Senior Legal Analyst

The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) Legal Division is recruiting to fill one full time, Senior Legal Analyst policy position in its Children’s and Community Care Licensing Policy and Litigation (CAL) Branch. The CAL Branch supports the CDSS Community Care Licensing Division, the Children and Family Services Division, the Office of Tribal Affairs, and the Foster Care Ombudsperson. The successful candidate will be primarily assigned to assist attorneys in providing legal support for the Community Care Licensing Divisions programs, with an emphasis on child care licensing and water safety.

The CDSS is a large department charged with administering programs that serve, protect, and support the people of California experiencing need in ways that empower wellbeing and disrupt systemic inequities. The legal issues facing licensing are frequently complex, politically sensitive, and closely scrutinized by advocacy organizations, the public, the news media, and various state and federal oversight agencies, and are routinely the subject of state and federal litigation.

The Senior Legal Analyst works under the direction of an Assistant Chief Counsel and is delegated journey level analytical paralegal duties. The successful candidate will have, or will have the ability to acquire, working knowledge of the laws and procedures pertaining to the Legal Division's role in matters related to the above-mentioned programs. Duties include but are not limited to: Preparing legislation and regulations analyses; monitoring legislation and regulations and making recommendations to attorneys and Legal management to ensure that changes do not adversely impact the goals of the Department; making recommendations on legislative bills; working closely with the Office of Regulations Development and program staff regarding development of regulation packages; identifying and researching legal statutes and case law, and drafting recommendations; researching legal issues related to Public Record Act requests; creating, implementing, and maintaining electronic systems to track the progress of litigation, legislation, and Public Record Act requests; organizing and storing the Branch’s work product; and providing lead person training to less experienced staff as needed.

The Senior Legal Analyst maintains extensive communication with the Department's attorneys, the Attorney General's office, program field staff and management, and other agencies and departments. This is a journey level class and the successful candidate is expected to perform independent journey person paralegal and analytical support in difficult and complex areas of law. Selected candidates must have the ability to analyze accurately, write effectively, organize large workloads of legislative, litigation, and regulatory work; and be able to work cooperatively with attorneys, other paralegals, support staff, and the public. Occasional local travel may be required.

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

Salary

• $6,330 - $7,929/month

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements
You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

• SENIOR LEGAL ANALYST

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:

• Demonstrated ability to regularly and independently perform the most complex analytical and paralegal skills in the Division;

• Demonstrated ability to conduct legal research to prepare legal summaries and analyses on legislation, regulations, litigation or similar assignments; and providing such analyses to attorneys;

• Demonstrated experience creating, implementing, and maintaining electronic systems to track the progress of case assignments related to litigation, legislative bills, regulations, or Public Record Act requests, and organizing and storing confidential attorney work product (e.g., SharePoint sites, One drive);

• Demonstrated experience in assisting with discovery requests, preparing for depositions, electronic document review and redaction, and hearing preparation in civil litigation.

• Demonstrated ability to maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, program staff and management, staff of other state and federal agencies, and client advocacy organizations, while working independently and as part of a team;

• Superior analytical and communication skills, both verbal and written, superior interpersonal skills, and tact;

• Superior research skills and work habits and the ability to complete work under deadlines;

• Willingness and ability to perform duties in a customer service-oriented manner; and;

• Willing and able to maintain a work environment free from discrimination or sexual harassment.

Other Information

Additional Documents

• Job Application Package Checklist
• Duty Statement

Department Information

Are you interested in making a difference in the lives of fellow Californians while achieving your career goals? The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) serves, aids, and protects needy and vulnerable children and adults in ways that strengthen and preserve families, encourage personal responsibility, and foster independence. CDSS values diversity at all levels of the organization and is committed to fostering an environment in which employees and partners from a variety of backgrounds, cultures, and personal experiences are welcomed and can thrive. We believe the diversity of our employees and partners bring unique ideas and perspectives that inspire innovative solutions to further our mission.

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.

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.

INTERESTED APPLICANTS MUST SUBMIT THE FOLLOWING APPLICATION MATERIALS:

1) State Application Form (STD 678). Please indicate the job title on the STD 678.

2) A SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS (SOQ) not to exceed three (3) pages that includes a description of how the applicant meets the DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS identified in this job announcement.

Applications without eligibility information and a SOQ may not be considered.

Application packages will be screened and the most qualified candidates will be invited to interview. Selected candidates will be subject to a criminal record background check clearance by the Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Hiring approval is subject to state civil service SROA/Surplus policies and procedures. Please see the California Department of Human Resources website at: www.calhr.ca.gov for further information on taking examinations, obtaining list eligibility and minimum qualifications.

Applications will be accepted from candidates with lateral transfer eligibility, persons with exam list eligibility to the Senior Legal Analyst classification, and/or from candidates eligible for permissive reinstatement. Selected candidate will be subject to fingerprinting and a criminal record clearance by the Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Applications will be screened and the most qualified will be invited for an interview.

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 not complete. 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.

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: 12/18/2025

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 & 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 - 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.

Working Conditions

Work Location: Sacramento County.

This work location is very convenient! The CDSS 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. Our building has easy access to I-5, Highway 50, and Highway 80.

This position is eligible for hybrid work in accordance with the Governor’s ExecutiveOrder N-22-25and 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. For positions advertised in more than one location, 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.

Please note: Regular commute is not compensable.

Contact Information

The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.

Hiring Unit Contact:
Ivonne Aguilar
(279) 444-7497
ivonne.aguilar@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.

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.

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. 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

Click here to view all the attractive benefits available to state employees!

Benefit information can be found on the CalHRwebsite and the CalPERSwebsite.