Program Policy Consultant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The California Department of Education (CDE), Special Education Division (SED), Policy and Initiatives Unit is seeking a motivated, detail-oriented Education Programs Consultant (EPC). Under general supervision of the Education Administrator I in the Policy and Initiatives Unit, the EPC performs complex analytical duties in support of the Education Administrator I and the Director of the Special Education Division. As the Unit's policy consultant, the EPC independently research, analyzes, and interprets proposed and enacted state and federal legislation, regulations, and policy affecting special education including the California Education Code, Title 5 of the California Code of Regulations, and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and prepares bill analyses, policy briefs, and implementation recommendations for Division management.
The EPC independently analyzes and tracks the annual state budget as it affects special education programs, services, and funding, including the Governor's Budget, May Revision, budget change proposals, education trailer bill language, and legislative budget subcommittee actions, and prepares written analyses and briefing materials on fiscal and programmatic impact.
The EPC also independently drafts memoranda, statewide guidance documents, correspondence, and presentations for the Director's review and use; develops federally required annual reports, including the State Performance Plan/Annual Performance Report and the State Systemic Improvement Plan; plans, coordinates, and leads statewide initiatives and work groups; partners with other CDE divisions and external stakeholder groups; serves as grant and contract monitor for assigned projects; and serves as the Division liaison to the California Advisory Commission on Special Education.
This position is headquartered in Sacramento and may be eligible for a hybrid telework schedule for eligible applicants residing in California. Travel may be required.
Personal Leave Program 2025
Effective July 1, 2025, the State of California implemented the Personal Leave Program (PLP) 2025. This position is subject to PLP 2025 and will have a monthly base pay reduction of 3% in exchange for 5 hours of leave credits through June 2027. The salary range(s) shown on this job posting does not reflect the salary reduction.
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement .
Working Conditions
TELEWORK OPTION
HYBRID
This position is headquartered in Sacramento and may be eligible for a hybrid telework schedule for eligible applicants residing in California. A hybrid telework schedule includes working remotely and physically reporting to the office.
Minimum Requirements You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

• EDUCATION PROGRAMS CONSULTANT
• EDUCATION PROGRAMS ASSISTANT

Additional Documents

• Job Application Package Checklist
• Duty Statement

Position Details Job Code #:
JC-530280
Position #(s):
174-663-2656-165
Working Title:
Policy Consultant
Classification:
EDUCATION PROGRAMS CONSULTANT $8,237.00 - $10,310.00 A
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
Shall Consider:
EDUCATION PROGRAMS ASSISTANT
$5,912.00 - $7,396.00 A
$7,138.00 - $8,934.00 B
# of Positions:
1
Work Location:
Sacramento County
Telework:
Hybrid
Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time
Facility:
Special Education Division
Department Information
The California Department of Education (CDE) oversees the state's diverse and dynamic public school system, which is responsible for the education of more than six million children and young adults in more than 10,000 schools with 295,000 teachers. The CDE and the State Superintendent of Public Instruction are responsible for enforcing education law and regulations; and for continuing to reform and improve public elementary school programs, secondary school programs, adult education, some preschool programs, and child care programs. The CDE's mission is to provide a world-class education for all students, from early childhood to adulthood. The CDE serves our state by innovating and collaborating with educators, schools, parents, and community partners, preparing students to live, work, and thrive in a highly connected world.
http://www.cde.ca.gov/
Special 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: 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. Individuals who are eligible for a Training and Development assignment may also be considered for this position(s). 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 Education
Human Resources Division-Mail In
Attn: C&P PC 3887/ JC 530280
1430 N Street, Ste. 1802
Sacramento , CA 95814
Address for Drop-Off Application Packages
You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:
Department of Education
Department of Education Drop-Off
C&P PC 3887/ JC 530280
1430 N Street (Lobby Drop-Off Box)
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.
• Statement of Qualifications -
  Interested individuals MUST submit a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) with their application. Resumes, letters, and other materials do not take the place of the SOQ. The SOQ should have a title of "Statement of Qualifications, Your Name ," be no more than 2 pages, no smaller than 12-point font, and address the following:
  
  • 1. Describe your experience performing complex analysis of legislation, regulations, or public agency budgets, and translating that analysis into written products or presentations for management. Provide an example of an analysis you completed independently, including any resources used.
  • 2. This position leads statewide initiatives and workgroups. Describe a time you led or coordinated a group, project, or initiative in which participants held competing interests or priorities. Explain your role, how you moved the work forward without formal authority over the participants, a significant obstacle you encountered and how you addressed it, and the outcome.

