What are the responsibilities and job description for the ATTORNEY position at California Department of Social Services?
Position Details
Job Code #: JC-513116
Position #(s): 800-310-5778-116
Working Title:
Enforcement Attorney
Classification:: ATTORNEY
$7,969.00 - $10,473.00 A
$8,969.00 - $12,026.00 B
$7,506.00 - $9,439.00 C
$8,448.00 - $10,836.00 D
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
# of Positions: 1
Work Location: Los Angeles County
Telework: Hybrid
Job Type:: Permanent, 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’ Mission is to serve, aid, and protect 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 our partners bring their unique ideas and perspectives that inspire innovative solutions to further our mission. Embark on a career path filled with purpose and fulfillment surrounded by a team of dedicated legal professionals in a collaborative, dynamic environment.
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.
Job Description And Duties The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) Legal Division is recruiting to fill one permanent full-time Attorney position in its Community Care Licensing (CCL) Enforcement Branch. The position location is in Monterey Park. Attorney regularly appears before administrative tribunals throughout the state representing the interests of those being cared for in or residing in community care facilities such as foster homes, group homes, child care centers, family child care homes, residential facilities for the elderly and adult residential facilities. Attorneys serve a critical role in enforcing the statutes and regulations of the Licensing Division and prosecuting cases that jeopardize the health and safety of children, the elderly and dependent adults in community care facilities.
Attorney develops evidence, strategies, and tactics to litigate a wide range of cases that may involve license revocations, license application denials, and employee and licensee exclusion actions. Attorney works with licensing clients, witnesses and victims, medical staff, qualified experts, investigators, criminal prosecutors, law enforcement personnel, and others in order to effectively prosecute complex and sophisticated cases including child maltreatment and elder abuse. As such, Attorney develops expertise in the application of evidentiary rules, hearsay exception statutes, and other trial-related theory. Attorney must also be adept at facilitating settlements and negotiating stipulations where appropriate.
The Legal Division’s offices provide a dynamic and collegial environment in which its attorneys enjoy the satisfaction of public service and the rewards of conducting important work. Its attorneys should be self-motivated, possess strong interpersonal communication skills and demonstrate excellent analytical abilities. Opportunities for advancement exist as Attorneys may compete for promotion to the Attorney III rank or seek management opportunities within the Legal Division. Travel may be required for hearings and to meet with clients and/or witnesses as needed. The Attorney position is eligible for a regular remote-centered telework schedule. Telework may be allowable based on operational needs for employees who can perform their essential functions remotely and/or whose duties are conducive to teleworking per the CDSS Telework Program Guidelines. The incumbent will need to report to the Monterey Park office location when in the office.
If you would like to share how you learned about this career opportunity, please take a moment to complete our brief Recruitment Survey.
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
Follow us on LinkedIn to stay updated on our latest opportunities.
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement .
Special Requirements
Applicants must submit a standard state job application (STD. 678). In addition to the STD. 678, a Cover Letter and Resume are required and must be included. Application packages submitted without eligibility information, Cover Letter and Resume will not be considered. All applicants must clearly indicate the basis of eligibility on Page 1 (Explanations Section) of the STD. 678.
Applicants must be current members of the California State Bar. Selected candidates will be subject to a criminal record background check clearance by the Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Hiring is subject to state civil service Super SROA/Surplus policies and procedures.
Fingerprint Criminal Record Clearance required by the Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
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. 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 the 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: 4/9/2026
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:
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.
Job Code #: JC-513116
Position #(s): 800-310-5778-116
Working Title:
Enforcement Attorney
Classification:: ATTORNEY
$7,969.00 - $10,473.00 A
$8,969.00 - $12,026.00 B
$7,506.00 - $9,439.00 C
$8,448.00 - $10,836.00 D
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
# of Positions: 1
Work Location: Los Angeles County
Telework: Hybrid
Job Type:: Permanent, 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’ Mission is to serve, aid, and protect 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 our partners bring their unique ideas and perspectives that inspire innovative solutions to further our mission. Embark on a career path filled with purpose and fulfillment surrounded by a team of dedicated legal professionals in a collaborative, dynamic environment.
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.
Job Description And Duties The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) Legal Division is recruiting to fill one permanent full-time Attorney position in its Community Care Licensing (CCL) Enforcement Branch. The position location is in Monterey Park. Attorney regularly appears before administrative tribunals throughout the state representing the interests of those being cared for in or residing in community care facilities such as foster homes, group homes, child care centers, family child care homes, residential facilities for the elderly and adult residential facilities. Attorneys serve a critical role in enforcing the statutes and regulations of the Licensing Division and prosecuting cases that jeopardize the health and safety of children, the elderly and dependent adults in community care facilities.
Attorney develops evidence, strategies, and tactics to litigate a wide range of cases that may involve license revocations, license application denials, and employee and licensee exclusion actions. Attorney works with licensing clients, witnesses and victims, medical staff, qualified experts, investigators, criminal prosecutors, law enforcement personnel, and others in order to effectively prosecute complex and sophisticated cases including child maltreatment and elder abuse. As such, Attorney develops expertise in the application of evidentiary rules, hearsay exception statutes, and other trial-related theory. Attorney must also be adept at facilitating settlements and negotiating stipulations where appropriate.
The Legal Division’s offices provide a dynamic and collegial environment in which its attorneys enjoy the satisfaction of public service and the rewards of conducting important work. Its attorneys should be self-motivated, possess strong interpersonal communication skills and demonstrate excellent analytical abilities. Opportunities for advancement exist as Attorneys may compete for promotion to the Attorney III rank or seek management opportunities within the Legal Division. Travel may be required for hearings and to meet with clients and/or witnesses as needed. The Attorney position is eligible for a regular remote-centered telework schedule. Telework may be allowable based on operational needs for employees who can perform their essential functions remotely and/or whose duties are conducive to teleworking per the CDSS Telework Program Guidelines. The incumbent will need to report to the Monterey Park office location when in the office.
If you would like to share how you learned about this career opportunity, please take a moment to complete our brief Recruitment Survey.
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
Follow us on LinkedIn to stay updated on our latest opportunities.
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement .
Special Requirements
- The position(s) require(s) a Background Investigation be cleared prior to being hired.
Applicants must submit a standard state job application (STD. 678). In addition to the STD. 678, a Cover Letter and Resume are required and must be included. Application packages submitted without eligibility information, Cover Letter and Resume will not be considered. All applicants must clearly indicate the basis of eligibility on Page 1 (Explanations Section) of the STD. 678.
Applicants must be current members of the California State Bar. Selected candidates will be subject to a criminal record background check clearance by the Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Hiring is subject to state civil service Super SROA/Surplus policies and procedures.
Fingerprint Criminal Record Clearance required by the Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
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. 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 the 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: 4/9/2026
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 required and must be included.
- Other - Cover Letter Required
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.
Salary : $7,506 - $12,026