Closing Date: 19th May, 2024

Description:

Job Description and Duties:
A California State Agency, Legal Division, Information, Technology and Administrative Litigation (ITAL) Branch is recruiting to fill three permanent full-time Attorney positions at the Attorney I or III level.

The ITAL Branch provides legal advice, representation, and services to all Divisions within CDSS. We work closely with our departmental partners and program clients to assist in achieving Department objectives through collaboration, education, and advocacy. As part of our team of attorneys, legal analysts and other valued staff, the primary responsibilities of these positions include providing legal advice on and development of various agreements for a wide array of clients (e.g., Housing and Homelessness, Office of Immigration, and Child Care and Development).

Our ideal candidates are highly motivated, detail-oriented individuals with excellent communication and writing skills and who are innovative problem-solvers. The successful candidates should have knowledge of, strong interest in, or demonstrated experience, providing representation in some or all of the following areas: grant development and implementation, governmental procurement and contracting laws; large and small information technology procurements, contract management and compliance principles. They will also be someone who can work cooperatively with a customer-service focus.

The state offers comprehensive benefits including health, dental, vision, long-term care and disability insurance, as well as paid leave. Please see the Benefits section below for more details.

Click here to view all the attractive benefits available to state employees! (http://www.calhr.ca.gov/employees/Pages/new-employee-benefits-orientation.aspx)

Need help understanding the examination and hiring process? Do you have a question about CDSS? We'd love to hear from you! Please contact us at Recruiter@dss.ca.gov. Please include the job classification and job control number in the subject line.

You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement. (https://www.calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/FileDownload.aspx?aid=23421968&name=LGLDS.pdf)

Working Conditions:
The Legal Division uses a hybrid telework model to provide all employees with an avenue to telework while ensuring business and operational needs are met.

The assigned office location for this position can be filled in the following counties, whichever has available space and is closest to the successful applicant's residence:
ALAMEDA, BUTTE, FRESNO, HUMBOLDT, LOS ANGELES, ORANGE, RIVERSIDE, SACRAMENTO, SAN DIEGO, SAN MATEO, SANTA BARBARA, SANTA CLARA, SONOMA.

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 successful applicant's residence. For travel purposes, reimbursement would be based on the assigned office location.

This position may be eligible for hybrid telework under California Government Code Section 14200 for eligible applicants residing in California. All telework schedules are subject to change and may be reevaluated at any time. Specific telework arrangements may be discussed in more detail with the respective hiring manager. Telework does not change the terms and conditions of employment, the essential functions of job duties, or required compliance with A California State Agency policies. Headquarter location will be designated based on the selected candidate's primary residence location, and/or the closest CDSS location.

Special Requirements:
Please Note: A Statement of Qualifications or Supplemental Questionnaire must be submitted along with your application in order to be considered for this position.

Applicants must also attach a SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS (SOQ) based on the DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS identified in this job announcement. The SOQ is a narrative discussion of how the applicant's education, training, experience, and skills meet the DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS for the position. The SOQ also serves as documentation of your ability to present information clearly and concisely in writing, since this is a critical factor to successful job performance.

Keeping the desirable qualifications in mind, please address the following three prompts in your SOQ. In order to be considered for the positions, your SOQ must meet the following requirements: Each answer is to be numbered and started on a separate page. One page per prompt for a total of three pages. Standard 1-inch margins and 12-point type are required.
  • Describe your work experience interacting professionally with various levels of management, staff and/or the public regarding legal, administrative or other significant matters.
  • Describe your experience in researching and developing a position on a legal question and; advising on or presenting that issue.
  • Describe a specific example in which you had to resolve a significant professional conflict. What strategies and tools did you use to achieve the resolution?

Candidates meeting the most desirable qualifications will be invited to interview. Selected candidates will be subject to a criminal record background check fingerprint clearance by the Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. A criminal conviction or history does not in and of itself preclude employment.

All methods of appointment will be considered, such as list appointment, transfer, reinstatement, surplus, SROA, general reemployment, training and development, etc. However, possession of the minimum qualifications will be verified prior to interview and/or appointment. If it is determined an applicant does not meet the minimum qualifications, the applicant shall be notified and may be removed from the eligibility list. Employees applying for these positions who wish to be considered on a transfer basis must meet the minimum qualifications and all transfer rules. Applicants may be required to provide copies of college/law school transcripts or a copy of college diploma or Juris Doctor degree, if applicable. Hiring is subject to state Super SROA and surplus policies and procedures.

This position is subject to fingerprinting clearance by the Department of Justice.

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 not complete. 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.

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

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:
A. The ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing;

B. The ability and willingness to build strong and effective working relationships;

C. Superior research and analytical skills; the ability to complete work within deadlines while exercising sound legal judgment and a strong attention to detail;

D. The ability and willingness to perform duties in a customer service-oriented manner;

E. The ability to exercise a high degree of initiative and professionalism; and

F. Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team successfully.