Why Join DHCS:

The Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) is the backbone of California’s health care safety net. Our success is made possible by the hard work of more than 4,800 DHCS team members and through collaboration with federal government and other state agencies, counties, and partners for the care of low-income families, children, pregnant women, older adults, and persons with disabilities. The is an exciting opportunity to join are diverse team in the following role. If you are interested in joining our team, apply today!

About this Role:

Under the direction of the Lanterman-Petris-Short (LPS) Unit Chief, a Staff Services Manager I, the Health Program Specialist I (HPS I) performs a variety of tasks related to the oversight and monitoring of 24-hour psychiatric facilities throughout California under the jurisdiction of the Mental Health Licensing and Certification (MHLC) Branch, including Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facilities (PRTFs), Mental Health Rehabilitation Centers (MHRCs), and Psychiatric Health Facilities (PHFs). The HPS I functions as a lead and a Subject Matter Expert (SME) on licensing surveys of the PRTFs, MHRCs, and PHFs, the investigation of Unusual Occurrence Reports (UOR), complaints, and the approval of LPS designated facilities.

Have questions and/or need assistance?
Contact Recruit@dhcs.ca.gov, we are here to help walk you through the state hiring process!

This position is subject to the Department's Conflict of Interest Code and filing a Statement of Economic Interests (Form 700) when assuming office, annually while in office, and upon leaving office.

You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.

Working Conditions

Please see Telework and Salary Information section below for telework, reporting location, and temporary statewide salary reduction details.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

HEALTH PROGRAM SPECIALIST I

Additional Documents

Job Application Package Checklist
Duty Statement

Position Details

Job Code #:

JC-501516

Position #(s):

808-959-8338-006

Working Title:

Policy Specialist

Classification:

HEALTH PROGRAM SPECIALIST I

$6,623.00 - $8,290.00

New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

# of Positions:

Multiple

Work Location:

Sacramento County

Telework:

Hybrid

Job Type:

Permanent, Full Time

Department Information

DHCS’ purpose is to provide equitable access to quality health care leading to a healthy California for all.

DHCS is a dynamic organization with ambitious goals and talented, committed employees. We work hard every day to fulfill our vital responsibility to support the delivery of quality health care to Californians. DHCS is committed to addressing disparities within our organization and in our communities through efforts toward greater diversity, equity, and inclusion. This is accomplished, in part, by a commitment toward employing a diverse workforce which reflects the many communities we serve, and by promoting and enforcing equal employment opportunities.

Take a look at some of DHCS' recent projects and happenings that our Department has accomplished DHCS Newsroom.

Special Requirements

Simple Application Steps

If you are interested in this position, please complete the following simple steps:

Review the education and experience minimum qualifications (MQ’s) of the Health Program Specialist I- CalHR (See the Minimum Requirements section above.)
Complete the supplemental application and the state application by clicking “Apply Now” above. See below for detailed application instructions.
Submit your application package with all required documents, which include the supplemental application -see the "Required Application Package Documents" section below.
Once you have applied, take the Health Program Specialist exam at this site: Health Program Specialist I - CalHR

If using education to meet classification MQ pattern:

Education: If you are meeting minimum qualifications with education, you must include a copy of your diploma/degree and/or unofficial/informal transcripts for verification. Official transcripts may be required upon appointment.

Supplemental Application Requirement Section

Applicants must include a Supplemental Application (SA) for this recruitment. You must provide specific information in your response(s) which demonstrates how your knowledge, skills, and training meet the needs of this position. The DHCS may not consider applicants who fail to provide an SA with their application. Resumes do not take the place of the SA.

The SA response must be no more than two pages in length, double-spaced and using 12-point Arial font. You must indicate your Full Name and Job Control Number at the top right corner.

Respond directly to the following Supplemental Application question(s):

Describe your training and work experience that have prepared you to perform the responsibilities of this position. Provide specific examples of your experience in analysis of projects requiring knowledge of established policies and procedures, and the practices you have used to be successful.
What interests you most about this specific position within state service and what skills/knowledge/abilities would you contribute to ensure successful program implementation and operation?

Travel is required 50% of the time.

Position may require overnight travel for up to 4 consecutive nights to meet training requirements.

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: 12/29/2025

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 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 Health Care Services

Mailing

Attn: Certification Technician JC-501516

M.S. 1300

P.O. Box 997411

Sacramento, CA 95899-7411

Address for Drop-Off Application Packages

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

Department of Health Care Services

Drop-Off

Certification Technician JC-501516

1501 Capitol Avenue, Suite 71.1501

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 required and must be included.
Supplemental Application - Refer to the Supplemental Application Requirement Section 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.

