Job Posting: Health Program Specialist I

Ca Health & Human Services Agency

JC-503207
-
Health Program Specialist I
HEALTH PROGRAM SPECIALIST I

$6,623.00 - $8,290.00 per Month
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

Final Filing Date: 1/15/2026

Job Description and Duties

Under the general direction of the Chief Health Policy Officer, the Health Program Specialist I (HPS I) acts as a highly skilled program subject matter expert for health and behavioral health and is responsible for performing a variety of complex health program management and analytical tasks in the Health Policy Division, Office of Youth and Community Restoration (OYCR). The HPS I supports OYCR in the implementation of Senate Bill 823, Chapter 337, and Statutes of 2020, which promotes trauma responsive, culturally informed services for youth involved in the juvenile justice system that support the youths’ successful transition into adulthood and help them become responsible, thriving, and engaged members of their communities. The HPS I performs special projects related to the identification, efficacy, development, implementation, and management of health programs for youth involved in the justice system. The incumbent supports the OYCR Health Policy Division to effectively identify and disseminate best practices and to help inform rehabilitative and restorative youth practices through education, physical and behavioral health, positive youth development, diversion programs, spiritual growth, re-entry programs, and services for survivors of crime.

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

Working Conditions

This position is eligible for hybrid work in accordance with the Governor’s Executive Order N-22-25 and at the sole discretion of the Department of Social Services under California Government Code Section 14200. All telework schedules are subject to change and may be re-evaluated at any time.  The incumbent will be expected to report for in office work and attend work related in-person events as deemed operationally necessary. Telework does not change the terms and conditions of employment, the essential functions of job duties, or required compliance with the CDSS policies. Headquarter location may be designated on the selected candidate's primary residence location, and/or the closest CDSS location in accordance with operational need and available space. The successful candidate must reside in California upon appointment. The successful candidate must reside in California upon appointment.

 

Please note: Regular commute is not compensable.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

Additional Documents

Position Details

Job Code #:
JC-503207
Position #(s):
799-251-8338-002
Working Title:
Health Program Specialist I
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:
Los Angeles County
Telework:
Hybrid
Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time

Department Information

The California Health and Human Services Agency (CalHHS) oversees twelve departments and five offices that provide a range of health care services, social services, mental health services, alcohol and drug services, income assistance, and public health services to Californians from all walks of life. More than 33,000 people work for departments in CHHS at state headquarters in Sacramento, regional offices throughout the state, state institutions and residential facilities serving the mentally ill and people with developmental disabilities.

The state hiring process.  Successful applicants will have passed an examination for this classification or be an existing State Employee with transfer eligibility and will have followed the instructions under the Special Requirements and Required Application Documents section.  Electronic applications are encouraged, and hardcopy applications will be accepted. Hardcopy applications must include the Job Control and Position numbers in the “Explanation” section and be signed and dated.  

Department Website: https://www.chhs.ca.gov

Special Requirements

Instructions:
All applicants must complete this Special Requirements Supplemental Questionnaire as part of the application process for the Health Program Specialist I position. Responses must be typed and are expected to be clear, concise, and complete. Your responses will be used to assess your qualifications and experience relevant to the duties of the position. Applications submitted without the SQ will not be considered for an interview.

Please limit each response to 250 words.

1. Experience Supporting Health or Behavioral Health Programs for Youth
Describe your experience planning, implementing, or evaluating health, behavioral health, or trauma-informed programs for youth populations, particularly those involved in child welfare, education, or juvenile justice systems.
• Include specific examples of your role, responsibilities, and impact.
• Highlight experience working with vulnerable or justice-involved youth, communitybased providers, or county partners.

2. Knowledge of State Policies, Regulations, and Juvenile Justice Realignment
The Health Program Specialist I must understand the policy landscape created by SB 823 and related juvenile justice realignment mandates.
• Describe your experience working with California regulations, legislation, or state guidance related to health, youth services, or county-operated programs.
• Discuss how you stay current on policy changes and translate them into program operations or technical assistance.

3. County, Community, and Interagency Collaboration
This position requires coordination with counties, probation departments, community-based organizations, and behavioral health partners to support improved youth outcomes.
• Describe a time when you collaborated across agencies or disciplines to achieve a shared goal.
• Explain the challenges, strategies you used, and the final outcome.

