Job Posting: Senior Assistant Chief Counsel

Department of Social Services

JC-526585
-
Senior Assistant Chief Counsel
C. E. A.

$18,629.00 - $19,559.00 per Month

Final Filing Date: 9/4/2026

Job Description and Duties

  • Ready to be challenged?
  • Ready to lead?
  • Ready to expand your legal knowledge?
  • Ready to work with a dynamic team of attorneys?
If you answered yes to the above questions AND are a licensed attorney in the State of California (in good standing) with a minimum of 10 years experience, the California Department of Social Services (CDSS), Legal Division encourages you to apply for the position of Senior Assistant Chief Counsel (SACC) in the Information, Technology and Administrative Litigation Branch (ITAL).

The ITAL Branch is a collaborative 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 Deputy Director/Chief Counsel, the SACC is responsible for planning, organizing, directing, and reviewing the work of Assistant Chief Counsels, Attorney Supervisors, Senior Attorneys, Attorneys, and paralegals who provide legal advice, document review and representation department-wide in the areas of employment law, Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO), agreements, information technology, information security, data use, privacy, Public Records Act, audits and investigations, and legislative analyses. Our ideal candidate is a highly motivated, resourceful, detail-oriented, organized individual with excellent communication and writing skills and who is an innovative problem-solver. They will also be someone who can work cooperatively with colleagues across the Legal Division's Branches and who prioritizes providing excellent customer service for our clients.

The SACC is a working manager who may assume high priority assignments and overall is responsible for legal advice, direction and support provided to CDSS Directorate, Deputy Directors, program managers and program staff on the implementation, administration, and enforcement of the assigned areas described above. The Branch the SACC oversees provides legal support across the Department for the assigned areas and works closely with the Administration Division, Information Systems Division, and Research, Automation, and Data Division.

The SACC serves as a CDSS representative in legal matters with the Governor’s Office, California Health and Human Services Agency, Office of the Attorney General, Department of Finance, other state departments, federal agencies, county partners, advocacy organizations, stakeholders and the public.

The SACC is a member of the Legal Division Management Team, that includes the Legal Division Deputy Director/Chief Counsel, four SACC led branches, and one administrative Branch, that assists in developing and maintaining division-wide policies and procedures, personnel, and branch budgets as well as an equitable and healthy work environment.

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.

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

Working Conditions

This position may be filled in Sacramento, Oakland, Riverside, or Monterey Park (Los Angeles County) at one of the Department's Legal Division offices.

The Department headquarters is located at 744 P Street, Sacramento, CA 95814 and is located two blocks from the light rail and public transportation: within walking distance of the State Capitol, parks, restaurants, farmers’ markets and the Golden 1 Arena and has easy access to I-5, Highway 50, and Highway 80.

This position may be eligible for some telework. In-person attendance is required based on the operational needs of the position and in accordance with Executive Order (EO) N-22-25, the Statewide 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.

Minimum Requirements

This position does not have a Classification Specification. Requirements and qualifications for this position can be found in this announcement. For additional questions, please contact the hiring department listed below.

Additional Documents

Position Details

Job Code #:
JC-526585
Position #(s):
800-310-7500-001
Working Title:
Senior Assistant Chief Counsel
Classification:
C. E. A.
$18,629.00 - $19,559.00 B
# of Positions:
1
Work Location:
United States
Telework:
Hybrid
Job Type:
Career Executive Assignment - Non Tenured, 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 California Department of Social Services 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. Come join our team to experience what it is like to enjoy 'Work with a Purpose'.

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

Please Note: A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required and must be included. Please see the Examination Information section of this job advertisement for detailed instructions for the SOQ submission.

Applicants who do not submit a SOQ or follow the instructions will be eliminated from the Examination process. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a SOQ.

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.

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: 9/4/2026

Who May Apply

Individuals who are eligible to be appointed to this Career Executive Assignment (CEA) by the State of California.

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: Jessica Alvarado, CEA & Exempt 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
Jessica Alvarado, CEA & Exempt 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 - A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required. Resumes or cover letters will not be accepted in lieu of a SOQ. Please refer to the Examination Information section for instructions regarding the SOQ. Applicants who do not submit the required items will not be considered for this recruitment.
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.

Examination Qualification Requirements

All applicants must possess the knowledge and abilities, and any other requirements, described in this announcement.

Note: Eligibility to take a CEA examination does not require current permanent status in the civil service.

Entrance Qualifications

Along with submitting a complete application package, applicants must meet the following requirements in order to be admitted into the examination process:

  • Licensed attorney in the State of California
  • In good standing
  • Minimum of 10 years experience

General Qualifications

State civil service employees must possess essential general qualifications including integrity, initiative, dependability, good judgment, and ability to work cooperatively with others.

