Job Description

Job Description and Duties

The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) Legal Division is recruiting to fill one permanent full-time Legal Secretary position in the Legal Operations Branch (LOB), but the position may be filled at the Senior Legal Typist level for recruitment purposes. The position is located in the Sacramento Headquarters office and reports to a Staff Services Manager I in the Legal, Policy, and Program Services Unit (LPPSU). This position is eligible for a hybrid (remote telework and in-office) work schedule.

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 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 provide direct support to the Information, Technology and Administrative Litigation Branch (ITAL). They will maintain the calendar and schedule for ITAL 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.

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You will find additional information about the job in the .

Working Conditions

Travel is rare, but may be required.

This position is eligible for hybrid work in accordance with the Governor’s  Executive Order N-22-25 and at the sole discretion of the Department of Social Services under California Government Code Section 14200. All telework schedules are subject to change and may be re-evaluated at any time. The incumbent will be expected to report for in office work and attend work related in-person events as deemed operationally necessary. Telework does not change the terms and conditions of employment, the essential functions of job duties, or required compliance with the CDSS policies. Headquarter location may be designated on the selected candidate's primary residence location, and/or the closest CDSS location in accordance with operational need and available space. The successful candidate must reside in California upon appointment. 

Special Requirements

• The position(s) require(s) the ability to type at a minimum speed as designated on the Class Specifications (link available in the additional documentation section). You must obtain a valid typing certificate confirming your ability to meet the minimum typing speed, prior to being hired. Additional information regarding acceptable typing tests is available at the CalCareers.ca.gov website.
• The position(s) require(s) a Background Investigation be cleared 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 the following application materials:

STD. 678 job application and a one page (Arial 12-point type), STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS (SOQ). The SOQ will serve as documentation of your ability to present information clearly and concisely in writing. Applications submitted without required documents may not be considered.

STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS

Provide a narrative discussion of how your education, training, experience, and skills meet the desirable qualifications and duty statement for the position.

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.

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.

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:

• 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.

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 retake 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:  Examinations@dss.ca.gov .

Required Application Package Documents

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 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 - Please see the Special Requirements section of this job advertisement for detailed instructions for the SOQ submission.

Job Tags

Permanent employment, Full time, Temporary work, Work at office,

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