INVESTIGATOR

State of California; California (MO); On-site; USD 71,000 - 118,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Social Services is hiring an Investigator to independently conduct sensitive investigations across a wide range of issues, including abuse and unlawful facilities. You will interview subjects and coordinate with multiple law enforcement agencies, with travel across the state as needed.

Applicants must have a valid CA driver’s license and pass required medical, psychological, and background checks. POST training must be completed within the first year if not yet certified.

Qualifications

• Must have valid California driver’s license.
• Background investigation, medical clearance and psychological evaluation clearance required.
• POST certification preferred; must complete POST training within the first year if not already certified.

Responsibilities

• Independently conduct the most sensitive, complex investigations across diverse topics.
• Interview subjects, witnesses and victims; gather police, court and analytical reports.
• Coordinate with local, county, state and federal agencies; travel as needed across the state.

Job description

$6,339.00 - $10,609.00 per Month New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

Final Filing Date: 10/5/2026

BACKGROUND CHECK, FINGERPRINTING, PSYCHOLOGICAL SCREENING AND MEDICAL EXAMINATION APPROVAL ARE REQUIRED.

This is a Peace Officer classification [PC 830.3(h)] subject to Peace Officers Standards and Training [POST] requirements. The Department is looking to fill this position with an applicant that is already POST Certified but may consider applicants that are not POST Certified. The successful applicant will be required to complete POST training within the first year of appointment, if not completed prior to employment.

THIS RECRUITMENT MAY BE FILLED IN SACRAMENTO OR OAKLAND, BUT THE POSTION REQUIES CARRYING A CASELOAD AND WORKING IN THE BAY AREA.

Under the direction of the Supervising Special Investigator I, the Investigator, will independently conduct the most sensitive, complex, and diverse investigations, which may include sexual and physical abuse, questionable/wrongful death, unlicensed facility operations, registered sex offenders presence in community care facilities and unlicensed facility operations involving injunctions, employment backgrounds, and internal affairs. Duties include conducting interviews of subjects, witnesses and victims. The Investigator must be organized and able to utilize law enforcement databases and obtain large numbers of police, court and analytical reports. They will work closely with local, county, state and federal law enforcement agencies and work in a joint taskforce setting. The Investigator must perform a full range of peace officers duties and responsibilities and have a valid driver’s license to work a large area that can involve travel to many areas of the state.

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 job advertisement has also been listed in the following counties:

This position is designated under the Conflict of Interest Code. The position is responsible for making or participating in the making of governmental decisions that may potentially have a material effect on personal financial interests. The appointee is required to complete Form 700 within 30 days of appointment. Failure to comply with the Conflict of Interest Code requirements may void the appointment.

These positions shall be filled as Limited Term/Full-Time if the candidate needs to complete the Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST) requirements. Upon successful completion, the incumbent will be appointed to the Investigator position Permanent/Full-Time. If the candidate has already met POST requirements through an academy, then he/she will be appointed Permanent/Full-Time upon hire.

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.

Please note: Regular commute is not compensable.

Minimum Requirements

• INVESTIGATOR

INVESTIGATOR $6,339.00 - $8,558.00A $7,306.00 - $10,609.00B 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:

Alameda 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.

It is the mission of Community Care Licensing to promote the health, safety, and quality of life of each person in community care through the administration of an effective collaborative regulatory enforcement system.

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 has 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 valid California Drivers License (CDL). You must answer the questions addressing your CDL on your application. Ensure you provide your CDL number, class, expiration date, and any endorsements and/or restrictions.
• The position(s) require(s) a Background Investigation be cleared prior to being hired.
• The position(s) require(s) Medical Clearance prior to being hired.
• The position(s) require(s) Psychological Evaluation clearance 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.

Interested applicants must submit a Standard State Application (STD 678) with the position number 800-817-8610-XXX in the Examination/Job Title section. In addition, please include a document titled Statement of Qualifications (SOQ), as instructed below. The SOQ must be typed in Arial 12-point font and must not exceed one pages in length. Applications without an SOQ may not be considered.

1. Describe the training and work experience that has prepared you to perform the responsibilities of this position. Provide specific examples of your experience in managing these types of activities, the level of complexity and sensitivity involved, and practices that you have used and would continue to employ to be successful.

2. Do you use Microsoft products or services? If so, what is your level of experience for each?

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 -

  (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.

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 Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.

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
[phone]
[e-mail]

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 (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.

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 re-take 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: [e-mail].

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 workplace. 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.