Job Description

Job Description and Duties

Completion of the Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST) Basic Academy or Specialized Investigators Basic Course is required.

The Department of Developmental Services (DDS) is recruiting to fill a Investigator position within the Office of Protective Services (OPS) in the Headquarters Office , located in Sacramento.

Under the direct supervision of the Supervising Special Investigator I (Lieutenant) of the Professional Standards Branch (PSB), Office of Protective Services (OPS), the Investigator hereinafter referred to as “Detective” is a sworn Peace Officer pursuant to section 830.0(v) of the California Penal Code. Responsibilities include conducting independent criminal, civil, and/or administrative investigations to identify violations of Federal, State, and/or local laws and facility policies.

The Detective is also responsible for the administration of the criminal history review and exemption procedures and processes associated with the Family Home Agency (FHA) program and Self Determination Program (SDP). The Detective conducts and completes investigations within established guidelines as set forth in the Office of Protective Services Law Enforcement manual.

Investigations may include but are not limited to client deaths; allegations of abuse and neglect; fraud; embezzlement; and criminal history investigations based on a subsequent arrest or DOJ/FBI notification. The Detective will collect and verify evidence; complete clear, concise, and accurate reports; and may conduct undercover or surveillance operations.

This position provides hybrid telework opportunities, with employees required to work in-person at least two days per week. Beginning July 1, 2025, all employees will be required to work in-person at least four days per week in alignment with Executive Order N-22-25 .

RE-ADVERTISEMENT:  If you previously applied to this position, it is not necessary to submit a new application

DDS now offers an entrance salary rate of

$6837.00 for the Investigator classification.

You will find additional information about the job in the .

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

Additional Documents

Special Requirements

• The position(s) require(s) a valid California Drivers License (CDL). You must answer the questions addressing your CDL on your application. Ensure you provide your CDL number, class, expiration date, and any endorsements and/or restrictions.
• The position(s) require(s) a Drug Screening be passed prior to being hired.
• The position(s) require(s) a Background Investigation be cleared prior to being hired.
• The position(s) require(s) Medical Clearance prior to being hired.
• The position(s) require(s) Psychological Evaluation clearance prior to being hired.
• The position(s) require(s) a(n) Specialized Investigators Basic Course Certificate. You will be required to provide a copy of your certificate prior to being hired.
• The position(s) require(s) a(n) or POST Certificate. You will be required to provide a copy of your certificate prior to being hired.

The Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) must be typed in 12-point Arial font, single spaced, and be no more than two pages in length.  Applicants who fail to answer the question below or submit an SOQ may not be considered.

Note:  If you do not follow the instructions, you may not move forward in this recruitment. Cover letters and resumes do not take the place of the SO Q.

1. How does your POST-related training, education, and/or Law Enforcement job experience qualify you for this position?

If you are using list eligibility from an on-line exam to qualify for this position, you MUST include with your application any documentation (i.e., copy of transcript, degree, license, etc.) to verify meeting the MQ’s or you may not be considered for the position.

The MQs will be verified prior to interview and/or appointment. If it is determined that an applicant does not meet the MQs of the classification, the applicant may not be considered and withheld from the eligible list.

Application Instructions

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: Until Filled

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.

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 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 Developmental Services - Headquarters

N/A

Attn: Allisa Montanez

Cert Unit

1215 O Street, MS 10-40

Sacramento , CA 95814

Address for Drop-Off Application Packages

You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:

Department of Developmental Services - Headquarters

N/A

Allisa Montanez

Cert Unit

1215 O Street, MS 10-40

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 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 -

  A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required and is a narrative discussion of how the candidate's education, training, experience, and skills meet the minimum and desirable qualifications and qualify them for the position. The SOQ serves as a documentation of each candidate's ability to present information clearly and concisely in writing.  SEE “SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS” ABOVE FOR INSTRUCTIONS.

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

As a state employee working for the Department of Developmental Services, you and your family will have access to excellent medical, dental and vision insurance benefits in addition to retirement benefits.

Benefit eligibility may be based on job classification, bargaining unit, time base and length of appointment. Additional benefits may also be outlined for specific bargaining units in employee collective bargaining contracts. For more information, please visit the links below:

Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.

Contact Information

The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.

Department Website:

Human Resources Contact:
Allisa Montanez
(279) 895-6849
Allisa.montanez@dds.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:
Equal Employment Opportunity Office
(916) 654-1888
OHRAS@dds.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.

Additional Information

The first cut-off date for this job posting is 08/18/2025

Electronic application submission is highly encouraged.

Multiple positions may be filled from this recruitment. This recruitment may be utilized to fill future vacancies that may occur during the life of the certification list.

Possession of Minimum Qualifications will be verified prior to interview and/or appointment. If you are meeting Minimum Qualifications with education, you must include your unofficial transcripts/diploma for verification. Official transcripts may be required upon appointment. If it is determined an applicant does not meet the Minimum Qualifications, the candidate may be withheld from the eligibility list, rendering them inactive and ineligible to be hired for the position. Candidates who have been withheld may file an appeal with the California Department of Human Resources.

All appointments are subject to State Restriction of Appointment (SROA), Departmental Restriction of Appointment (DROA), Re-employment List procedures, pre-employment physical and fingerprint clearances. Further information on the definition of the above may be found on the California Department of Human Resources' website at: 

You may find the exam for this classification on the Exams/Assessment tab or at:

Job Tags

Permanent employment, Full time, Local area, Remote job, 2 days per week,

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