California Department of Social Services is hiring: LEGAL SECRETARY in Alameda

Overview

LEGAL SECRETARY role with the California Department of Social Services. This is a permanent, full-time position located in Oakland with hybrid (remote/telework and in-office) work arrangements.

Responsibilities

• Provide independent and effective clerical and legal support to two to four attorneys, including senior staff, handling complex secretarial work with a high degree of difficulty, sensitivity, and discretion.
• Type, edit, and format legal documents including correspondence, petitions, briefs and legal opinions, pleadings, motions, testimonials, and depositions; proofread and prepare form letters, files, and e-files; serve legal pleadings in multiple jurisdictions (State, Federal, and Appellate courts).
• Maintain calendars for assigned attorneys and schedule meetings/appointments, resolving conflicts; arrange travel and prepare travel expense claims; may be assigned special projects for complex cases.
• Understand difficult technical and legal terms across various disciplines; analyze and apply rules, regulations, statutes, and laws relevant to legal procedures (typing, processing, and serving documents).
• Work independently and in a team with other Legal Secretaries and Senior Legal Typists under supervision of a Legal Support Supervisor I.

Qualifications

• Ability to recognize proper English grammar, punctuation, and spelling; read and comprehend legal material; follow verbal and written instructions; communicate effectively; establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to work well under pressure, manage multiple priorities, and maintain excellent attendance and reliability.
• Current typing certificate verifying a minimum typing speed of 45 wpm (issued within past four years) is required.
• Selected candidates will be subject to a criminal record background check clearance by the Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
• Minimum qualifications may include education, experience, and other requirements as stated in the job classification.

Special Requirements

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

Application and Selection

• Applicants must submit an Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ). The SOQ must be titled and not exceed one page (Arial 12); it should describe how your education, training, experience, and skills meet the job description. Cover letters and resumes are optional but do not replace the SOQ.
• Submit required documents by the Final Filing Date: 10/15/2025. CalCareer electronic submission is preferred; hard-copy packets may be mailed or dropped off at the Department of Social Services, California, Classification and Pay, 744 P Street, Sacramento, CA 95814, or P.O. Box 944243, Sacramento, CA 94244-2430.
• References to the SOQ, required application materials, and the Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) are included in the job posting. Include any applicable documents to demonstrate you meet the Minimum Qualifications.

Additional Information

• New state candidates may be hired at the minimum of the classification or minimum of the alternate range where applicable.
• Selected candidate may be entitled to a Recruitment and Retention pay differential for this designated location (Oakland).
• Telework: Hybrid; Job Type: Permanent, Full-Time.
• Department values diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and belonging; commitment to quality services and community engagement.

Location and Compensation

Work Location: Alameda County (Oakland). Base pay range information and salary figures vary by the specific job code and classification; see the posting for details on applicable ranges and pay bands.

How to Apply

Complete application packages via CalCareers.ca.gov or submit hard-copy packages to the addresses listed in the posting. If you require reasonable accommodations for the interview process, request them when scheduling the interview.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It prohibits discrimination based on age, ancestry, color, disability, gender, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex, and sexual orientation. The State maintains a drug-free workplace policy.