Job Description and Duties The Graduate Student Assistant /Student Assistant will work under close supervision in a learning-centered environment to answer calls regarding foster youth rights, training, and publication requests to the Foster Care Ombudsperson Toll-Free Help Line; assist staff with coordination of office projects, outreach, and training; developing and maintaining social media opportunities and outlets and gathering information related to the placement, care, and services to children and youth in foster care. Excellent attendance, teamwork, and professionalism are required at all times. 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! Would you like more information regarding career opportunities with the CDSS? We'd love to hear from you! Please contact us at Recruiter@dss.ca.gov and include the job classification and job control number in the subject line. Information about applying for a state job can be found here: Three Steps to a State Job. You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement. Working Conditions This job advertisement has also been listed in the following counties: Sacramento: JC-454221 Los Angeles: JC-454224 Student Assistants, and Graduate Student Assistants are not allowed to work more than 1500 hours in a calendar year. If selected, the employee will receive hourly compensation based on the number of hours worked. Must be registered as a student or enrolled in a graduate program at a college or university of recognized standing. Please provide a copy of your unofficial transcripts attached to your application. Telework / Remote Work Information: 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 the Department of Social Services policies. Headquarter location will be designated based on the selected candidate's primary residence location, and/or the closest COSS location. Minimum Requirements You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification. * GRADUATE STUDENT ASSISTANT * STUDENT ASSISTANT Additional Documents * Job Application Package Checklist * Duty Statement Position Details Job Code #: JC-454224 Position #(s): 800-011-4872-910 Working Title: Graduate Student Assistant/Student Assistant Classification: GRADUATE STUDENT ASSISTANT $3,616.00 - $4,020.00 A $3,904.00 - $4,341.00 B $4,046.00 - $4,543.00 C $4,214.00 - $4,731.00 D Shall Consider: STUDENT ASSISTANT $3,075.00 - $3,379.00 A $3,290.00 - $3,616.00 B $3,517.00 - $3,872.00 C $3,765.00 - $4,144.00 D # of Positions: 1 Work Location: Los Angeles County Telework: Hybrid Job Type: Student Assistant 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 California Department of Social Services (CDSS) serves, aids and protects needy and vulnerable children and adults in ways that strengthen and preserve families, encourage personal responsibility and foster independence. CDSS employees are our most important resource in serving California's needy and vulnerable children and families. The Office of the Foster Care Ombudsperson (OFCO) is an autonomous entity within the California Department of Social Services (CDSS), established to receive and investigate complaints about the care, placement, services, and rights of youth in foster care. The OFCO receives and responds to inquiries and complaints received from foster youth, caregivers, the public, advocacy groups, federal departments, the Legislature, and Congress concerning general child welfare and foster care policies, practices, and processes. The OFCO produces and distributes an annual report, and written and multimedia educational materials, and provides training and presentations to diverse audiences and organizations about the OFCOs duties, responsibilities, and the rights of children in foster care. CDSS Culture CDSS' goal is to foster a culture that values diversity, equity, and inclusion within our Department, that actively invites the contribution and participation of all people, and is representative of the varied identities and different perspectives in California. In our role as public administrators, our charge is to ensure that our programs and our workplaces provide all Californians the opportunity to thrive. 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. 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. The SOQ should be no longer than two pages, singled-spaced, in no less than Arial 12-point font, and your name clearly noted at the top of both pages of your SOQ. If you include a resume or cover letter in your application package, they will not be considered a substitute for the SOQ, which is a required document. 1. What graduate/undergraduate program are you enrolled in and how will it assist you in performing the duties of this position. 2. The selected candidates for this position will be in contact (on the phones and social media platforms) with youth and families experiencing trauma. Please describe (in 500 words or less) your experience (lived and academic) in working with foster children or the child welfare system. 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. 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. Final Filing Date: 10/31/2024 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. Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. 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 www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below: Address for Mailing Application Packages You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to: Department of Social Services California Department of Social Services Attn: Classification & Pay Unit P.O.Box 944243 Sacramento, CA 94244-2430 Address for Drop-Off Application Packages You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at: 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 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 www.CalCareers.ca.gov. 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 - (SOQ) Please see the Special Requirements section of this job advertisement for detailed instructions for the SOQ submission. 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. 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: * Adapt to changing priorities * Possess exceptional written and oral communication skills with the ability to present information and express ideas in a clear, confident, and convincing manner * Excellent communication and interactive skills * Possess strong organizational and time management skills * Demonstrate the ability to be accountable * Proficient in the use of various computer word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications and be willing to learn new technological tools and to incorporate them in daily tasks * Demonstrate excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to work in a multi-disciplined team environment * Perform both independently and in a cooperative team environment * Demonstrate the ability to prioritize and work well under pressure to meet quick deadlines * Possess excellent customer service skills * Be able to work remotely and in an office environment * Have excellent attendance 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. 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. Hiring Unit Contact: Tia Griffin (279) 200-2963 tianisha.griffin@dss.ca.gov Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) 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. 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. Applicant Survey Please let us know how you learned about this career opportunity by taking the brief survey that follows: Recruitment Survey. 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.