Knowledge and Abilities

Applicants must demonstrate the ability to perform high administrative and policy – influencing functions effectively. Such overall ability requires possession of most of the following more specific knowledge and abilities:

  • Knowledge of the organization and functions of California State Government including the organization and practices of the Legislature and the Executive Branch; principles, practices, and trends of public administration, organization, and management; techniques of organizing and motivating groups; program development and evaluation; methods of administrative problem solving; principles and practices of policy formulation and development; and personnel management techniques; the department’s or agency’s Equal Employment Opportunity Program objectives; and a manager’s role in the Equal Employment Opportunity Program.
  • Ability to plan, organize, and direct the work of multidisciplinary professional and administrative staff; analyze administrative policies, organization, procedures and practices; integrate the activities of a diverse program to attain common goals; gain the confidence and support of top level administrators and advise them on a wide range of administrative matters; develop cooperative working relationships with representatives of all levels of government, the public, and the Legislature and Executive branches; analyze complex problems and recommend effective courses of action; and prepare and review reports; and effectively contribute to the department’s or agency’s Equal Employment Opportunity objectives.

These knowledge and abilities are expected to be obtained from the following kinds of experience with substantial participation in the formulation, operation and/or evaluation of program policies (experience may have been paid or volunteer; in State service, other government settings, or in a private organization):

CEA Level A - Responsible for broad administrative and program activities, including the execution and/or evaluation of program policies.

CEA Level B - Responsible for extensive managerial and program administration or broad program manager experience with substantial participation in the formulation, operation, and/or evaluation of program policies.

CEA Level C - Responsible for extensive highly professional influence and contributes to program, policy, and the methods to provide professional services needed to set policies, to meet the mission of the State department and often exercising technical and or professional skills that are required at this level.

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:


KNOWLEDGE OF:

A) The Department's mission, organization, goals, functions, and policies as well as its relationships with other state, federal and local entities.

B) Legal principles and their applications, legal research methods, court procedures, rules of evidence and procedure, administrative law and the conduct of administrative hearings.

C) The state budgetary, personnel, contracting, and departmental administrative practices.

D) In-house counsel experience with expertise in employment and labor laws, Administrative Procedures Act, Public Records Act, Information Practices Act, litigation management and subpoenas, public contracting, information technology, audits, data security and privacy.

E) Investigative standards, techniques, and processes to support timely and proper departmental investigations.

ABILITY AND SKILL TO:

F) Plan, organize, coordinate and effectively manage responses to multiple complex legal issues simultaneously.

G) Demonstrated experience in effectively managing, supervising, leading or mentoring the work of attorneys, analysts and clerical staff within a high performing, collaborative and fast paced legal setting.

H) Advise executive staff on a wide range of legal issues, and formulate and execute effective strategies to solve or mitigate legal challenges and risks.

I) Utilize performance measurements to assess and increase program performance.

J) Represent the Department with other departments and branches of state government, with local and federal officials, and, able to testify effectively before the State Legislature.

K) Effectively communicate both orally and in writing.

L) Demonstrated ability to build collaborative working relationships to ensure successful legal outcomes.

M) Represent the Chief Counsel or Department at conferences, meetings and hearings.

N) Excellent interpersonal skills to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with representatives from all levels of government, the public, Legislature, and high-level commissions or boards.

O) Excellent judgment, interpersonal skills, political sensitivity, and commitment to diversity in government.

Examination Information

The examination process will consist of a thorough evaluation of the applicant's Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) via a panel screening process. A departmental evaluation panel will review and score the SOQ based on the Desirable Qualifications for the position, and the competitive nature of each candidate's relevant knowledge, skills, and experience. Please note there is not a separate online Examination for the CEA classification. The SOQ will be the only basis for your final score and rank on the eligible list. Applicants who do not submit a SOQ or follow the instructions will be eliminated from the Examination. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a SOQ.

Statement of Qualifications
The SOQ should be a narrative discussion of how your education, experience, skills, and training meet the desirable qualifications as identified in the "Desirable Qualifications" section of the bulletin.

Your SOQ must be:

  • Typed, no smaller than Arial 12 pt. font
  • Single spaced
  • No more than three (3) pages in length using standard 1" margins

The SOQ serves as documentation of your ability to present information clearly and concisely in writing. Refer specifically to the "Desirable Qualifications" section of the bulletin when crafting your responses to ensure alignment with the requirements of the position.


Artificial Intelligence (Al) tools can be useful in the development of written responses; however, it is important to use these tools responsibly and ethically. While assistive tools may be used, responses within the SOQ must be your own original work. Applicants must write in their own word and avoid plagiarism. Failure to comply may be cause for disqualification.

If you meet the requirements stated in this announcement, you may take this competitive examination. Possession of the Examination Qualifications requirements does not assure a place on the eligible list. Your performance in the examination will be compared with the performance of others who take this examination, and all successful candidates will be ranked according to their scores.

A minimum rating of 70% must be attained in the Examination to obtain list eligibility for this position. All candidates will receive written notification of their examination results.

The results of this examination will only be used to fill this position. Applications will be retained for twelve months.

Hiring interviews for the Job may be conducted with the most qualified candidates.

The examining Department reserves the right to revise the examination plan to better meet the needs of the service, if the circumstances under which this examination was planned change. Such revision will be in accordance with civil service law and rules and all competitors will be notified.

Special Testing Arrangements

If you have a disability and need special testing arrangements, answer the Reasonable Accommodations question appropriately on your Application (STD 678). You will be contacted to make specific arrangements. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this announcement.

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.

Contact Information

The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.

Human Resources Contact:
Jessica Alvarado
(916) 926-7871
jessica.alvarado@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

Salaries do not reflect reductions from the Personal Leave Program. Please refer to the applicable Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for additional information on the length and percentage of reductions.

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