INVESTIGATOR

California Department of Social Services; Los Angeles (CA); Hybrid; USD 71,000 - 96,000; Full time

Job summary

The California Department of Social Services seeks a dedicated Investigator in Los Angeles County for a permanent, full-time role. The position involves conducting sensitive investigations, interviewing subjects and witnesses, and collaborating with local, state, and federal agencies.

Post training must be completed within the first year if not already certified. Applicants must meet POST requirements where applicable, pass background checks and medical screenings, and hold a valid California

Qualifications

• BACKGROUND CHECK, FINGERPRINTING, PSYCHOLOGICAL SCREENING AND MEDICAL EXAMINATION APPROVAL ARE REQUIRED.
• POST Certification is preferred; must complete POST training within the first year if not certified.
• Valid California Driver's License required; ability to travel statewide.

Responsibilities

• Independently conduct sensitive, complex investigations, including interviewing subjects, witnesses and victims; utilize law enforcement databases and obtain police/court reports.

Job description

Position Details

Job Code #: JC-517318

Position #(s): 800-818-8610-XXX

Working Title: Investigator

Classification:: INVESTIGATOR

$6,339.00 - $8,558.00 A

$7,306.00 - $10,609.00 B

$6,818.00 - $9,428.00 C

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.

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 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.

Job Description And Duties

This is a re-post. If you previously applied, there is no need to re-apply as your application is on file and will be considered.

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.

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.

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

Final Filing Date: 10/1/2026

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).

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.

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 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.

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.

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.