Contracts, Information & Technology Attorney - Hybrid
State of California See More Job Openings by This Employer
The CDSS Legal Division is recruiting to fill one permanent full-time Attorney III position within the Technology & Contracts Unit of the Information, Technology and Administrative Litigation (ITAL) Branch.
The ITAL Branch provides legal advice, representation, and services to all Divisions within CDSS. We work closely with our Administrative Division partners and program clients to assist in achieving Department objectives through collaboration, education, and advocacy.
As part of our team of attorneys, legal analysts and other valued staff, the primary responsibilities of these positions include providing legal advice on and development of various agreements. We are recruiting highly motivated, detail-oriented individuals with excellent communication and writing skills and who are innovative problem-solvers. The successful candidates will have knowledge of, strong interest in, or demonstrated experience, providing house counsel or governmental representation, preferably in some or all of the following areas: program grant development and implementation, state and federal procurement and contracting laws and policies; the legal issues presented in information technology procurements both large and small, contract management and compliance principles, and working with control agencies or external stakeholders to resolve issues. They will also be someone who can work cooperatively at all staff and management levels with a customer-service focus. Experience acting as a lead or mentor is desired but not required.
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:
We are looking for a customer-service oriented individual with excellent research, writing and litigation skills. Candidates should have:
A. The ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing, including the ability to develop and deliver presentations and trainings to executive management and staff and other stakeholders.
B. The ability and willingness to build strong and effective working relationships with colleagues, program staff and management, staff of other state and federal agencies, and client advocacy organizations.
C. Superior research and analytical skills, the ability to complete work within deadlines while exercising sound legal judgment, and a strong attention to detail.
D. The ability and willingness to perform duties in a customer service-oriented manner, including keeping clients and management informed of significant issues regarding the legal matters they are handling, with an emphasis on giving the client the ability to make informed decisions at the appropriate time.
E. The ability to exercise a high degree of initiative and professionalism.
F. The ability to complete work within deadlines and with a strong attention to detail.
G. The ability and comfort to work independently and as part of a team.
Other InformationAdditional 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.
The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) serves, aids and protects vulnerable children and adults in ways that strengthen and preserve families, encourage personal responsibility and foster independence. CDSS employees are our most important resource in serving California’s vulnerable children and families.
The California Department of Social Services (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'.
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 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 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.
In addition to the STD. 678 job application, applicants must also submit a STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS (SOQ). The SOQ is a narrative discussion of how the applicant’s education, training, experience, and skills meet the job description, desirable qualifications, and duty statement for the position. The SOQ will also serve as documentation of your ability to present information clearly and concisely in writing, since this is a critical factor to successful job performance. The SOQ will answer the following two questions, with one page per question for a total of two pages maximum (12-point Arial font type, standard margins).
1. Describe your work experience interacting professionally with various levels of management, staff, and the public on a wide range of legal and administrative matters.
2. Describe your experience in researching and developing a position on an important legal question; advising on or presenting that issue; assisting management or the client in reaching a decision on the issue; and assisting management or the client in implementing the result.
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.
Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date 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.
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.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.
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: 7/8/2025Who 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 - A Statement of Qualifications is required. Please see the Special Requirements section of this job advertisement for detailed instructions for the SOQ submission.
Working Conditions
Travel, including overnight, may be required.
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.
The assigned office location for this position can be filled in the following counties, whichever has available space and is closest to the successful applicant’s residence:
ALAMEDA, BUTTE, FRESNO, HUMBOLDT, LOS ANGELES, ORANGE, RIVERSIDE, SACRAMENTO, SAN DIEGO, SAN MATEO, SANTA BARBARA, SANTA CLARA, SONOMA.
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 Servicesunder 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.
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