What are the responsibilities and job description for the Policy Analyst position at California Department of Health Care Services?
Job Description And Duties
Why Join DHCS?
The Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) is the backbone of California’s health care safety net. Our success is made possible by the hard work of more than 4,800 DHCS team members and through collaboration with the federal government and other state agencies, counties, and partners for the care of low-income families, children, pregnant women, older adults, and persons with disabilities. This is an exciting opportunity to join our diverse team in the following role. If you are interested in joining our team, apply today!
About this Role:
Under the direction of the Staff Service Manager I (SSM I) of the MAGI Financial Eligibility Unit in the Policy Development Branch, Medi-Cal Eligibility Division (MCED), the Associate Governmental Program Analyst (AGPA) exercises considerable independent judgment in making decisions and recommendations that have significant impact on California's Medi-Cal program, as well as affecting county government operations, and the health and welfare of Medi-Cal members.
The AGPA researches complex issues impacting Medi-Cal eligibility, analyzes available options and provides recommendations to management to solve policy or system issues. The AGPA writes and edits a variety of documents to provide policy guidance for county eligibility workers and system implementation. The AGPA develops policies, guidelines and processes that impact California's Medi-Cal program, Covered California operations, Statewide Automated Welfare System (SAWS), and the California Healthcare Eligibility, Enrollment, and Retention System (CalHEERS).
The AGPA also collaborates and consults with multiple governmental agencies, which include federal, state, and county staff, legislative staff, in addition to administrative vendors and advocacy groups. The AGPA develops and implements complex, highly visible, Medi-Cal eligibility projects for the state's Medicaid population including those associated with federal changes such as the July 4, 2025, House Resolution 1. The AGPA duties and assignments may change and be interchangeable depending upon the priorities of the Unit. The AGPA may act as lead for major section or branch projects. This position may include some travel and occasional overnight travel which would be five percent or less of the time.
This advertisement includes two or more vacancies within the Application Unit and the MAGI Financial Eligibility Unit. Candidates need only apply to this one Job Control to be considered for all vacancies within the units described in the duty statements attached. Both units are nearly identical in duties but you may view both duty statements attached for more information.
This classification is advertised as an Associate Governmental Program Analyst (5393) and will be converted to the Analyst II (5393) classification on January 1, 2026.
Have questions and/or need assistance? Contact Recruit@dhcs.ca.gov , we are here to help walk you through the state hiring process!
NOTE: To be considered for this Job Opportunity, applicants must have permanent civil service status, be reachable on an employment list, have transfer eligibility, or have reinstatement eligibility. IF YOU DO NOT HAVE ELIGIBILITY, YOU MUST TAKE THE EXAM. Please visit the CalCareers website to take the exam for this classification. AGPA Exam Link
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement .
Working Conditions
Please see the Telework and Salary Information section below for telework, reporting location, and temporary statewide salary reduction details.
Minimum Requirements You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.
Job Code #:
JC-499850
Position #(s):
805-310-5393-901
Working Title:
Policy Analyst
Classification:
ASSOCIATE GOVERNMENTAL PROGRAM ANALYST
$6,031.00 - $7,547.00 A
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
# of Positions:
Multiple
Work Location:
Sacramento County
Telework:
Hybrid
Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time
Department Information
DHCS’ purpose is to provide equitable access to quality health care leading to a healthy California for all.
DHCS is a dynamic organization with ambitious goals and talented, committed employees. We work hard every day to fulfill our vital responsibility to support the delivery of quality health care to Californians. DHCS is committed to addressing disparities within our organization and in our communities through efforts toward greater diversity, equity, and inclusion. This is accomplished, in part, by a commitment toward employing a diverse workforce that reflects the many communities we serve, and by promoting and enforcing equal employment opportunity.
Take a look at some of DHCS' recent projects and happenings that our Department has accomplished in the DHCS Newsroom .
