CalFresh Strategic Plan Specialist

Job Description and Duties

The CalFresh Branch of the California Departmental of Social Services (CDSS) is seeking a highly skilled and motivated strategic planning expert who can lead the development of a strategic plan for the CalFresh program that will guide both short and long-term priorities. As the CalFresh Strategic Planning Lead you will play a pivotal role in designing and managing the execution of a collaborative strategic planning process, writing the strategic plan, and monitoring progress towards goals.

We are looking for an innovative thinker with excellent written and oral communication skills, who can provide leadership over the CalFresh strategic plan. If you enjoy collaborating with internal and external partners and finding ways to improve policy and service delivery, this is the position for you.

Telework / Remote Work Information: This position has been designated as eligible for telework. The position may require in-person attendance when requested.

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Working Conditions

This work location is very convenient! The CDSS is located two blocks from the light rail and public transportation: within walking distance of the State Capitol, parks, restaurants, farmers’ markets and the Golden 1 Arena. Our building has easy access to I-5, Highway 50, and Highway 80.

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. For positions advertised in more than one location, 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.

Please note: Regular commute is not compensable.

Special Requirements

Please Note: A Statement of Qualifications or Supplemental Questionnaire must be submitted along with your application to be considered for this position. Applications submitted without an SOQ may be disqualified for this position.

Do not include any confidential information in any documents (i.e., application, resume, or transcripts) you submit for this job vacancy. Confidential information that should be excluded or removed from these documents include but is not limited to: Social Security Number (SSN), birthday and/or age, photos, student/other ID number, driver’s license number (unless required), basis of eligibility, exam results, LEAP status, and marital status. Confidential information submitted via a CalCareer Account (electronic application) is automatically redacted upon submission.

1. Describe your knoweldge of, experience with, and/or interest in social safety net programs, including CalFresh.

2. Describe a short or long term strategic planning process you led, and what strategies and/or tools you used to develop the plan.

3. The CalFresh Branch collaborates with many internal and external partners. Describe how you would design and manage an inclusive stakeholder engagement process, and your experience managing and/or facilitating groups with diverse perspectives.

You are required to complete employment history on the application form (STD 678). You may be disqualified from the hiring and selection process if the employment history is inaccurate or incomplete. Resumes will not take the place of employment history.

If you are meeting minimum qualifications with education, you must include your unofficial transcripts for verification. If selected, you may be required to provide official transcripts at the time of hire.

Candidates who reside outside of the State of California may be admitted to the job interview, but they must provide proof of residence in California prior to being eligible for appointment.

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 in public administration, program management, or social services, preferably in a leadership role.
• Understanding of, or willingness and ability to learn about CalFresh, including its regulations, policies, and local operations, as well as federal, state and county administrative structure.
• Excellent analytical skills with demonstrated ability to work independently, think logically and creatively, apply a range of analytical and research tools, identify gaps and opportunities for improvement, and make sound recommendations.
• Ability to collaborate with and facilitate large groups of people representing diverse perspectives and build consensus around common goals, including internal staff, county administrators, legislative staff, advocates, and program participants.
• Experience with designing and executing strategic planning processes that are collaborative and data-driven.
• Proven skills to clearly and persuasively articulate complex strategic concepts to various stakeholders, including senior leadership, through both written and verbal
• Knowledge and understanding or willingness and ability to learn about the state legislative, budget, personnel, and contracting processes, program and policy development, and program evaluation and monitoring practices.
• Lived experience with social safety net programs, including as a recipient.

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.

o 100 percent discount on public transit passes sold by state agencies, up to the monthly exclusion amount provided by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

o 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

o 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.

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.

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