What are the responsibilities and job description for the Behavioral Health & State Policy Specialist position at California Department of Health Care Access and Information?
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.
Position Details
Job Code #:
JC-514721
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/
Job Description And Duties
The Behavioral Health & State Policy Specialist functions as an independent, highly skilled, subject matter expert and technical program consultant in areas of extreme sensitivity and with the responsibility for providing consultation, technical assistance, and coordination in the planning, development, and implementation of a broad healthcare workforce policy. These tasks may occasionally require the involvement of other governmental agencies, public and private education institutions, and the employer community throughout 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.
Take a 2-minute survey to tell us why you applied for HCAI! - https://forms.office.com/g/B6eXh2NKpZ
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement .
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: 4/20/2026
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:
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.
Position Details
Job Code #:
JC-514721
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/
Job Description And Duties
The Behavioral Health & State Policy Specialist functions as an independent, highly skilled, subject matter expert and technical program consultant in areas of extreme sensitivity and with the responsibility for providing consultation, technical assistance, and coordination in the planning, development, and implementation of a broad healthcare workforce policy. These tasks may occasionally require the involvement of other governmental agencies, public and private education institutions, and the employer community throughout 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.
Take a 2-minute survey to tell us why you applied for HCAI! - https://forms.office.com/g/B6eXh2NKpZ
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement .
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: 4/20/2026
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 -
- 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?
- 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?
- 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?
Salary : $6,623 - $8,290