Job Description

Job Description and Duties

This is a re-post. If you previously applied, there is no need to re-apply as your application is on file and will be considered.
The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) Legal Division is recruiting for one (1) permanent full time Attorney III position in its Children’s and Community Care Licensing Policy and Litigation Branch. The successful candidate will provide legal support to the Department’s Community Care Licensing Division (“CCLD”) and Resource Family Approval program, with a focus on the area of background checks. The CDSS is a large department charged with administering programs and services that serve, aid, and protect needy and vulnerable children and adults. The issues facing CDSS are frequently complex, cutting edge, and closely scrutinized by advocacy organizations, the public, the news media, and various state and federal oversight agencies, and are routinely the subject of state and federal litigation.

Attorneys providing legal support to the CCLD advise staff on all aspects of the Division’s statewide programs which includes licensure and oversight of child day care facilities, residential care facilities for children and adults, Resource Families/foster homes, adult day programs, and home care services. Legal support includes all aspects of licensing policy, regulation, and legislation relevant to health and safety. The incumbent may have contact with the Attorney General’s Office regarding litigation to which the CDSS is a party and may assist the assigned Deputy Attorney General with legal problems and negotiations in the preparation and prosecution of difficult and complex litigation.  The successful candidate must have the ability to perform sensitive and complex legal work, producing consistent favorable results with minimal supervision. As one of the more experienced practicing attorneys, the Attorney III is expected to be an expert, or become an expert, in the state and federal statutes, regulations, case law, and policies governing background check requirements for the various CCLD programs. The Attorney III must also have, or have the ability to acquire, extensive knowledge regarding applicable federal laws such as the Family First Prevention Services Act and the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act. The Attorney III is expected to conduct research and analysis on complex licensing issues; to provide oral and written legal opinions and policy interpretations; to prepare correspondence and legal research memoranda; to prepare responses to inquiries from the Health and Human Services Agency, Executive staff, advocates, the legislature, the media, and the public; to analyze, draft, and advise on proposed legislation affecting CDSS; to assist in analyzing, drafting and review of CDSS regulation packages; to review and advise on proposed federal regulations affecting CDSS programs; and to provide training and information to CCLD and other Department staff.

The state offers comprehensive benefits including health, dental, vision, long-term care and disability insurance, as well as paid leave. Please see the Benefits section below for more details.
Click here to view all the attractive benefits available to state employees!

Please let us know how you learned about this career opportunity by taking the brief survey that follows:  .

Would you like more information regarding career opportunities with the CDSS?  We’d love to hear from you!  Please contact us at  [email protected] and include the job classification and job control number in the subject line. Information about applying for a state job can be found here:  .

You will find additional information about the job in the .

Working Conditions

This work location is very convenient! The CDSS is located two blocks from the light rail and public transportation: within walking distance to the State Capitol, parks, restaurants, farmer’s markets and the Golden 1 Arena. Our building has easy access to I-5, Highway 50, and Highway 80.

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. 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. 

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.

1) A standard State Application Form (STD 678) and must clearly indicate the basis of hiring eligibility on the STD 678. 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.

2) A maximum four (4) page SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS (SOQ) that includes a description how the applicant meets the DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS identified in this job announcement. Applications without eligibility information and a complete SOQ may not be considered.

Application packages will be screened, and the most qualified candidates will be invited to interview. 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. Please see the California Department of Human Resources website at: for further information on taking examinations, obtaining list eligibility and minimum qualifications. Hiring is subject to fingerprinting clearance by the Department of Justice and Department of Finance Approval.

Applications will be accepted from current members of the California State Bar who are currently employed in a California civil service position at the Attorney III level, who have current list eligibility for appointment to the Attorney III level, who have SROA/Surplus eligibility, or who have reinstatement rights to this level.

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 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.

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:

A. Demonstrated ability to successfully perform in-house counsel work including but not limited to preparing legal opinions; analyzing state and federal legislation; drafting and reviewing regulations; drafting and reviewing official forms, notices and publications; preparing and reviewing correspondence; advising on requests for public records and data; advising during a state or federal audit; preparing responses to media or legislative inquiries; and providing litigation support to the Office of the Attorney General.

B. Understanding of the Administrative Branch of state government, hierarchy and functions of its agencies and departments, and the role of state and federal oversight agencies.

C. Knowledge, or the ability to acquire knowledge of Community Care Licensing and Caregiver Background Check statutes, regulations, and case law, and CCLD policies and procedures.

D. Demonstrated ability to maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, program staff and management, staff of other state and federal agencies, and client advocacy organizations, while working independently and as part of a team.

E. Willingness and ability to understand CDSS programs and policies to provide sound legal advice that is responsive to the organization’s needs.

F. Superior analytical and communication skills, both verbal and written, superior interpersonal skills, and tact.

G. Superior research skills and work habits and the ability to complete work under deadlines which are sometimes urgent.

H. Willingness and ability to perform duties in a customer service-oriented manner.

I. Experience with Community Care Licensing programs and Resource Family Approval, including but not limited to requirements for caregiver background checks.

J. Willingness and ability to maintain a work environment free from discrimination or sexual harassment.

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

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.

Benefit information can be found on the website and the website.

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:

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:  [email protected] .

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 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) is required: Please see the Special Requirements section for SOQ instructions.

Job Tags

Holiday work, Permanent employment, Full time, Temporary work, Immediate start, Remote job,

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