Special Requirements
Supplemental Application
This Supplemental Application (SA) serves as documentation of each candidate’s ability to follow directions and present information clearly and concisely in writing. Resumes, cover letters and pre-written SOQ's do not take the place of the SA. Please put your responses in a document that can be attached (uploaded) with your application documents. This is a required document and if not submitted, you will not be considered for the position.
Describe your experience analyzing and interpreting complex policies or regulations. How have you applied this analysis to develop or implement program guidance, procedures, or recommendations? In your response, include:
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: 12/9/2025
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 Services
Mailing
Attn: Certification Technician - JC-499850
M.S. 1300
P.O. Box 997411
Sacramento , CA 95899-7411
Address for Drop-Off Application Packages
You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:
Department of Health Care Services
Drop-Off
JC-499850
1501 Capitol Avenue, Suite 71.1501
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:
Benefits
DHCS is dedicated to creating an innovative workplace for its team members that is inclusive, diverse, and interactive! Here are a few of the ways we stay engaged with our team:
DHCS 2023-2027 Strategic Plan provides more information about our commitment to serving Californians and organizational excellence.
We need your help! Please let us know how you heard about our position by taking this brief optional survey: SurveyMonkey link .
This survey is not required to be considered for this position.
Contact Information
The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.
Hiring Unit Contact:
Katie Kellinger
(916) 345-7613
katie.kellinger@dhcs.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 Officer
(916) 440-7370
civilrights@dhcs.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.
Telework and Salary Information
This position is currently eligible for telework up to three days per week and is required to report in person a minimum of two days per week. The amount of telework is at the discretion of the Department and is subject to change consistent with DHCS’ Telework Program and Government Code sections 14200 – 14203. Telework is available to California residents, and proof of residency may be required.
Business travel may be required, and reimbursement considers an employee’s designated office and residence subject to regulations and bargaining unit contract provisions. All commute expenses to the reporting location will be the responsibility of the selected candidate.
The DHCS office location for this position is: 1501 Capitol Avenue, Sacramento, CA 95814
Personal Leave Program (PLP) 2025 agreement
Salary: 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. Please reach out to the hiring unit contact listed on this job advertisement for details.
Additional Information
Using the online application system as specified in the announcement is the preferred method of applying for civil service job opportunities; however, applicants may instead apply by way of U.S. mail, parcel delivery or courier service, or in person, as set forth in this announcement.
Paper applications must include a signature. Dates printed on envelopes by mobile barcodes or equivalent mobile print technology are not acceptable proof of the date the application and any other required documents or materials were filed. Applicants must state their basis of eligibility (List Eligibility, Lateral Transfer, Reinstatement, T&D, or Surplus/SROA), and the Job Control (JC) number and/or position number in the “Examination(s) or Job Title(s), For Which You Are Applying” section on the STD. 678. Surplus/SROA candidates should submit a copy of their letter with their application. Please remove any confidential information (i.e., social security number, date of birth, etc.) as well as any information regarding your LEAP eligibility and/or exam scores from your documents prior to submission.
All information on the Employment Application (STD 678) must be completed. Applicants should include all employment history on the Employment Application (STD 678), including detailed job descriptions, hours worked per week, and start/end dates (MM/DD/YYYY). Resumes or other documents may not be substituted for the Employment Application (STD 678).
If applying electronically, please note that CalCareers no longer allows applicants to withdraw their applications. If you need assistance to withdraw your application, please contact the Recruitment Section at Recruit@dhcs.ca.gov For all other questions regarding your CalCareer account, please contact CalHR’s CalCareers Unit at (866) 844-8671 or CalCareer@calhr.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.
Why Join DHCS?
The Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) is the backbone of California’s health care safety net. Our success is made possible by the hard work of more than 4,800 DHCS team members and through collaboration with the federal government and other state agencies, counties, and partners for the care of low-income families, children, pregnant women, older adults, and persons with disabilities. This is an exciting opportunity to join our diverse team in the following role. If you are interested in joining our team, apply today!
