Legal Secretary

Department of Social Services; California; Hybrid; USD 52,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

CalPERS pension

Paid vacation and sick leave

Professional development days

Job summary

The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) Legal Division is recruiting two permanent full-time Legal Secretary positions in the Legal Operations Branch (LOB). Located in the Sacramento Headquarters, these roles report to a Legal Support Supervisor I in LPPSU.

The Legal Secretary will handle calendars, file legal documents, and support attorneys with hearing prep. Hybrid work may be eligible; residency in California is required and a 45 wpm typing certificate is required.

Qualifications

• Ability to learn legal terminology, concepts, and technical terms.
• Strong proofreading, editing, and organizational skills.
• Proficient in written and verbal communication with the public and staff.
• Experience using databases to log and track data.
• Demonstrate initiative and willingness to take on additional responsibilities.
• Experience with correspondence and Style Guide manuals.
• Use tact and discretion with confidential matters.
• Ability to multitask, collaborate, and remain flexible.

Responsibilities

• Maintain calendar and schedule for policy management and attorneys.
• Process and file legal documents across multiple jurisdictions.
• Provide hearing preparation support to legal analysts and attorneys.
• Type, format, proofread, and process a wide variety of legal documents.
• Log and track assignments using electronic databases.

Skills

Legal terminology

Proofreading

Written communication

Verbal communication

Database usage

Initiative

Discretion

Multitasking

Job description

Job Description and Duties

The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) Legal Division is recruiting to fill two permanent full-time Legal Secretary positions in the Legal Operations Branch (LOB). The positions are located in the Sacramento Headquarters office and report to a Legal Support Supervisor I in the Legal, Policy, and Program Services Unit (LPPSU).

The Legal Secretary is often the first point of contact for the Branch and interacts with all levels of staff and every division within the Department. They are an integral member of the LOB team, and their work is critical to the team’s overall success.

The Legal Secretary will maintain the calendar and schedule for policy management and attorneys and be responsible for processing and filing legal documents in multiple jurisdictions. They will also provide support to legal analysts and attorneys with hearing preparation. Additional duties include typing, formatting, proofreading, and processing a wide variety of legal documents. This position also requires experience with electronic databases for the purpose of logging and tracking assignments.

Consider joining our team in LOB, where we foster a spirit of collaboration, professional development, and personal excellence as we carry out the important work of the Division and Department.

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.

Working Conditions

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 may be eligible for Hybrid work. In-person attendance is required based on the operational needs of the position and in accordance with 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.

Special Requirements

• The position(s) require(s) a Background Investigation be cleared 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 in 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 includes 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.

The selected candidate will be subject to a criminal records background check clearance by the Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigations. A criminal conviction or history does not in and of itself preclude employment.

A current typing certificate (issued within the past four years) verifying typing speed of a minimum of 45 wpm is required for this position.

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:

• Ability to learn legal terminology, concepts, and technical legal terms.
• Strong proofreading, editing, and organizational skills.
• Proficient in written and verbal communication with the public and all levels of staff.
• Experience using databases to log and track data.
• Demonstrate initiative and willingness to assume increased responsibility.
• Experience with both correspondence and Style Guide manuals.
• Use of tact and discretion in dealing with confidential and sensitive matters.
• Ability to multitask, collaborate, and exhibit flexibility.

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.

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.