ATTORNEY III

California Department of Social Services; Los Angeles (CA); Hybrid; USD 121,108 - 171,027; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Telework flexibility

Dynamic and collegial work environment

Job summary

A state social services department in California is seeking an Enforcement Attorney to manage complex legal work related to licensing laws. The role emphasizes legal expertise, litigation strategies, and communication skills. Candidates must hold a Juris Doctor and demonstrate strong analytical abilities. The position allows for hybrid work arrangements and involves representing vulnerable populations in administrative hearings. Applications are due by 3/2/2026, and a Statement of Qualifications is required to proceed.

Qualifications

• Must possess expertise in legal statutes, regulations, and policies.
• Experience with litigation and trial-related theory is required.
• Ability to develop strategies for complex legal cases.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice to Community Care Licensing Division.
• Litigate a variety of complex legal cases.
• Negotiate settlements and manage legal conflicts.

Skills

Legal expertise in licensing laws

Strong analytical abilities

Interpersonal communication skills

Knowledge of evidentiary rules

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Job description

Position Details

Job Code # JC-507534

Position #(s): 800-310-5795-126

Working Title: Enforcement Attorney

Classification: ATTORNEY III

Salary: $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: Los Angeles 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’ Mission is to serve, aid, and protect needy and vulnerable children and adults in ways that strengthen and preserve families, encourage personal responsibility, and foster independence. CDSS values diversity at all levels of the organization and is committed to fostering an environment in which employees and partners from a variety of backgrounds, cultures, and personal experiences are welcomed and can thrive. We believe the diversity of our employees and our partners bring their unique ideas and perspectives that inspire innovative solutions to further our mission. Embark on a career path filled with purpose and fulfillment surrounded by a team of dedicated legal professionals in a collaborative, dynamic environment.

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.

Job Description and Duties

The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) Legal Division is recruiting to fill one permanent full‑time Attorney III position in its Community Care Licensing (CCL) Enforcement Branch.

The office location for this position is in Monterey Park.

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.

As one of the most experienced attorneys, the Attorney III is an expert in the most complex and sensitive legal work related to laws, regulations, and policies pertaining to Programs administered by the Department. This includes providing advice to the Community Care Licensing Division and applicable county clients, and regularly appearing before administrative tribunals throughout the state representing the interests of those receiving care or residing in community care facilities or children’s residential program such as resource family homes, short‑term residential therapeutic programs, child care centers, family child care homes, residential facilities for the elderly and adult residential facilities.

The Attorney III serves a critical role in enforcing the statutes and regulations of the Licensing Division and prosecuting cases that jeopardize the health and safety of children, the elderly and dependent adults in licensed or approved facilities.

The Attorney III develops evidence, strategies and tactics to litigate a wide range of cases that may involve license revocations, license application denials, and employee and licensee exclusion actions. The Attorney III works with licensing clients, witnesses and victims, medical staff, qualified experts, investigators, criminal prosecutors, law enforcement personnel, and others to effectively prosecute complex and sophisticated cases including child maltreatment and elder abuse. As such, Attorney III must possess expertise in the application of evidentiary rules, hearsay exception statutes, and other trial‑related theory. Attorney III must also be adept at facilitating settlements and negotiating stipulations where appropriate.

The Legal Division’s offices provide a dynamic and collegial environment in which its attorneys enjoy the satisfaction of public service and the rewards of conducting important work. Its attorneys should be self‑motivated, possess strong interpersonal communication skills and demonstrate excellent analytical abilities. Travel may be required for hearings and to meet with clients and/or witnesses as needed.

Special Requirements

• The position(s) require(s) a Background Investigation be cleared prior to being hired.
• Fingerprint Criminal Record Clearance required by the Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
• This position is designated under the Conflict-of-Interest Code.

Application Instructions

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.

Applications must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date to be considered.

Final Filing Date: 3/2/2026

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.

Applicants 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).

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.

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 the appointment. Training and Development assignments are temporary in nature and shall not exceed twenty-four (24) months.

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. The following items are required to be submitted with your application.

• 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 – 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. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.

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.