About this Role:
Under the direction of the Staff Service Manager I (SSM I) of the MAGI Financial Eligibility Unit in the Policy Development Branch, Medi-Cal Eligibility Division (MCED), the Associate Governmental Program Analyst (AGPA) exercises considerable independent judgment in making decisions and recommendations that have significant impact on California's Medi-Cal program, as well as affecting county government operations, and the health and welfare of Medi-Cal members.
The AGPA researches complex issues impacting Medi-Cal eligibility, analyzes available options and provides recommendations to management to solve policy or system issues. The AGPA writes and edits a variety of documents to provide policy guidance for county eligibility workers and system implementation. The AGPA develops policies, guidelines and processes that impact California's Medi-Cal program, Covered California operations, Statewide Automated Welfare System (SAWS), and the California Healthcare Eligibility, Enrollment, and Retention System (CalHEERS).
The AGPA also collaborates and consults with multiple governmental agencies, which include federal, state, and county staff, legislative staff, in addition to administrative vendors and advocacy groups. The AGPA develops and implements complex, highly visible, Medi-Cal eligibility projects for the state's Medicaid population including those associated with federal changes such as the July 4, 2025, House Resolution 1. The AGPA duties and assignments may change and be interchangeable depending upon the priorities of the Unit. The AGPA may act as lead for major section or branch projects. This position may include some travel and occasional overnight travel which would be five percent or less of the time.
This advertisement includes two or more vacancies within the Application Unit and the MAGI Financial Eligibility Unit. Candidates need only apply to this one Job Control to be considered for all vacancies within the units described in the duty statements attached. Both units are nearly identical in duties but you may view both duty statements attached for more information.
This classification is advertised as an Associate Governmental Program Analyst (5393) and will be converted to the Analyst II (5393) classification on January 1, 2026.
Have questions and/or need assistance? Contact Recruit@dhcs.ca.gov , we are here to help walk you through the state hiring process!
NOTE: To be considered for this Job Opportunity, applicants must have permanent civil service status, be reachable on an employment list, have transfer eligibility, or have reinstatement eligibility. IF YOU DO NOT HAVE ELIGIBILITY, YOU MUST TAKE THE EXAM. Please visit the CalCareers website to take the exam for this classification. AGPA Exam Link
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement .
Working Conditions
Please see the Telework and Salary Information section below for telework, reporting location, and temporary statewide salary reduction details.
Minimum Requirements You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.
- ASSOCIATE GOVERNMENTAL PROGRAM ANALYST
- Job Application Package Checklist
- Duty Statement
Job Code #:
JC-499850
Position #(s):
805-310-5393-901
Working Title:
Policy Analyst
Classification:
ASSOCIATE GOVERNMENTAL PROGRAM ANALYST
$6,031.00 - $7,547.00 A
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
# of Positions:
Multiple
Work Location:
Sacramento County
Telework:
Hybrid
Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time
Department Information
DHCS’ purpose is to provide equitable access to quality health care leading to a healthy California for all.
DHCS is a dynamic organization with ambitious goals and talented, committed employees. We work hard every day to fulfill our vital responsibility to support the delivery of quality health care to Californians. DHCS is committed to addressing disparities within our organization and in our communities through efforts toward greater diversity, equity, and inclusion. This is accomplished, in part, by a commitment toward employing a diverse workforce that reflects the many communities we serve, and by promoting and enforcing equal employment opportunity.
Take a look at some of DHCS' recent projects and happenings that our Department has accomplished in the DHCS Newsroom .
Special Requirements
Supplemental Application
This Supplemental Application (SA) serves as documentation of each candidate’s ability to follow directions and present information clearly and concisely in writing. Resumes, cover letters and pre-written SOQ's do not take the place of the SA. Please put your responses in a document that can be attached (uploaded) with your application documents. This is a required document and if not submitted, you will not be considered for the position.
