What are the responsibilities and job description for the LEGAL ANALYST position at Department of Social Services?
Legal Analyst wanted for a full-time permanent position within the California Department of Social Services’ (CDSS) Information, Personnel & Audits (IPA) Bureau. The IPA Bureau is one of three bureaus housed within the Legal Division’s Information, Technology & Administrative Litigation (ITAL) Branch. The IPA and the Technology & Contracts Bureaus provide legal advice and representation across the entire Department. Subject matter areas include human resources, audits, privacy, public records, information technology, legal agreements (contracts, grants, etc.), and managing the Foster Family Home and Small Family Home (FSH) Insurance Fund. Although primarily working remotely, the Branch has maintained a collegial and collaborative environment.
Under the direction of the Assistant Chief Counsel, Attorney Supervisor and attorneys, the Legal Analyst performs routine and complex paralegal assignments. This position is responsible for: litigation support; assisting in the formulation and documentation of internal procedures and policies; conducting legal research; providing responses to inquiries and requests from a variety of internal and external stakeholders; maintaining the assignment tracking database; analyzing pertinent data and presenting information for case status and other reporting purposes. In addition, the incumbent is responsible for receiving and processing subpoenas and other legal documents served on the Department. The incumbent coordinates departmental training requested by management and assists attorneys in preparing training material.
Analysts assist the attorneys in identifying, scheduling and interviewing witnesses for testimony in administrative hearings before the State Personnel Board, the Office of Administrative Hearings, and other quasi-judicial bodies; calendars hearings; arranges for payment of witness fees; prepares and serves subpoenas; and assists attorneys with hearing preparation. Analysts also edits adverse actions, reviews and organizes exhibits, summarizes evidence and provides direct assistance during litigation in front of State Personnel Board, CalHR and the Office of Administrative Hearings. This position is responsible for assisting in the drafting of stipulations and responses to discovery requests and acts as a liaison to the Attorney General’s Office in civil litigation in which the Department is a party. Occasional travel for hearings and/or to meet with clients and witnesses is required.
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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.
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 will be filled in Sacramento County at CDSS Headquarters.
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 may be eligible for hybrid telework under California Government Code Section 14200 for eligible applicants residing in California. All telework schedules are subject to change and may be reevaluated at any time. Specific telework arrangements may be discussed in more detail with the respective hiring manager. Telework does not change the terms and conditions of employment, the essential functions of job duties, or required compliance with the Department of Social Services policies.
Please note, if this position is being advertised in multiple locations, the headquarter location will be designated based on the selected candidate's primary residence location, and/or the closest CDSS location.
Minimum Requirements
You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.- LEGAL ANALYST
- LEGAL ASSISTANT
Additional Documents
- Job Application Package Checklist
- Duty Statement
Position Details
Job Code #:
JC-475504
Position #(s):
800-310-5237-743
Working Title:
Legal Analyst
Classification:
LEGAL ANALYST
$5,368.00 - $6,720.00 A
Shall Consider:
LEGAL ASSISTANT
$4,731.00 - $5,924.00 A
# 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.
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'.
Our goal is to foster a culture that values diversity, equity, and inclusion within CDSS, that actively invites the contribution and participation of all people and is representative of the varied identities and different perspectives in California. In our role as public administrators, our charge is to ensure that our programs and our workplaces provide all Californians the opportunity to thrive. We encourage applications from all individuals – including but not limited to women, people of color, LGBTQ , people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, foreign-born residents, and veterans. We seek a diverse pool of applicants with a wide range of experiences.
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.
Applicants are required to complete employment history on the application form (STD 678). Applicants may be disqualified from the recruitment process if the employment history is not complete. Resumes will not take the place of employment history. Applicants must clearly indicate the basis of eligibility on Page 1 (Explanations Section) of the STD. 678.
In addition to the STD. 678 job application, applicants must also submit a two-page maximum (12-point Arial font type, standard margins) 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 should:
- Describe your interest in public sector litigation support in the areas of employment law and or audits
- Demonstrate your commitment to the mission of the CDSS
- Describe your experience in competently and successfully supporting hearings or trials
- Demonstrate knowledge and experience with processing of subpoenas and general knowledge of service of process of legal documents
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.
Application packages received without the SOQ will not be considered.
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 is subject to state civil service Super SROA/Surplus policies and procedures.
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 considered limited term, 12 months, and may be extended up to 24 months or become permanent.
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: 5/5/2025Who 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).
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 & Certification Unit
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 & 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 -
A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is Required.Please see the Special Requirements section of this job advertisement for detailed instructions for the SOQ submission.
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 analytical skills. Candidates should:
- have a positive attitude and be a team player;
- have an excellent work ethic;
- be able to work both independently and in a team setting;
- be able to work under tight deadlines and pressure;
- demonstrated ability and experience in managing multiple and varied legal matters simultaneously.
- excellent communication skills, both orally and in writing;
- demonstrated proficiency in using MS Word, Excel, Outlook SharePoint, and Adobe;
- possess sophisticated computer skills (e.g. Lexis/Nexis; database and spreadsheet applications).
- excellent organizational, research, and analytical skills with a strong attention to detail.
- education: Paralegal certificate or Legal Assistant certificate preferred.
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
Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.
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.
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.
Examination Information
Those interested in obtaining employment with any state agency must apply and compete through the state hiring and recruitment process.
To apply for the examination for this position, click on the link below to search for the examination and follow the “How to Apply” instructions in the examination announcement:
CalCareers Exam/Assessment Search
Successful examination applicants are placed on an eligibility list. If you already have list eligibility for this classification, you do not need to retake the examination. Applicants should refer to their examination results or check their CalCareer account for specific list eligibility expiration dates and to re-take the examination when necessary. For questions regarding the examination process, please contact the Examination Unit at: Examinations@dss.ca.gov.
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.
