State Policy Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Serves as an independent and highly skilled subject matter expert and technical program consultant in behavioral health and state policy. Provides consultation, technical assistance, and coordination in the planning, development, and implementation of comprehensive healthcare workforce policies. Works on issues of significant sensitivity and complexity, often requiring collaboration with governmental agencies, public and private educational institutions, and employers across California.
Effective July 1, 2025, specific Bargaining Units and associated Excluded State employees are subject to a salary reduction between 2% - 4.62% in exchange for Personal Leave Program 2025 (PLP 2025) hours each month. For more details about PLP 2025 , visit the California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) website.
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You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement .
Working Conditions
HCAI is committed to fostering a flexible, inclusive, and high-performing work environment that supports both operational excellence and employee well-being.
HCAI is housed in a state-of-the-art building outside of downtown off Interstate-5. Enjoy a great work environment with many amenities, including FREE PARKING and fully equipped electric vehicle charging stations. HCAI is close to many dining and shopping choices in the Natomas area.
HCAI supports a hybrid telework schedule for many positions, consistent with operational requirements. Telework schedules are only available for CA residents. The telework policy is subject to change, and additional in-office days may be required and/or minimal notification may be given to report to the worksite if an urgent need arises.
Visa Sponsorship: HCAI is not an E-Verify employer and does not provide visa sponsorship. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of appointment.
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-526900
Position #(s):
441-211-8338-XXX
Working Title:
Behavioral Health & State 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:
1
Work Location:
Sacramento County
Telework:
Hybrid
Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time
Department Information California's Department of Health Care Access and Information works to ensure that healthcare is available where Californians need it most. With offices in Sacramento and Los Angeles, we strengthen the state's healthcare system through facility construction, expanding the health workforce, and providing vital health information. Our diverse team upholds the values of professionalism, innovation, equity, and service. We provide tools and support to help you start, build, or transition your career while making a meaningful impact for all Californians.
The Office of Health Workforce Development increases access to healthcare services in underserved communities with a focus on building a diverse workforce. Our team evaluates healthcare policy, investigates workforce gaps, and distributes over 3,000 awards each year in the form of scholarships, loans, and grants. Be a part of a community of professionals that create innovative solutions to ensure all Californians have access to equitable and quality health care.
HCAI is committed to building an inclusive work environment that promotes diversity, where employees are appreciated and feel comfortable being their authentic selves. We value our employees' skills, experience, and unique perspectives because they enrich our workforce and make us stronger. We embrace and support a culture of equitable opportunity, empowering our employees to advance health care access and information for the diverse populations we serve across California.
Department Website: http://HCAI.ca.gov/
Special Requirements A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) must be submitted to apply for this position. The SOQ must be in 12-point Arial font, single-spaced, and no more than 2 page(s) in length. The SOQ must include responses to the following questions in numerical order; do not consolidate responses. In Person interviews are anticipated to be held the week of August 24th.
1. Describe your experience assisting in the development, implementation, or evaluation of a public health program or initiative. What was your role, what steps did you take, and what was the result?
2. Tell us about a time you worked with internal or external partners (e.g., community organizations, local health departments, or other state agencies) to support a public health effort. How did you ensure productive collaboration?
3. Give an example of how you managed competing priorities or worked under tight deadlines on a health-related project. What strategies did you use to stay organized and ensure high-quality work?
To support fair hiring, applicants should prepare their application materials using their own knowledge, experience, and skills. Your responses should show your own qualifications and work history. Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools should only be used responsibly.
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: 8/14/2026
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 Health Care Access and Information
Human Resources Office
Attn: Classification and Pay
2020 West El Camino Avenue, Suite 1016
Sacramento , CA 95833
Address for Drop-Off Application Packages
You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:
Department of Health Care Access and Information
Human Resources Office
Attn: Classification and Pay
2020 West El Camino Avenue, Suite 1016
Sacramento , CA 95833
Drop off at 8th Floor Receptionist
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 - A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) must be submitted to apply for this position. Please see the Special Requirements section for details.

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 evaluating and analyzing situations followed by recommending, adopting and/or implementing an effective course of action.
• Experience that demonstrates the ability to efficiently process or oversee contracts and/or grants while effectively tracking and monitoring outcomes.
• Experience that demonstrates the ability to multi-task, meet deadlines and adjust to changing priorities in a cooperative manner.
• Experience collaborating and interacting with the public and varying levels of departmental personnel.
• Experience collaborating on or leading cross-functional teams.
• Experience with learning and implementing new technology platforms and effectively managing changes.

Benefits In addition to competitive public employee wages and a comprehensive benefits package, our employees enjoy meaningful and interesting work that supports access to healthcare.
To learn more about benefits for State employees, visit the Salary and Benefits page on the CalHR website .
University of California (UC) and California State University (CSU) employees may qualify to transfer their current and previous employment credit to State of California employment through CalPERS. Human Resources can help with this process upon employment, or you can reach out to CalPERS for inquiries at (888) 225-7377.
Contact Information
The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.
Department Website: http://HCAI.ca.gov/
Human Resources Contact:
HCAI Recruitment
(916) 326-3260
HRRecruitment@hcai.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) 326-3261
eeo@hcai.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 Requirements
To be considered for this vacancy, please complete all applicable fields on the application form, including a list or description of previous/current work experience in the duties performed section. The application should also clearly demonstrate the candidate's ability to meet the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification.
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 e.g. Social Security Number (SSN).
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 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.
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. HCAI accepts foreign transcript evaluations that are completed by one of the agencies approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.
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.