues, and highly political and sensitive matters;
  • Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and accurately, both orally and writing, on complex and highly technical legal issues;
  • Possession of superior interpersonal skills and ability to work independently, collaboratively, and effectively with legal colleagues, program staff and executives, other state departments, federal and county partners, California Health and Human Services Agency, Department of Finance, and the Governor’s Office;
  • Capable of meeting strict deadlines, and/or on an expedited basis with the highest degree of autonomy;
  • Detail oriented; and
  • Willingness and ability to perform all duties in a customer service-oriented manner.

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.


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
(916) 639-8603
Tuyen.Nguyen@dss.ca.gov

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
(916) 657-2326
EEOoffice@dss.ca.gov
California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.

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: Examinations@dss.ca.gov.

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.

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