Job Posting: Assistant Chief Counsel - Personnel

Department of Social Services

JC-526499
-
Assistant Chief Counsel - Personnel
ATTORNEY, ASSISTANT CHIEF COUNSEL

$14,513.00 - $17,742.00 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: 9/18/2026

Job Description and Duties

This is a re-post. If you previously applied, there is no need to re-apply as your application is on file and will be considered.

This position is eligible for telework under Government Code section 14200 for eligible applicants residing in California. The physical work location is negotiable and can be based out of any of the Department’s Legal Division offices statewide (Monterey Park, Riverside, Oakland, and Sacramento). For individuals assigned to locations outside of the Sacramento office, travel to Sacramento will be required.

The California Department of Social Services (CDSS), Legal Division, is recruiting to fill one permanent full-time Assistant Chief Counsel (ACC) position in the Personnel Bureau of the Information, Technology & Administrative Litigation Branch (ITAL). The ITAL Branch strives to provide comprehensive legal services to all divisions within CDSS to support the work of our clients whose mission is to serve, protect, and support the people of California experiencing need in ways that empower wellbeing and disrupt systemic inequities. We collaborate with our departmental partners and program clients to assist in achieving Department objectives through innovative branch practices that create more efficient, inclusive and transparent operations. Our ideal candidate is a highly motivated, detail-oriented individual with excellent communication and writing skills and who is an innovative problem-solver. The successful candidate should have demonstrated experience, providing representation. They will also be someone who can work cooperatively with a customer-service focus.

The ITAL Branch is a collaborative and cohesive environment, and the successful applicant will be responsible for promoting that environment, fostering career growth, and overseeing the professional development of team members. Under the general direction of the Senior Assistant Chief Counsel, the ACC is responsible for planning, organizing, directing, and reviewing the work of Senior Attorneys, Attorneys, and Paralegals who provide governmental employment law support, legal advice, document review and representation department-wide.

The ACC is expected to be an expert in the laws, regulations and policies applicable to the programs within their Bureau as well as possess general knowledge of government, legislative, and litigation requirements and processes.

In addition, the ACC participates as a member of the Branch and Legal management teams in the development and implementation of departmental policies related to the subject program areas as well as Branch and Legal Division policies.

Minimal travel is 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.

If you would like to share how you learned about this career opportunity, please take a moment to complete our brief Recruitment Survey.

Need help with applying for positions, taking an examination, or preparing for interviews? Our team is here to support you, reach out anytime at Recruiter@dss.ca.gov. For guidance on applying for a state job, visit Three Steps to a State Job  

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

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 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

Position Details

Job Code #:
JC-526499
Position #(s):
800-310-5871-011
Working Title:
Assistant Chief Counsel - Personnel
Classification:
ATTORNEY, ASSISTANT CHIEF COUNSEL
$14,513.00 - $17,742.00
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 supports programs which serve more than eight million people across our state. This work, accomplished every day, provides stability, opportunity and promotes wellness in communities throughout California. The Department strives to carry out its mission of providing aid, services and protection to needy children and adults. At the same time, we strive to strengthen and encourage individual responsibility and independence for families. CDSS employees are our most important resource in serving California’s needy and vulnerable children and families. Come join our team to experience what it is like to enjoy 'Work with a Purpose'.

The ITAL Branch strives to provide comprehensive legal services to all divisions within CDSS to support the work of our clients in helping vulnerable Californians thrive. We collaborate with our departmental partners and program clients to assist in achieving Department objectives through innovative branch practices that create more efficient, inclusive and transparent operations.


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.

In addition to the STD. 678 job application, applicants must also submit a three-page maximum (12-point Arial font type, standard margins) STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS (SOQ). The SOQ should both encompass the desirable qualifications and describe your leadership philosophy and experience in employing that philosophy. Include in your response information regarding your experience in, and approach to, reviewing and editing the work of others.

A resume or cover letter in lieu of the SOQ responses will disqualify an applicant from consideration. A standard or generic SOQ will disqualify an applicant from consideration. Application packages received without the SOQ will not be considered.

Hiring is subject to State civil service Super SROA/Surplus policies and procedures. Applicants must be current members of the California State Bar.

The selected candidate will be subject to a criminal record background check clearance by the Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. A criminal conviction in and of itself will not necessarily bar an offer of 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: 9/18/2026

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 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 & 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 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 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:
  • Experience as a lead, manager, or similar position
  • Knowledge of and experience with the State Personnel Board and similar tribunals
  • Knowledge of techniques to organize and motivate individuals and groups
  • Ability to manage conflict and sensitive issues
  • Ability to use sound judgment
  • Ability to work with people, including opposing counsel, in a professional and civil manner
  • Knowledge of court procedures and administrative litigation to evaluate case progress and to assign, review and evaluate the work of subordinate attorneys
  • Knowledge of legal principles and their applications, public administration, personnel management and supervision to assign, review, and evaluate the work of subordinate attorneys and staff
  • Demonstrated ability to build collaborative working relationships

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
(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.

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: 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