Administrative Law Judge

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 Cal Career Account) / By Mail Drop-off

Presides over hearings in CDSS and DHCS Program areas, which may include program areas such as CalWORKs, Cal Fresh, 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, Cal Fresh, 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.

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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 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. For positions advertised in more than one location, headquarters 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.

Please note:

Regular commute is not compensable.

• 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

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…