C. E. A.

Job Posting: Senior Assistant Chief Counsel

Department of Social Services

JC-526748

• Senior Assistant Chief Counsel

C. E. A.

$18,629.00 - $19,559.00 per Month

Final Filing Date: 8/31/2026

Application Methods:

Electronic (Using your CalCareer Account)

By Mail

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Job Description and Duties

• Ready to be challenged?
• Ready to lead?
• Ready to expand your legal knowledge?
• Ready to be an active and effective partner in providing solutions to complex public social service issues?
• Ready to work with a dynamic team of attorneys?

If you answered yes to the above questions, AND you are a licensed attorney in the State of California (in good standing) with a minimum of 10 years experience, the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) encourages you to submit your application package to be considered for the position of Senior Assistant Chief Counsel.

Under the direction of the Deputy Director/Chief Counsel, the Senior Assistant Chief Counsel (SACC) is responsible for overseeing the policy and operation of five Enforcement Bureaus (Sacramento, Oakland, Monterey Park I, Monterey Park II, and Riverside); each headed by an Assistant Chief Counsel (ACC). The Enforcement Bureaus are responsible for representing the Community Care Licensing (CCL) Division with consultations and administrative hearings to revoke and deny licenses, and/or to exclude individuals of licensed facilities to ensure compliance with the program statutes and regulations. Additionally, the SACC is responsible for overseeing a sixth Enforcement Bureau that researches and updates the policies and procedures for consistent application of licensing laws, reviews and analyses the post-hearing administrative work, including but not limited to, Petitions for Reinstatement, Alternations, and Petitions for Default Set-Asides.

The SACC is a working manager that may assume high priority assignments and overall is responsible for legal advice, direction and support provided to CDSS Directorate, program managers and program staff on the implementation, administration, and enforcement of community care licensing.

The SACC serves as a CDSS representative providing direction for Departmental litigation in the trial courts or courts of appeal and is responsible for managing staff who represent the Department before the Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH) or other Administrative Tribunals.

The SACC is a member of the Legal Division Management Team, that includes the Deputy Director/Chief Counsel and three other CEA/SACC branch managers, assists in developing and maintaining division-wide policies and procedures, identifying IT system needs and solutions, branch budgets and staffing, as well as an equitable and healthy work environment.

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.

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

Working Conditions

This position may be filled in Sacramento, Oakland, Riverside, or Monterey Park where the Department of Social Services has legal offices. The Sacramento headquarters is located two blocks from the light rail and public transportation: within walking distance of the State Capitol, parks, restaurants, farmers' markets and the Golden 1 Arena. Our building has easy access to I-5, Highway 50, and Highway 80.

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.

Minimum Requirements

This position does not have a Classification Specification. Requirements and qualifications for this position can be found in this announcement. For additional questions, please contact the hiring department listed below.

• C. E. A.

Additional Documents

• Job Application Package Checklist
• Duty Statement

Position Details

Job Code #:

JC-526748

Position #(s):

800-310-7500-003

Working Title:

Senior Assistant Chief Counsel

Classification:

C. E. A.

$18,629.00 - $19,559.00 B

# of Positions:

1

Work Location:

United States

Telework:

Hybrid

Job Type:

Career Executive Assignment - Non Tenured, 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 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. Come join our team to experience what it is like to enjoy 'Work with a Purpose'.

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.

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: 8/31/2026

Who May Apply

Individuals who are eligible to be appointed to this Career Executive Assignment (CEA) by the State of California.

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: Carla Cueva, CEA/Exempt Unit

744 P Street, MS 8-15-58

Sacramento, CA 95814

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

Attn: Carla Cueva, CEA/Exempt 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. Resumes or cover letters will not be accepted in lieu of a SOQ. Please refer to the Examination Information section for instructions regarding the SOQ. Applicants who do not submit the required items will not be considered for this recruitment.

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.

Examination Qualification Requirements

All applicants must possess the knowledge and abilities, and any other requirements, described in this announcement.

Note: Eligibility to take a CEA examination does not require current permanent status in the civil service.

Entrance Qualifications

Along with submitting a complete application package, applicants must meet the following requirements in order to be admitted into the examination process:

• Licensed attorney in the State of California
• In good standing
• Minimum of 10 years experience

General Qualifications

State civil service employees must possess essential general qualifications including integrity, initiative, dependability, good judgment, and ability to work cooperatively with others.

Knowledge and Abilities

Applicants must demonstrate the ability to perform high administrative and policy - influencing functions effectively. Such overall ability requires possession of most of the following more specific knowledge and abilities:

• Knowledge of the organization and functions of California State Government including the organization and practices of the Legislature and the Executive Branch; principles, practices, and trends of public administration, organization, and management; techniques of organizing and motivating groups; program development and evaluation; methods of administrative problem solving; principles and practices of policy formulation and development; and personnel management techniques; the department's or agency's Equal Employment Opportunity Program objectives; and a manager's role in the Equal Employment Opportunity Program.
• Ability to plan, organize, and direct the work of multidisciplinary professional and administrative staff; analyze administrative policies, organization, procedures and practices; integrate the activities of a diverse program to attain common goals; gain the confidence and support of top level administrators and advise them on a wide range of administrative matters; develop cooperative working relationships with representatives of all levels of government, the public, and the Legislature and Executive branches; analyze complex problems and recommend effective courses of action; and prepare and review reports; and effectively contribute to the department's or agency's Equal Employment Opportunity objectives.

