Health Program Specialist Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Under the general direction of the Deputy Director of Health Policy and Stakeholder Relations, the Health Program Specialist II (HPS II) functions as a highly skilled technical program consultant to serve as the Department liaison for the 58 county behavioral health departments throughout the state. The HPS II will implement provisions of the updated Behavioral Health Services Act which calls for increased collaboration between health plans and county behavioral health departments who provide behavioral health services for health plan members throughout the state. The HPS II serves as a liaison by representing the Department and Deputy Director in presentations, meetings with local governments, health plan representatives, provider groups, community organizations, consumer advocates and other stakeholders. The HPS II is responsible for developing and supporting relationships between the Department and county governments, licensed health plans, their network providers and the health care consumers they serve. This position requires the incumbent to function independently, communicate effectively and exercise a high degree of initiative.
Please let us know how you heard about this position by taking a brief survey: DMHC Recruitment Survey
Leave Program (PLP) 2025 agreement:
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.
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement .
Working Conditions
The DMHC has locations in Downtown Sacramento and Rancho Cordova. Both locations are located close to light-rail with various amenities. The incumbent will work in a climate-controlled cubicle and/or office environment with artificial lighting.
This position may be eligible for hybrid telework. The telework schedule is permitted at the operational needs of the Department and is subject to change, consistent with the State Telework Policy and the DMHC's Telework Policy. All employees who telework are required to be California residents and maintain California residency in accordance with Government Code 14200.
Minimum Requirements You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

• HEALTH PROGRAM SPECIALIST II

Additional Documents

• Job Application Package Checklist
• Duty Statement

Position Details Job Code #:
JC-530371
Position #(s):
409-251-8336-002
Working Title:
Health Program Specialist II
Classification:
HEALTH PROGRAM SPECIALIST II $7,276.00 - $9,107.00
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
# of Positions:
1
Work Location:
Sacramento County
Telework:
Hybrid
Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time
Department Information
The mission of the Department of Managed Health Care (DMHC) is to is to ensure health plan members have access to equitable, high-quality, timely, and affordable health care within a stable health care delivery system. The DMHC accomplishes its mission by ensuring the health care system works for consumers. The Department protects the health care rights of 30.2 million Californians by regulating health care service plans, assisting consumers through a consumer Help Center, educating consumers on their rights and responsibilities and preserving the financial stability of the managed health care system.
DMHC values diversity at all levels of the organization and is committed to fostering an environment in which employees from a variety of backgrounds, cultures, and personal experiences are welcomed and can thrive. DMHC believes the diversity of our employees and their unique ideas inspire innovative solutions to further our mission. Join DMHC and help us improve the lives of all Californians.
If you are interested in learning about the Department of Managed Health Care (DMHC) culture from the perspective of someone like yourself, contact our Someone Like Me program (please check your Spam or Junk folders for our email replies). Within five business days of your request to participate in the Someone Like Me program, you will be matched with a DMHC employee with a similar background to discuss the DMHC's culture. This program is not part of, or in any way affiliated with the application or hiring process. Prospective employees must complete the application process on Cal Careers (e.g., submit your application within the specified timeframes on the job posting) to be considered for hire at the DMHC. None of the information you provide through the Someone Like Me program will be relayed to the Hiring Unit.
Department Website: http://www.dmhc.ca.gov
Special Requirements

• The position(s) require(s) a Background Investigation be cleared prior to being hired.

The position(s) require(s) a Background Investigation be cleared prior to being hired.
Any documents you submit for a job vacancy such as your state application, resume, cover letter, educational transcripts, etc. SHOULD NOT include ANY confidential information. Confidential information that should be excluded or removed from these documents include, but is not limited to, your Social Security Number (SSN), birthday, driver's license number (unless required), basis of eligibility, examination results, LEAP status, marital status, and age. Confidential information on the first page of applications submitted electronically online, such as Easy ID number, SSN, examination related information, and driver's license number will automatically be redacted upon submission.
Possession of Minimum Qualifications will be verified prior to interview and/or appointment. If you are using education to meet the minimum qualifications for this position, you must submit a copy of your high school transcripts or college/university transcript(s). Unofficial transcripts may be accepted during the application process; however, submission of official transcripts may be required prior to 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: 9/9/2026
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 Managed Health Care
DMHC Recruitment
Attn: Human Resources Office
980 9th Street, Suite 500
Sacramento , CA 95814
Address for Drop-Off Application Packages
You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:
Department of Managed Health Care
DMHC Recruitment
Human Resources Office
980 9th Street, Suite 500
Sacramento , CA 95814
Please call the DMHC HR Office if you are dropping off an application 916-322-8437
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 -
  The Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is a MANDATORY requirement to apply for this position. The SOQ will answer specific questions and provide insight to the hiring manager regarding the candidate's education, training, experience, and skills to meet the minimum and desirable qualifications for the position.
  Please see section labeled Statement of Qualifications Instructions for further direction .

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 Conducting Outreach and Education
• Experience coordinating and/or facilitating meetings, workgroups and committees
• Experience evaluating and researching health policy, legislation, regulation, procedures or research studies, and providing recommendations
• Experience managing a program, project, or special study
• Experience in writing or editing documents, such as reports, memos, PowerPoint presentations, press releases
• Experience representing a department or organization in front of local, State, Federal or private jurisdictions
• Knowledge of Health Care Industry, County Behavioral Health System, and Commercial Health Plan systems, including claims processes, utilization management and the grievance processes.
• Experience building relationships and engaging with diverse stakeholders.
• Possesses a positive and professional attitude in a challenging work environment.
• Demonstrates excellent and effective written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to work independently or in a group setting, either as part of a team or as team lead.
Benefits 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 application process. The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position.
Department Website: http://www.dmhc.ca.gov
Human Resources Contact:
DMHC Recruitment
(916) 322-8437
recruitment@dmhc.ca.gov
Hiring Unit Contact:
Amanda Levy
(916) 319-9922
Amanda.Levy@dmhc.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) 738-3394
EEO@dmhc.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 Application Instructions
To be considered for this vacancy, please complete all applicable fields on the application form, including a list or description of previous/current occupational experience in the duties performed section.
Electronic applications through your CalCareer account are highly recommended.
Do NOT include your social security number on any submitted documents. If submitting your application via postal mail or in person, please notate RPA: 26-046 and Job Control: JC-530371 on your application.
All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to clearly demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position on your State Application (STD Form 678). The application should also clearly demonstrate the candidate's ability to meet the Desirable Qualifications identified in this job advertisement. The Classification Specification for the Health Program Specialist II is located at the top of this Job Announcement Posting under Minimum Requirements.
Foreign Degrees or Transcripts - Applicants with foreign degrees or transcripts who wish to apply that coursework toward meeting the minimum qualifications of the classification must provide a transcript evaluation that indicates the number of units to which his/her foreign coursework is equivalent. DMHC accepts foreign transcript evaluations that are completed by one of the agencies approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing .
PLEASE NOTE: If you are mailing your application, it must be postmarked by the final filing date. Hand delivered applications must b