Describe your experience analyzing and interpreting complex policies or regulations. How have you applied this analysis to develop or implement program guidance, procedures, or recommendations? In your response, include:
- The context and scope of the policy or regulation.
- The methods you used to analyze and interpret the information.
- The outcome of your work and how it supported program goals or compliance.
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: 12/9/2025
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 Services
Mailing
Attn: Certification Technician - JC-499850
M.S. 1300
P.O. Box 997411
Sacramento , CA 95899-7411
Address for Drop-Off Application Packages
You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:
Department of Health Care Services
Drop-Off
JC-499850
1501 Capitol Avenue, Suite 71.1501
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 optional. It may be included, but is not required.
- Supplemental Application - Please see the "Special Requirements" section of this advertisement for instructions.
Benefits
DHCS is dedicated to creating an innovative workplace for its team members that is inclusive, diverse, and interactive! Here are a few of the ways we stay engaged with our team:
- Continuous and ongoing training
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion program activities
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Medical, including health, dental, and vision insurance.
- Paid Holidays and vacation/leave
- Defined retirement program
- Savings Plus Program (401(k), 457)
- Medical/Dependent Care Reimbursement Accounts
DHCS 2023-2027 Strategic Plan provides more information about our commitment to serving Californians and organizational excellence.
We need your help! Please let us know how you heard about our position by taking this brief optional survey: SurveyMonkey link .
This survey is not required to be considered for this position.
Contact Information
The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.
Hiring Unit Contact:
Katie Kellinger
(916) 345-7613
katie.kellinger@dhcs.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 Officer
(916) 440-7370
civilrights@dhcs.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.
Telework and Salary Information
This position is currently eligible for telework up to three days per week and is required to report in person a minimum of two days per week. The amount of telework is at the discretion of the Department and is subject to change consistent with DHCS’ Telework Program and Government Code sections 14200 – 14203. Telework is available to California residents, and proof of residency may be required.
Business travel may be required, and reimbursement considers an employee’s designated office and residence subject to regulations and bargaining unit contract provisions. All commute expenses to the reporting location will be the responsibility of the selected candidate.
The DHCS office location for this position is: 1501 Capitol Avenue, Sacramento, CA 95814
Personal Leave Program (PLP) 2025 agreement
Salary: 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. Please reach out to the hiring unit contact listed on this job advertisement for details.
Additional Information
Using the online application system as specified in the announcement is the preferred method of applying for civil service job opportunities; however, applicants may instead apply by way of U.S. mail, parcel delivery or courier service, or in person, as set forth in this announcement.
Paper applications must include a signature. Dates printed on envelopes by mobile barcodes or equivalent mobile print technology are not acceptable proof of the date the application and any other required documents or materials were filed. Applicants must state their basis of eligibility (List Eligibility, Lateral Transfer, Reinstatement, T&D, or Surplus/SROA), and the Job Control (JC) number and/or position number in the “Examination(s) or Job Title(s), For Which You Are Applying” section on the STD. 678. Surplus/SROA candidates should submit a copy of their letter with their application. Please remove any confidential information (i.e., social security number, date of birth, etc.) as well as any information regarding your LEAP eligibility and/or exam scores from your documents prior to submission.
All information on the Employment Application (STD 678) must be completed. Applicants should include all employment history on the Employment Application (STD 678), including detailed job descriptions, hours worked per week, and start/end dates (MM/DD/YYYY). Resumes or other documents may not be substituted for the Employment Application (STD 678).
If applying electronically, please note that CalCareers no longer allows applicants to withdraw their applications. If you need assistance to withdraw your application, please contact the Recruitment Section at Recruit@dhcs.ca.gov For all other questions regarding your CalCareer account, please contact CalHR’s CalCareers Unit at (866) 844-8671 or CalCareer@calhr.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.
Salary : $6,031 - $7,547
