Posted today
Legislation and Regulations Health Program Specialist
State of California - Sacramento, CA
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 the 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. This is an exciting opportunity to join our diverse team in the following role. If you are interested in joining our team, apply today!

The Medi-Cal Behavioral Health - Policy Division (MCBH-PD) oversees the policy and program areas of the Specialty Mental Health Services, Drug Medi-Cal (DMC), and Drug Medi-Cal Organized Delivery System (DMC-ODS) programs. Specifically, MCBH-PD oversees State Plan Amendments for county behavioral health plans; behavioral health CalAIM development and implementation activities, including for Peer Support Services, No Wrong Door, Documentation Redesign, Behavioral Health Administrative Integration, and Screening and Transition of Care Tools; 988; the Mobile Crisis Services benefit; Community Assistance, Recovery, and Empowerment (CARE) Act; the Behavioral Health Community-Based Organized Networks of Equitable Care and Treatment (BH-CONNECT) Demonstration; Recovery Incentives Program; Family First Prevention Services Act; and Complex Care cases.

About this Role:
The Health Program Specialist (HPS) I is a highly skilled program consultant in the area of policy development and interpretation of policies related to the Medi-Cal Specialty Mental Health Services (SMHS) and Substance Use Disorder (SUD) services programs under the federal 1915(b) SMHS waiver requirements, including the Special Terms and Conditions, which are governed by the Social Security Act and Medicaid laws, rules and regulations. The incumbent must conduct him/herself in a professional manner, demonstrate good analytical skills, have strong oral and written communication skills, problem solving and organizational abilities, the ability to research and interpret laws and regulations, strong facilitation and project management skills, and the appropriate skills to present upper management with recommendations and alternatives to identified issues. The incumbent must have the ability to handle confidential/sensitive information.

It is highly recommended that applicants submit their application and supporting documents online through the CalCareer account. This is pending Human Resources approvals.

This recruitment has been posted for more vacancies than currently exist as it may be used to fill additional identical vacancies which occur within 180 days of the closing date of this bulletin.

Have questions and/or need assistance? Contact R[redacted], we are here to help walk you through the state hiring process.

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

Working Conditions
Please see the Telework Information section below for telework 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-427468

Position #(s):

Working Title:
Legislation and Regulations Health Program Specialist

Classification:
HEALTH PROGRAM SPECIALIST I $6,243.00 - $7,815.00

# of Positions:
Multiple

Work Location:
Sacramento County

Telework:
Hybrid

Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time

Department Information
DHCS is California's health care safety net, helping millions of low-income and disabled Californians each and every day.

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 communities through efforts toward greater diversity, equity, and inclusion. This is accomplished, in part, by a commitment toward employing a diverse workforce that reflects the many communities we serve, and by promoting and enforcing equal employment opportunity.

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

Special Requirements
Simple Application Steps

If you are interested in this position, complete the following these simple steps:
  • Review the education and experience minimum qualifications (MQ's) of the Health Program Specialist I Health Program Specialist I (8338) - 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 I Exam CalCareers


  • 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.

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

  • What interests you most about this specific position and what skills/knowledge/abilities would you contribute to ensure successful program implementation and operation?
  • Describe your experience working collaboratively with supervisors and managers to achieve a goal set by executive management. Provide an example of how you contributed to solving a challenge encountered by the group.
  • 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.


  • The SA must have each response numbered, no more than 2 pages in length, single-spaced and using 12-point font. You must indicate your Full Name and Job Control Number at the top right corner.

    Candidates who do not complete and submit an SA may not be considered for this position.

    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: 5/2/2024
    Who May Apply
    Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list 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
    Attn: Certification Technician
    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

    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 - A completed Supplemental Application must be submitted with your STD. 678 in order to be considered for this position. Please see the Supplemental Application Requirement Section below for additional information.
    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:
    • Experience leading and managing complex projects.
    • Experience analyzing legislation, laws, regulations, and contractual requirements and making recommendations for implementation.
    • Experience conducting root cause analysis and develop/implement process improvement.

    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 - CalHR

    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:
    Liza Casey



    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


    California Relay Service: [redacted] (TTY), [redacted] (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.

    Telework Information

    This position may be eligible for telework up to three days per week and is required to report in-person and site-based a minimum of two days per 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.

    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.

    The DHCS office location for this position is: 1501 Capitol Avenue, Sacramento, CA 95814.

    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,