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:
• Knowledge of IDEA, California Education Code, and Title 5 regulations governing special education.
• Experience analyzing and interpreting proposed and enacted legislation and regulations and preparing bill analyses or policy briefs.
• Knowledge of the California state budget process, including the Governor's Budget, May Revision, and trailer bill language.
• Experience analyzing education funding structures and communicating fiscal and programmatic impact to management.
• Ability to independently draft accurate memoranda, guidance documents, and correspondence meeting Section 508 requirements.
• Experience planning and facilitating work groups and engaging diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to manage multiple complex assignments independently and meet deadlines.
• Tact, resourcefulness, and sound judgment on sensitive policy issues.
Benefits
The State of California provides comprehensive benefits packages determined by the employee's bargaining unit. Some of these benefits include:
• Medical benefits, including health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid holidays: 11 paid State holidays, 1 personal paid holiday, and 2 professional development days
• 401(k) and 457(b) Plans (Savings Plus)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Commute Program
More benefit information can be found on CalHR's website: Benefits Summary
Contact Information
The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.
Human Resources Contact:
Munita Prasad
(916) 319-0752
mprasad@cde.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:
Randi Thompson, EEO Officer
(916) 445-9174
oeoinfo@cde.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.
Important Application Instructions

• How to Apply for state jobs: https://calcareers.ca.gov/CalHRPublic/Landing/Jobs/Steps.aspx
• Electronic applications submitted through your CalCareer account are highly recommended.
• DO NOT include any confidential information on any documents you submit for this job vacancy. Confidential information that should be excluded or removed from these documents includes, but is not limited to, your Social Security Number (SSN), birthdate, age, student identification number, driver license (unless required), examination results, LEAP status, and marital status.
• Incomplete or late application packages will NOT be considered.
• For experience to be considered, your STD 678 (state application) must be complete and include dates, accurate hours per week, total time worked, duties and responsibilities, and contact names and phone numbers of supervisors. Applications that are submitted blank or with "see resume" in place of duties performed will be considered incomplete.
• For civil service classifications, do not use working titles.
• If you choose not to submit electronically and are mailing or dropping off your hard copy State Application (STD. 678), use the revised 06/2024 version.
• If you are using education to meet the minimum qualifications, you must submit a copy of your transcripts or diploma. Foreign transcripts must be accompanied by an academic credential evaluation. List of approved agencies: Foreign Transcript Evaluation (CL-635)
• Please note that the CalCareer system will not allow you to make changes to your application once it is submitted.
• Candidates who reside outside of the State of California may be admitted to the job interview but must provide proof of residence in California prior to being eligible for appointment.
• For general information about getting a job with the state, please view the job series videos here: Work4CA:How to Get a State Job Series .

Examination Information
Examination Information:
To be considered for this job opportunity, applicants must be reachable on an employment list, have transfer eligibility, or have reinstatement eligibility. If you are new to California State service and you do not have list eligibility, you must take the exam for this classification.
Please note : A separate application is required for the examination and must be submitted to the address on the examination bulletin.
The examination bulletin(s) may be viewed on the California Department of Education Web page at: Examinations Bulletins - Exams & Jobs (CDE Intranet) or at the link below:
Education Programs Consultant: https://calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/Exams/ExamBulletin.aspx?ExamControlId=2870
Education Programs Assistant: https://calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/Exams/ExamBulletin.aspx?ExamControlId=2049