Children and Family Services Attorney III
State of California See More Job Openings by This Employer
The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) Legal Division is recruiting for up to two permanent full time Attorney III position in its Children’s and Community Care Licensing Policy Branch (CAL).
The CDSS is a large department charged with administering or supervising counties in their administration of all public social services programs in the state. Attorneys providing support to the Children’s programs are the primary legal advisors to the Children and Family Services Division (CFSD), which is responsible for overseeing or administering a variety social services programs that serve children and families, including child welfare services, foster care, adoptions, and guardianship. The issues about which CFSD needs legal support are frequently complex, cutting edge, and closely scrutinized by active client advocacy and legal aid organizations, the public, the news media, and various state and federal oversight agencies. The successful candidate must be able to function under pressure in politically sensitive situations, meet strict deadlines, and work collaboratively with clients and colleagues.
As an experienced attorney, the Attorney III is an expert, or has the ability to acquire expertise, in juvenile law, regulations, and policies relevant to programs administered by the Department. The successful candidate is expected to conduct research and analysis on any of the Children’s programs, to prepare correspondence and legal research memoranda, to provide oral and written legal opinions, to analyze and advise on pending legislation affecting the Department, to assist in drafting and review of CDSS regulations, to review and advise on proposed federal law affecting CDSS programs, to draft legislation, and to provide training and information to CFSD or other Department staff. The Attorney III will also provide litigation support to the Office of the Attorney General on behalf of the Department for Children’s programs. In addition to other duties, the successful candidate may be required to prepare legal pleadings and represent the Department before the Department of Health Care Services’ Office of Administrative Hearings and Appeals in relation to financial audits of group homes and short-term residential therapeutic programs.
The successful candidate will primarily be assigned to provide legal support for the CFSD in the area of child welfare services. Areas of responsibility may include areas and programs including Child Welfare Investigations, Child Welfare Training, Family Finding, Child and Family Teaming, confidentiality and information sharing, Child Fatalities and Near Fatalities, foster youth education matters, Wraparound Services, Transitional Aged Youth, Independent Living Services, and the intersection of child welfare and behavioral health.
Please let us know how you learned about this career opportunity by taking the brief survey that follows: Recruitment Survey.
Would you like more information regarding career opportunities with the CDSS? We’d love to hear from you! Please contact us at Recruiter@dss.ca.gov and include the job classification and job control number in the subject line. Information about applying for a state job can be found here: Three Steps to a State Job.
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.
Salary- $10,536 - $14,879/month
Minimum Requirements
You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.
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:
A. Knowledge, or the ability to acquire, knowledge of state and federal child welfare laws, and/or laws related to the juvenile justice.
B. Demonstrated ability to successfully perform in-house counsel work including but not limited to preparing legal opinions, analyzing legislation, In addition to other duties, the successful candidate may be required to prepare legal pleadings and represent the Department before the Department of Health Care Services’ Office of Administrative Hearings and Appeals in relation to financial audits of group homes and short-term residential therapeutic programs. drafting and reviewing regulations, preparing and reviewing correspondence, and providing litigation support to the Office of the Attorney General;
C. Understanding of the executive branch of state government, its agencies and departments, and the role of state and federal oversight agencies;
D. 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;
E. Willing and able to understand CDSS programs and policies in order to provide sound legal advice that is responsive to the organization’s needs;
F. Superior analytical and communication skills, both verbal and written, superior interpersonal skills, and tact;
G. Superior research skills and work habits and the ability to complete work under deadlines;
H. Willingness and ability to perform duties in a customer service-oriented manner; and;
I. Willing and able to maintain a work environment free from discrimination or sexual harassment.
Additional Documents
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. We believe the diversity of our employees and partners bring unique ideas and perspectives that inspire innovative solutions to further our mission.
The CDSS Legal Division has two Program Litigation Branches that are dedicated to providing legal advice and services to the various Divisions within the Department. The Legal Division's Program Litigation Branches are dedicated to providing legal advice and services to the Divisions of the Department responsible for administering or overseeing numerous social service programs and related functions.
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 RequirementsPlease Note: A Statement of Qualifications or Supplemental Questionnaire must be submitted along with your application in order to be considered for this position.
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.
WHO MAY APPLY: 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 III level, who have current list eligibility for appointment to the Attorney III level, who have SROA/Surplus eligibility, or who have reinstatement rights to this level. Interested applicants must submit:
• A standard State Application Form (STD 678) and must clearly indicate the basis of hiring eligibility on the STD 678;
• A four-page SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS (SOQ) that includes a description 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 candidate 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. Hiring is subject to fingerprinting clearance by the Department of Justice.
This position is designated under the Conflict of Interest Code.
This position is subject to fingerprinting clearance by the Department of Justice.
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.
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: 7/1/2025Who 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).
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 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.
Working Conditions
This work location is very convenient! The CDSS is located two blocks from the light rail and public transportation: within walking distance to the State Capitol, parks, restaurants, farmer’s markets and the Golden 1 Arena. Our building has easy access to I-5, Highway 50, and Highway 80.
The Legal Division uses a hybrid telework model to provide all employees with an avenue to telework while ensuring business and operational needs are met. 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 successful applicant’s residence. For travel purposes, reimbursement would be based on the assigned 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.
Contact InformationThe 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.
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. BenefitsThere 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 CalHR website and the CalPERS website.
