Policy Lawyer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The CDSS Legal Division is recruiting to fill one permanent, full-time Attorney III position in FAB. FAB provides legal support to various divisions within CDSS which administer the following public social service programs, among others:
• CalFresh and nutrition programs
• CalWORKs Eligibility and Employment
• Cash Assistance Payments for Immigrants
• Child Care and Development
• Civil Rights for Public Social Service Programs
• Disaster Services
• Housing and Homelessness
• Immigration & Refugees
• In-Home Supportive Services
• Trafficking and Crime Victim Assistance
The successful candidate for the Attorney III position will be assigned to one or more of the public social services programs supported by FAB. The candidate should have knowledge and experience of, or possess the skills and experience to learn, the applicable state and federal statutes, regulations, case law, policies, and guidance applicable to FAB's program clients. Additionally, the candidate should have experience in a policy legal role and/or experience advising public entities in the manner of in-house counsel.
Under supervision of an Assistant Chief Counsel and/or the Senior Assistant Chief Counsel, the Attorney III will perform legal work in FAB, including: reviewing, researching, and interpreting federal and state laws and regulations, case law, and program guidance; advising on funding issues and parameters of broad discretionary authority; drafting legislation including trailer bill and budget bill language; assisting in the drafting and reviewing of program policy guidance; and providing substantive litigation support to the Office of the Attorney General.
This posting may be used to fill future vacancies in accordance with 2 CCR §249.3.
The Department of Social Services does not participate in E-Verify for employment authorization purposes. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship by the start date of employment.
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You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement .
Working Conditions
Work Location: Monterey Park, Riverside, Oakland, or Sacramento
This position may be eligible for Hybrid work. In-person attendance is required based on the operational needs of the position and in accordance with Executive Order N-22-25 the Statewide Hybrid Telework Policy, Government Code section 14200, and any applicable department telework requirements. The successful candidate must reside in California at the time of appointment. Proof of California residency may be required.
The physical work location is negotiable and can be based out of any of the Department's Legal Division offices statewide (Monterey Park, Riverside, Oakland, and Sacramento). For individuals assigned to work locations outside of the Sacramento office, travel to Sacramento will be required.
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 employee's residence. For travel purposes, reimbursement would be based on the office location.
Depending on distance, air travel may be required.
Please note: Regular commute is not compensable.
Minimum Requirements You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

• ATTORNEY III

Additional Documents

• Job Application Package Checklist
• Duty Statement

Position Details Job Code #:
JC-527233
Position #(s):
800-310-5795-714
Working Title:
Policy Attorney
Classification:
ATTORNEY III $10,852.00 - $15,325.00 A
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:
United States
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 oversees and coordinates an array of safety net and emergency response programs, and the delivery of social services totaling $50 billion in partnership with the State's 58 counties as well as community services providers. In support of those efforts, the CDSS Legal Division's Family and Adult Programs Policy & Litigation Branch (FAB) provides timely, responsive, thorough and accurate legal services. We are a dynamic, collaborative and energetic legal team that provides diverse, complex, challenging and, at times, cutting edge legal guidance for some of the largest public social service programs in the nation.
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.
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 to be considered for this position. Applications submitted without an SOQ may be disqualified for this position.
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.
WHO MAY APPLY: Applicants must be current members of the California State Bar. Successful applicants will need to have passed an examination for this classification or be an existing State Employee with transfer eligibility and will have followed the instructions under the Special Requirements and Required Application Documents section. Electronic applications are encouraged, although hard copy applications will be accepted. Hard copy applications must include the Job Control and Position number in the "Explanation" section and be signed and dated. Hiring is subject to state Super SROA and surplus policies and procedures.
Interested applicants must submit a completed and signed standard State Application Form (STD 678) and must clearly indicate the basis of hiring eligibility on the STD 678.
In addition to the STD. 678 job application, applicants must also submit a RESUME and a two-page maximum (Arial 12-point type, 1" 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.
Applicants who fail to include these items and/or follow the above-established requirements may not be considered.
Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Selected candidates will be subject to a criminal record background check fingerprint clearance 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.
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: 8/18/2026
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.
• Statement of Qualifications - (SOQ) Please see the Special Requirements section of this job advertisement for detailed instructions for the SOQ submission.

Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.
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. Education, training and/or experience to successfully perform policy legal work that includes, but is not limited to: in-depth research and analysis of federal and state statutes, regulations, and case law; providing verbal guidance and formulating strategic approaches to implement that guidance; drafting well-reasoned and concise written legal opinions and guidance; analyzing and drafting proposed legislation; assisting in the drafting and review of proposed regulations; and providing substantive litigation support to the Office of the Attorney General on program specific litigation;
B. Knowledge of the State's administration, its agencies and depa