Demo

INVESTIGATOR

Department of Social Services
Los Angeles, CA Full Time
POSTED ON 5/11/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 5/19/2026

BACKGROUND CHECK, FINGERPRINTING, PSYCHOLOGICAL SCREENING AND MEDICAL EXAMINATION APPROVAL ARE REQUIRED.

This is a Peace Officer classification [PC 830.3(h)] subject to Peace Officers Standards and Training [POST] requirements. The Department is looking to fill this position with an applicant that is already POST Certified but may consider applicants that are not POST Certified. The successful applicant will be required to complete POST training within the first year of appointment, if not completed prior to employment.

Under the direction of the Supervising Special Investigator I, the Investigator, will independently conduct the most sensitive, complex, and diverse investigations, which may include sexual and physical abuse, questionable/wrongful death, unlicensed facility operations, registered sex offenders presence in community care facilities and unlicensed facility operations involving injunctions, employment backgrounds, and internal affairs. Duties include conducting interviews of subjects, witnesses and victims. The Investigator must be organized and able to utilize law enforcement databases and obtain large numbers of police, court and analytical reports. They will work closely with local, county, state and federal law enforcement agencies and work in a joint taskforce setting. The Investigator must perform a full range of peace officers duties and responsibilities and have a valid driver’s license to work a large area that can involve travel to many areas of the state.

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 up to date on our latest opportunities.  

You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.

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.

 

Please note: Regular commute is not compensable.

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.
  • INVESTIGATOR
  • Job Application Package Checklist
  • Duty Statement
Job Code #:
JC-517318
Position #(s):
800-818-8610-XXX
Working Title:
Investigator
Classification:
INVESTIGATOR
$6,339.00 - $8,558.00 A
$7,306.00 - $10,609.00 B
$6,818.00 - $9,428.00 C
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
# of Positions:
2
Work Location:
Los Angeles County
Telework:
Hybrid
Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time

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 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.

  • The position(s) require(s) a valid California Drivers License (CDL). You must answer the questions addressing your CDL on your application. Ensure you provide your CDL number, class, expiration date, and any endorsements and/or restrictions.
  • The position(s) require(s) a Background Investigation be cleared prior to being hired.
  • The position(s) require(s) Medical Clearance prior to being hired.
  • The position(s) require(s) Psychological Evaluation clearance 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 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.


Interested applicants must submit a Standard State Application (STD 678) with the position number 800-818-8610-XXX in the Examination/Job Title section. In addition, please include a document titled Statement of Qualifications (SOQ), as instructed below. The SOQ must be typed in Arial 12-point font and must not exceed one pages in length. Applications without an SOQ may not be considered.

1. Describe the training and work experience that has prepared you to perform the responsibilities of this position. Provide specific examples of your experience in managing these types of activities, the level of complexity and sensitivity involved, and practices that you have used and would continue to employ to be successful.
2. Do you use Microsoft products or services? If so, what is your level of experience for each?

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 not complete. 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.

Salary : $76,068 - $127,308

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