Job Description

Administrative Law Judge

Salary: $10,588.00 - $15,263.00 per Month
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

Final Filing Date: 1/22/2026

Application Methods: Electronic (Using your CalCareer Account) / By Mail Drop-off

Job Responsibilities

Presides over hearings in CDSS and DHCS Program areas, which may include program areas such as CalWORKs, CalFresh, Medi?Cal, IHSS, Scope of Benefits, Resource Family Approval, and Covered California, among others. Handles all types of hearings, which may include complex and/or sensitive cases. Interprets and applies various provisions of federal and state statutes, regulations and department policies. Rules on objections and subpoena requests raised during the process of hearing a case, addresses postponement requests, sets continued hearings, and addresses other case?management issues to maintain proper flow of cases assigned by the Supervising Administrative Law Judge (SALJ). Submits timely and legally correct final and proposed decisions as delegated, at a rate and quality consistent with State Hearings Division (SHD) standards. By virtue of hearing primarily CalWORKs, CalFresh, and Medi?Cal cases, becomes a subject?matter expert with ability to consult and answer questions for other ALJs on cases or various points of law; serves as a source of referrals to legal sources, prior decisions/samples, and other resources. May serve as reviewer of proposed decisions submitted by other ALJs, and/or as duty judge who reviews/rules on pre?hearing matters such as requests for expedited hearings, bifurcations, subpoena requests, postponement and reopen requests, among other pre?hearing issues. Participates on special projects as assigned, including but not limited to implementation of best practices identified from any special projects, and attends SHD internal meetings and external meetings as assigned.

If you would like to share how you learned about this career opportunity, please take a moment to complete our brief Recruitment Survey.

Need help with applying for positions, taking an examination, or preparing for interviews? Our team is here to support youreach out anytime at Recruiter@dss.ca.gov. For guidance on applying for a state job, visit Three Steps to a State Job.

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Working Conditions

The CDSS is located two blocks from the light rail and public transportation: within walking distance of the State Capitol, parks, restaurants, farmers markets and the Golden 1 Arena. Our building has easy access to I?5, Highway 50, and Highway 80.

This position can be assigned to Sacramento, 95814 OR Oakland, 94612. Partial Telework. Travel required, but not limited to; Counties of Sacramento & Alameda.

This position is eligible for hybrid work in accordance with the Governors 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. For positions advertised in more than one location, headquarters location may be designated on the selected candidates 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.

Please note: Regular commute is not compensable.

Minimum Requirements

• Minimum qualifications as stated in the Classification Specification.
• Administrative Law Judge.

Positions Available: 2

Work Location: Sacramento or Oakland (hybrid telework available)

Job Type: Permanent, Full Time

Department Information

Are you interested in making a difference in Californians lives 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 is to provide quality services with a commitment to an inclusive, diverse, and equitable California where all people can thrive.

We provide timely, independent and impartial due process hearings and produce timely, legally correct decisions. We maintain the integrity of the state hearing process, provide efficient administration of the state hearing process, communicate with counties, claimants, and others to achieve an efficient and effective state hearing process and identify and influence various issues that arise in the state hearings process that appear inconsistent with existing law or policy.

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.

Special Requirements

• The position requires a Background Investigation be cleared prior to being hired.

Confidentiality

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, drivers 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.

Subject to fingerprinting and criminal record clearance by Department of Justice and Federal Bureau of Investigation.

This position is designated under the Conflict-of-Interest Code.

Application Instructions

Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.

Who May Apply:

• 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.
• Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).

How to Apply:

• Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at
• When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included.
• For those not applying electronically, you may submit a hard copy application package through the following mailing addresses:

Mailing: Department of Social Services, California Department of Social Services, Attn: Classification & Pay Unit, P.O. Box 944243 MS 8?15?58, Sacramento, CA 94244?2430

Drop?off: Department of Social Services, California Department of Social Services, Classification & Pay Unit, 744 P Street, MS 8?15?58, Sacramento, CA 95814 (08:00?AM 05:00?PM)

Application Package Documents Required:

• 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 and may be included but is not required.

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.

Benefits: 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, and pre?tax parking fee program.

Transportation Reimbursement:

• Public transit (mass transit) passes: 100% discount on public transit passes sold by state agencies, up to the monthly exclusion amount provided by the IRS; 100% reimbursement on public transit passes purchased by state employees, up to the monthly exclusion amount provided by the IRS.
• Vanpool drivers and riders: 100% reimbursement on the monthly fee, up to the monthly exclusion amount provided by the IRS.

Click here to view all the attractive benefits available to state employees! Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.

Contact Information

The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.

Contact for Reasonable Accommodations: interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. Additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity may be directed to the Department's EEO Office.

EEO Contact:
EEO Office
(916) 657-2326
EEOoffice@dss.ca.gov

California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice). TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.

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.

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: CalCareers Exam/Assessment Search.

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.

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 workplace. 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.

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