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:

Desirable qualifications include, but not limited to, experience and skills in the following areas:

Leading and managing complex projects.
Analyzing laws, regulations and contractual requirements and making recommendations for implementation
Conducting root cause analysis and developing/implementing process improvement
Conducting compliance reviews
Analyzing data and developing recommendations
Developing concept/issue papers
Root cause analysis

Benefits

DHCS is dedicated to creating an innovative workplace for its team members that is inclusive, diverse, and interactive! Here are a few of the ways we stay engaged with our team:

Continuous and ongoing training
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion program activities
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Additionally, as a team member of the State of California, you may be eligible for many benefits, such as:

Medical, including health, dental, and vision insurance.
Paid Holidays and vacation/leave
Defined retirement program
Savings Plus Program (401(k), 457)
Medical/Dependent Care Reimbursement Accounts

Full benefits information can be found on CalHR's?California State Civil Service Employee Benefits Summary.

DHCS 2023-2027 Strategic Plan ?provides more information about our commitment to serving Californians and organizational excellence.

We need your help! Please let us know how you heard about our position by taking this brief optional survey: SurveyMonkey Link. This survey is not required to be considered for this position.

Contact Information

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

Hiring Unit Contact:
Michele Laber
(916) 292-5090
michele.laber@dhcs.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 Officer
(916) 440-7370
civilrights@dhcs.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.

Telework and Salary Information

This position is currently designated as a field-based position that regularly conducts site visits and interacts with health care partners, providers, or others. This position may be eligible for telework up to five days a week. The amount of telework is at the discretion of the Department and is subject to change consistent with DHCS’ Telework Program and Government Code sections 14200 – 14203. Telework is available to California residents, and proof of residency may be required.

The selected candidate will be assigned an available DHCS office closest to their residence prior to their start date. The selected candidate will be required to report to their assigned DHCS office and other DHCS locations as needed. Business travel may be required, and reimbursement considers an employee’s designated office and residence subject to regulations and bargaining unit contract provisions. All commute expenses to the reporting location will be the responsibility of the selected candidate.

For a list of possible DHCS office assignment locations, please reference the reporting location document attached to the duty statement on this job advertisement.

Personal Leave Program (PLP) 2025 agreement

Salary: Effective July 1, 2025, the California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) implemented the temporary Personal Leave Program 2025 (PLP 2025). PLP 2025 directs that each employee receive a temporary reduction in pay in exchange for PLP 2025 leave credits. The temporary salary reduction percentage and the number of PLP 2025 leave credits are based on the position’s associated bargaining unit. The salary range(s) included in this job advertisement do not include the temporary salary reduction. Please reach out to the hiring unit contact listed on this job advertisement for details.

Additional Information

Using the online application system as specified in the announcement is the preferred method of applying for civil service job opportunities; however, applicants may instead apply by way of U.S. mail, parcel delivery or courier service, or in person, as set forth in this announcement.

Paper applications must include a signature. Dates printed on envelopes by mobile barcodes or equivalent mobile print technology are not acceptable proof of the date the application and any other required documents or materials were filed.

Applicants must state their basis of eligibility (List Eligibility, Lateral Transfer, Reinstatement, T&D, or Surplus/SROA), and the Job Control (JC) number and/or position number in the “Examination(s) or Job Title(s), For Which You Are Applying” section on the STD. 678. Surplus/SROA candidates should submit a copy of their letter with their application. Please remove any confidential information (i.e., social security number, date of birth, etc.) as well as any information regarding your LEAP eligibility and/or exam scores from your documents prior to submission.

All information on the Employment Application (STD 678) must be completed. Applicants should include all employment history on the Employment Application (STD 678), including detailed job descriptions, hours worked per week, and start/end dates (MM/DD/YYYY). Resumes or other documents may not be substituted for the Employment Application (STD 678).

If applying electronically, please note that CalCareers no longer allows applicants to withdraw their applications. If you need assistance to withdraw your application, please contact the Recruitment Section at Recruit@dhcs.ca.gov For all other questions regarding your CalCareer account, please contact CalHR’s CalCareers Unit at (866) 844-8671 or CalCareer@calhr.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 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.

Department of Health Care Services

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HEALTH PROGRAM SPECIALIST I