STUDENT ASSISTANT

California Department of Social Services; Sacramento (CA); Hybrid; USD 35,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

California Department of Social Services seeks a Student Assistant (SSP Support) to help with intake, organization, and tracking of System Security Plans and related compliance documents. You will triage SSP submissions, maintain tracking logs, and support senior staff in preparing materials required by oversight agencies to protect vulnerable Californians.

Ideal candidates are detail-oriented, curious about cybersecurity, and capable of supporting dashboards and reports.

Qualifications

• Motivated and detail-oriented Student Assistant supporting SSP processes.
• Interest in cybersecurity, compliance, and state security documentation.
• Ability to organize, track, and format compliance materials.

Responsibilities

• Triage incoming SSP submissions and verify required documentation.
• Organize SSP materials, evidence files, and supporting documents.
• Maintain review queues, logs, and remediation records.
• Track deadlines for SSP deliverables using templates.
• Prepare draft SSP dashboards and status updates for review.
• Research SSP standards and summarize key changes for staff.
• Assist with formatting and proofreading SSP reports.

Skills

Detail-oriented

Cybersecurity basics

Documentation

Job description

Position Details

• Working Title: System Security Plan (SSP) Support
• Job Code #: JC-532554
• Position #(s): 800-721-4870-950
• Classification: STUDENT ASSISTANT
• Salary: $3,167.00 - $3,480.00 A
• Salary: $3,389.00 - $3,724.00 B
• Salary: $3,623.00 - $3,988.00 C
• Salary: $3,878.00 - $4,268.00 D
• # of Positions: 1
• Work Location: Sacramento County
• Telework: Hybrid
• Job Type: Student Assistant

New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

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 Information Systems Division's (ISD) mission is to develop, support, and promote the business value of IT through reliable, cost-effective business processes. The Information Security & Privacy Office mission is to provide management and oversight of the CDSS Information Security and Privacy Program ensuring protection of CDSS information assets and compliance with state and federal policies and laws.

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

If you have a passion to be a part of a team that works to serve, aid and protect needy and vulnerable children and adults in ways that strengthen and preserve families then is this is the place for you!

The Information Systems Division works in collaboration with programs and county agencies, to provide solutions to systems that assist families access essentials such as, but not limited to, medical services, care providers, groceries, and transportation.

The Information Security & Privacy Office (ISPO) within ISD is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Student Assistant (SSP Support). This role is ideal for a student interested in cybersecurity, compliance, and understanding how state-level security documentation supports critical social service programs.

As a Student Assistant, you will play an important role in assisting the team with the intake, organization, and tracking of Systems Security Plans (SSPs) and related compliance documentation. You will help triage SSP submissions, maintain tracking logs, research relevant security standards, and support the team in preparing materials required by oversight agencies. This position offers hands‑on experience in security documentation, compliance workflows, and technical program support while contributing to the Department’s mission to protect and serve children, families, and vulnerable communities across California.

Duties

• Triage incoming SSP submissions and verify all required documentation is included.
• Organize SSP materials, evidence files, and supporting documentation used by senior staff during assessments.
• Maintain SSP review queues, tracking lists, audit logs, and remediation records.
• Track deadlines for SSP deliverables and follow-up items using established templates.
• Compile status updates and prepare draft SSP dashboards or summary metrics for internal review.
• Research SSP standards, federal/state guidance updates, and data classification requirements; summarize key changes for senior staff.
• Assist with formatting, proofreading, and editing SSP reports and documentation.
• Participate in SSP training sessions, team meetings, and other learning activities.
• Support senior staff with SSP-related special projects and perform other duties as assigned.

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.

Special Requirements

• The position(s) require(s) a Background Investigation be cleared prior to being hired.

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 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.

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.

Who May Apply

This is a non-testing classification, therefore anyone meeting the minimum qualifications listed on the classification specification may apply for this position. Individuals who are, or have been, a dependent child in foster care, a homeless youth, or a formerly incarcerated youth as defined by Government Code section 18220 are encouraged to apply and will be given priority. If you are applying under this eligibility status, please note on your application your eligibility by stating "preference under Government Code section 18220". Please note that prior to appointment, individuals claiming preference under one of these categories will be required to furnish documentation establishing their eligibility.

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.