Attorney IV

This is a 12-month limited-term position and may be extended to a maximum of 24-months and/or may become permanent based on operational needs.

The California Department of Social Services (CDSS), Legal Division is recruiting to hire one Limited Term full-time Attorney IV position within its Information, Technology and Administrative Litigation (ITAL) Branch. This is a 12-month limited term position and may be extended to a maximum of 24-months and/or may become permanent based on operational needs. We seek a diverse pool of applicants with a wide range of experiences, including individuals with relevant lived experience such as personal experience with the social safety net or the child welfare system.

CDSS is a large department charged with administering and supervising county administration of all public social services programs in the State. To support public social service delivery, CDSS enters into thousands of contracts, interagency agreements, memoranda of understanding, data sharing agreements and grants each year. In addition, CDSS has a multi-billion-dollar portfolio of automated information technology systems and is further developing its robust technology platform to support data-driven policy decision making. The work of the ITAL Branch is to support these efforts by providing well-researched legal analysis and expert advice to management at all levels and to the divisions responsible for administering or overseeing these programs and their related functions.

We are looking for a detail-oriented, self-motivated candidate that possesses strong interpersonal communication skills and who demonstrates excellent analytical abilities.

Under the direction of the Senior Assistant Chief Counsel or Assistant Chief Counsel, the Government Transactions Attorney IV will perform some of the most sensitive and complex legal work including assignments involving a high degree of difficulty and with statewide programmatic implications. The successful candidate will be expert in, and have extensive demonstrated experience in independently providing house counsel or governmental representation in the majority of these areas: state and federal procurement and contracting laws and policies; contract and grant development, evaluation and monitoring; the legal issues presented in information technology procurements both large and small; privacy and confidentiality; and contract management and compliance principles. The successful candidate will also be someone who can gain both the trust and support of, and work cooperatively with, management and staff at all levels. Experience acting as a lead or mentor is desired but not 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.

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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.

Salary

• $11,993 - $16,096/month

Qualifications

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

• ATTORNEY IV

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. Extensive knowledge and experience in governmental or private industry procurements; contract and grant development; contract and grant audit and compliance; and life cycles of large IT systems;

B. Extensive knowledge or experience with State and Federal privacy, data security and confidentiality laws;

C. Understanding of the Administrative Branch of state government, its agencies and departments and the role of state and federal oversight agencies as it relates to approval and funding documents;

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; works effectively and efficiently under pressure.

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

F. Superior research skills and work habits and the ability to thoroughly and accurately complete work under deadlines; attention to detail; and

G. Willingness and ability to perform duties in a customer service-oriented manner.

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? 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 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.

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 IV level, those with current list eligibility for appointment to the Attorney IV level, candidates with SROA/Surplus eligibility, or candidates with reinstatement rights to this level. Interested applicants must submit a resume, a Statement of Qualifications, and a standard State Application Form (STD 678) and must clearly indicate the basis of hiring eligibility on the STD 678. Applicants must also attach the following items:

• STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS

Keeping the desirable qualifications in mind, please answer the following three questions. Each question is to be numbered and started on a separate page. An answer to a single question must not exceed one page. Standard 1” inch margins and 12-point type are required. In order to be considered for the position, your SOQ must meet the above requirements.

1. Describe your knowledge of, and experience with state or federal contracting in connection with a vendor performance issue. Include an example of a situation that demonstrates your ability to analyze complex procurement or contracting issues, taking applicable policy into consideration.

2. Describe your experience, with a specific example, in assisting clients on a matter that may have significantly influenced, or contributed to the development of, policies over a program area.

3. Describe your ability to effectively communicate complex and sensitive issues to high-level management, including presentation of critical issues and recommended resolution. How do you gauge whether you were effective in the communicating the intent of your communication?

Applicants who fail to include these items and/or follow the above-established requirements may be disqualified. Candidates meeting the most desirable qualifications will be invited to interview. Selected candidates will be subject to a criminal record background check fingerprint clearance by the Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. A criminal conviction or history does not in and of itself preclude 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: 10/29/2026

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.

Working Conditions

Travel, including overnight, may be required.

The physical work location is negotiable and can be based out of any CDSS Legal Division office statewide (Monterey Park, Riverside, Oakland, or Sacramento.)

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.

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.

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.

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.