What are the responsibilities and job description for the LEGAL SECRETARY position at California Department of Social Services?
Position Details
Job Code #: JC-519437
Position #(s): 800-310-1282-027
Working Title:
Enforcement and Legal Office Support
Classification:: LEGAL SECRETARY
$4,371.00 - $5,473.00 A
$4,591.00 - $5,748.00 B
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: Sacramento 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.
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, Legal Division, is recruiting to fill one permanent full-time Legal Secretary position in our Sacramento location. We have a hybrid (telework and in-office) work environment.
SELECTED CANDIDATE MAY BE ENTITLED TO A RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION PAY DIFFERENTIAL FOR THIS DESIGNATED LOCATION.
The Legal Secretary independently and effectively supports two to four attorneys, including senior level staff. The Legal Secretary will perform the most complex secretarial work involving the highest degree of difficulty, sensitivity, and discretion.
The incumbent will type, edit, and format legal correspondence, petitions, briefs and legal opinions, pleadings, motions, testimonials, and depositions; proofread and prepare form letters, files, and e-files; serve legal pleadings in multiple jurisdictions including State, Federal, and Appellate courts. The incumbent maintains calendars for assigned attorneys and must be able to schedule meetings and appointments often including high-level executive staff, independently resolving any scheduling conflicts that arise. In addition, the Legal Secretary will make travel arrangements and prepare travel expense claims and may be assigned special projects for an attorney assigned to a complex case.
The incumbent must have an understanding of difficult technical and legal terms covering a wide variety of disciplines and areas of law. Additionally, the incumbent must be able to analyze and apply rules, regulations, statutes, and laws regarding legal procedures applicable to typing, processing, and serving legal documents.
The Legal Secretary works independently as well as in a team environment with other Legal Secretaries and Senior Legal Typists, under the supervision of a Legal Support Supervisor I.
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
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.
A current typing certificate (issued within the past four years) verifying typing speed of a minimum of 45 wpm is required for this position.
Applicants must be able to recognize proper English grammar, punctuation, and spelling of written material; read and comprehend legal work material; follow verbal and written instructions; communicate effectively; and be able to establish and maintain effective working relationships. In addition, applicants must be able to work well under pressure, manage multiple priorities, and have excellent attendance and reliability.
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.
INTERESTED APPLICANTS MUST SUBMIT THE FOLLOWING APPLICATION MATERIALS: Applicants are required to submit an Examination/Employment Application (STD. 678), and a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ). The SOQ must be clearly titled and should not exceed one page and must be completed using Arial (no less than 11 font size).
The SOQ is a narrative discussion of how the applicant’s education, training, experience, and/or skills meet the job description and duty statement for the position. The SOQ will also serve as documentation of your ability to present information clearly and concisely in writing. Please ensure that SOQ is written in a narrative summary as described above, and not in a bullet point type format. Applications submitted without required documents, or following requested instructions, may not be considered.
Cover letters and resumes are encouraged but will not take the place of the Statement of Qualifications.
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 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: 6/9/2026
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-519437
Position #(s): 800-310-1282-027
Working Title:
Enforcement and Legal Office Support
Classification:: LEGAL SECRETARY
$4,371.00 - $5,473.00 A
$4,591.00 - $5,748.00 B
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: Sacramento 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.
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, Legal Division, is recruiting to fill one permanent full-time Legal Secretary position in our Sacramento location. We have a hybrid (telework and in-office) work environment.
SELECTED CANDIDATE MAY BE ENTITLED TO A RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION PAY DIFFERENTIAL FOR THIS DESIGNATED LOCATION.
The Legal Secretary independently and effectively supports two to four attorneys, including senior level staff. The Legal Secretary will perform the most complex secretarial work involving the highest degree of difficulty, sensitivity, and discretion.
The incumbent will type, edit, and format legal correspondence, petitions, briefs and legal opinions, pleadings, motions, testimonials, and depositions; proofread and prepare form letters, files, and e-files; serve legal pleadings in multiple jurisdictions including State, Federal, and Appellate courts. The incumbent maintains calendars for assigned attorneys and must be able to schedule meetings and appointments often including high-level executive staff, independently resolving any scheduling conflicts that arise. In addition, the Legal Secretary will make travel arrangements and prepare travel expense claims and may be assigned special projects for an attorney assigned to a complex case.
The incumbent must have an understanding of difficult technical and legal terms covering a wide variety of disciplines and areas of law. Additionally, the incumbent must be able to analyze and apply rules, regulations, statutes, and laws regarding legal procedures applicable to typing, processing, and serving legal documents.
The Legal Secretary works independently as well as in a team environment with other Legal Secretaries and Senior Legal Typists, under the supervision of a Legal Support Supervisor I.
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.
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.
A current typing certificate (issued within the past four years) verifying typing speed of a minimum of 45 wpm is required for this position.
Applicants must be able to recognize proper English grammar, punctuation, and spelling of written material; read and comprehend legal work material; follow verbal and written instructions; communicate effectively; and be able to establish and maintain effective working relationships. In addition, applicants must be able to work well under pressure, manage multiple priorities, and have excellent attendance and reliability.
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.
INTERESTED APPLICANTS MUST SUBMIT THE FOLLOWING APPLICATION MATERIALS: Applicants are required to submit an Examination/Employment Application (STD. 678), and a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ). The SOQ must be clearly titled and should not exceed one page and must be completed using Arial (no less than 11 font size).
The SOQ is a narrative discussion of how the applicant’s education, training, experience, and/or skills meet the job description and duty statement for the position. The SOQ will also serve as documentation of your ability to present information clearly and concisely in writing. Please ensure that SOQ is written in a narrative summary as described above, and not in a bullet point type format. Applications submitted without required documents, or following requested instructions, may not be considered.
Cover letters and resumes are encouraged but will not take the place of the Statement of Qualifications.
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 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: 6/9/2026
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 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.
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 : $4,371 - $5,748