4. Cultural Humility and Working with Diverse Youth and Families
OYCR is committed to equity, culturally responsive services, and strengthening connections between youth, families, and communities.
• Describe how you incorporate cultural humility in your work.
• Provide examples of how you have supported diverse youth or families, including those from historically marginalized communities.

5. Project Management and Independent Work
The HPS I often manages complex projects with minimal direction.
• Describe a project you independently planned and executed.
• Highlight your approach to organization, timelines, communication, and overcoming obstacles.

6. Writing, Communication, and Technical Assistance
This position requires producing written guidance, reports, presentations, and technical assistance for counties and stakeholders.
• Provide an example of a written product or presentation you created to convey complex information to a non-technical audience.
• Describe how you ensured accuracy, clarity, and usefulness of the information.

For experience/education to qualify during the application screening process, and to ensure that minimum qualifications can be determined, applicants should include all employment history on the Employment Application (STD 678) and/or Resume, including detailed job descriptions, hours worked per week, and start/end dates (MM/DD/YYYY). Application packages without this information will experience delayed processing times and your eligibility for this position may be impacted.

• Complete application required.
• Resume required.

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: 1/15/2026

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:

Ca Health & Human Services Agency
Mail option
Attn: c/o Dept Social Services, Cert Unit
P. O. Box 944243, MS 8-15-58
Sacramento, CA 94244-2430

Address for Drop-Off Application Packages

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

Ca Health & Human Services Agency
Drop off option
Department of Social Services
744 P Street, MS 8-15-58
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 -

    (SOQ) Please see the Special Requirements section of this job advertisement for detailed instructions for the SOQ submission.

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 trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and community-based health and justice interventions, including diversion and re-entry models.
• Knowledge of research methodologies, survey design, and evidence-based practices, with the ability to translate findings into clear, actionable recommendations and to prepare, interpret, and present technical reports, dashboards, and policy briefs in a concise and accessible manner for diverse audiences.
• Experience supporting data collection, analysis, and reporting related to AB 2176 requirements on chronic absenteeism in juvenile court schools, including tracking trends, identifying causes, and providing technical assistance to address disparities.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, and to explain complex concepts to technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to build collaborative working relationships with agencies, community partners, and leadership, gaining and maintaining confidence and cooperation.
• Proven capacity to manage multiple projects, adapt to shifting priorities, and meet tight deadlines in a results-oriented environment.
• Initiative, flexibility, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to exercise sound judgment and demonstrate tact in sensitive situations.
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment while maintaining professionalism, accuracy, and accountability.

Benefits

There are many benefits to joining our team!  The State of California has a generous benefits package that includes medical coverage, CalPERS pension upon retirement, two weeks paid vacation per year, two weeks paid sick leave per year, two paid Professional Development Days, one paid Personal Holiday, pre-tax parking fee program.

 

TRANSPORTATION REIMBURSEMENT

  • Public transit (mass transit) passes.
    • 100 percent discount on public transit passes sold by state agencies, up to the monthly exclusion amount provided by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
    • 100 percent reimbursement on public transit passes purchased by state employees, up to the monthly exclusion amount provided by the IRS.
  • Vanpool drivers and riders
    • 100 percent reimbursement on the monthly fee, up to the monthly exclusion amount provided by the IRS.

 

Click here to view all the attractive benefits available to state employees!


Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.

Contact Information

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

Department Website: https://www.chhs.ca.gov
Hiring Unit Contact:
Jonathan Robertson
(916) 539-8493
Jonathan.Robertson@chhs.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) 657-2326
EEOoffice@dss.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.

Personal Leave Program (PLP) 2025

Personal Leave Program (PLP) 2025 - Salaries do not reflect reductions from the Personal Leave Program, please see the applicable Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for additional information on the length and percentage of reductions.

Examination Information

Those interested in obtaining employment with the California Department of Social Services must apply and compete through the State recruitment process.  Applicants who successfully pass the examination will be placed on an eligibility list used to recruit for positions.

To apply for the examination for this position, click on the link below to search for the examination and follow the “How to Apply” instructions in the examination announcement:

CalCareers Exam/Assessment Search

If you already have list eligibility for this classification, you do not need to retake the examination, except when your list eligibility expires. For questions regarding the examination process and/or career opportunities with the California Department of Social Services, please contact the Examination Unit at examinations@dss.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.

Application Methods:
Electronic (Using your CalCareer Account)
By Mail
Drop-off
Print Job