These knowledge and abilities are expected to be obtained from the following kinds of experience with substantial participation in the formulation, operation and/or evaluation of program policies (experience may have been paid or volunteer; in State service, other government settings, or in a private organization):

CEA Level A - Responsible for broad administrative and program activities, including the execution and/or evaluation of program policies.

CEA Level B - Responsible for extensive managerial and program administration or broad program manager experience with substantial participation in the formulation, operation, and/or evaluation of program policies.

CEA Level C - Responsible for extensive highly professional influence and contributes to program, policy, and the methods to provide professional services needed to set policies, to meet the mission of the State department and often exercising technical and or professional skills that are required at this level.

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:

KNOWLEDGE OF:

a) The Department's mission, organization, goals, functions, and policies as well as its relationships with other state, federal, and local entities.

b) Legal principles and their applications, legal research methods, court procedures, rules of evidence and procedure, administrative law, and the conduct of administrative hearings.

c) The State budgetary, personnel, contracting, and departmental administrative practices.

d) California and Federal laws with emphasis on the Welfare and Institutions Code, Health and Safety Code, Penal Code, Government Code, and principles of constitutional law.

e) In-house counsel experience with expertise in Administrative Procedures Act, Evidence Code, Public Record Act requests, Information Practices Act, litigation, and subpoenas.

ABILITY AND SKILL TO:

f) Plan, organize, coordinate and effectively manage responses to multiple complex legal issues simultaneously.

g) Effectively supervise and manage the work of a wide range of staff within the Legal Division.

h) Advise executive staff on a wide range of legal issues, and to formulate and execute effective strategies to solve or mitigate legal challenges.

i) Utilize performance measurements to assess and increase program performance.

j) Represent the Department with other departments and branches of state government, with local and federal officials, and, able to testify effectively before the State Legislature.

k) Effectively communicate both orally and in writing.

l) Work with other CDSS divisions to ensure successful legal outcomes.

m) Represent the Chief Counsel or Department at conferences, meetings, and hearings.

n) Excellent interpersonal skills to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with representatives from all levels of government, the public, Legislature, and high-level commissions or boards.

o) Excellent judgment, interpersonal skills, political sensitivity, and commitment to diversity in government.

Examination Information

The examination will consist of a State of Qualifications (SOQ) screening process. A departmental evaluation panel will review and score the SOQ based on the desirable qualifications for the position, and the competitive nature of each applicant's relevant knowledge, skills, and experience.

The SOQ should be a narrative discussion of how your education, experience, skills, and training meet the desirable qualifications as identified in the "Desirable Qualifications" section of the bulletin. Your SOQ must be typed, Arial 12 pt. font, single spaced, and no more than three pages in length using standard 1" margins.

The SOQ serves as documentation of your ability to present information clearly and concisely in writing. Refer specifically to the "Desirable Qualifications" section of the bulletin when crafting your responses to ensure alignment with the requirements of the position.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools can be useful in the development of written responses; however, it is important to use these tools responsibly and ethically. While assistive tools may be used, responses within the SOQ must be your own original work. Applicants must write in their own words and avoid plagiarism. Failure to comply may be cause for disqualification.

If you meet the requirements stated in this announcement, you may take this competitive examination. Possession of the Examination Qualifications requirements does not assure a place on the eligible list. Your performance in the examination will be compared with the performance of others who take this examination, and all successful candidates will be ranked according to their scores.

A minimum rating of 70% must be attained in the Examination to obtain list eligibility for this position. All candidates will receive written notification of their examination results.

The results of this examination will only be used to fill this position. Applications will be retained for twelve months.

Hiring interviews for the Job may be conducted with the most qualified candidates.

The examining Department reserves the right to revise the examination plan to better meet the needs of the service, if the circumstances under which this examination was planned change. Such revision will be in accordance with civil service law and rules and all competitors will be notified.

Special Testing Arrangements

If you have a disability and need special testing arrangements, answer the Reasonable Accommodations question appropriately on your Application (STD 678). You will be contacted to make specific arrangements. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this announcement.

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 CalHR website and the CalPERS website.

Contact Information

The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.

Human Resources Contact:

Carla Cueva

(916) 539-6604

Carla.Cueva@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.

Personal Leave Program

Personal Leave Program (PLP) 2025 - Salaries do not reflect reductions from the Personal Leave Program. Please refer to the applicable Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for additional information regarding the length and percentage of reductions.

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.