Job Description

Job Description and Duties

This advertisement is posted as until filled. Applications will be reviewed on the 10th business day of each month, and candidates may or may not be selected for interviews. However, the Job Control will remain open until the vacancy is filled.

The California Department of Social Services (CDSS), Legal Division, is recruiting to fill one permanent full time Assistant Chief Counsel (ACC) position in the Personnel Bureau of the Information, Technology and Administrative Litigation Branch (ITAL). The ITAL Branch strives to provide comprehensive legal services to all divisions within CDSS to support the work of our clients in helping vulnerable Californians thrive. We collaborate with our departmental partners and program clients to assist in achieving Department objectives through innovative branch practices that create more efficient, inclusive and transparent operations.

The ITAL Branch is a collaborative and cohesive environment, and the successful applicant will be responsible for promoting that environment, fostering career growth, and overseeing the professional development of team members. Under the general direction of the Senior Assistant Chief Counsel, the ACC is responsible for planning, organizing, directing, and reviewing the work of Senior Attorneys, Attorneys, and Paralegals who provide governmental employment law support, legal advice, document review and representation department-wide.

The ACC is expected to be an expert in the laws, regulations and policies applicable to the programs within their Bureau as well as possess general knowledge of government, legislative, and litigation requirements and processes.

In addition, the ACC participates as a member of the Branch and Legal management teams in the development and implementation of Departmental policies related to the subject program areas as well as Branch and Legal Division polices.

Our ideal candidate is a highly motivated, detail-oriented individual with excellent communication and writing skills and who is an innovative problem-solver. The successful candidate should have demonstrated experience, providing representation. They will also be someone who can work cooperatively with a customer-service focus.

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You will find additional information about the job in the .

Working Conditions

Minimal travel is required.

This work location is very convenient! This location is 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.
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. For 2025 Canned Language for Job Postings positions advertised in more than one location, 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.

Special Requirements

• The position(s) require(s) a Background Investigation be cleared prior to being hired.

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.

In addition to the STD. 678 job application, applicants must also submit a one-page maximum (12-point Arial font type, standard margins) STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS (SOQ). The SOQ should describe your leadership philosophy and experience. How has this philosophy and experience enabled you to organize and motivate individuals and groups to efficiently and effectively complete complex tasks and projects? Include in your response information regarding your experience in, and approach to, reviewing and editing the work of others.

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.

Hiring is subject to state civil service Super SROA/Surplus policies and procedures. Applicants must be current members of the California State Bar.

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.

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:

• Experience as a lead, mentor, manager, or similar position

• Ability to manage conflict and sensitive issues
• Ability to use sound judgment
• Ability to work with people, including opposing counsel, in a professional and civil manner
• Extensive knowledge of court procedures and administrative litigation
• Extensive knowledge of employment and labor laws
• Demonstrated ability to build collaborative working relationships

Benefits

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.

Personal Leave Program (PLP) 2025

Personal Leave Program (PLP) 2025 - Salaries do not reflect reductions from the Personal Leave Program, please see the applicable  Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for additional information on the length and percentage of reductions.

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 - Please see the Special Requirements section of this job advertisement for detailed instructions for the SOQ submission.

Job Tags

Permanent employment, Full time, Temporary work, Work at office, Remote work,

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