Health Program Specialist II

Job Description and Duties

Under the general direction of the Deputy Director of Health Policy and Stakeholder Relations, the Health Program Specialist II (HPS II) functions as a highly skilled technical program consultant to serve as the Department liaison for the 58 county behavioral health departments throughout the state. The HPS II will implement provisions of the updated Behavioral Health Services Act which calls for increased collaboration between health plans and county behavioral health departments who provide behavioral health services for health plan members throughout the state. The HPS II serves as a liaison by representing the Department and Deputy Director in presentations, meetings with local governments, health plan representatives, provider groups, community organizations, consumer advocates and other stakeholders. The HPS II is responsible for developing and supporting relationships between the Department and county governments, licensed health plans, their network providers and the health care consumers they serve. This position requires the incumbent to function independently, communicate effectively and exercise a high degree of initiative.

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Leave Program (PLP) 2025 agreement:

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.

You will find additional information about the job in the .

Working Conditions

The DMHC has locations in Downtown Sacramento and Rancho Cordova. Both locations are located close to light-rail with various amenities. The incumbent will work in a climate-controlled cubicle and/or office environment with artificial lighting.

This position may be eligible for hybrid telework. The telework schedule is permitted at the operational needs of the Department and is subject to change, consistent with the State Telework Policy and the DMHC’s Telework Policy. All employees who telework are required to be California residents and maintain California residency in accordance with Government Code 14200.

Special Requirements

• The position(s) require(s) a Background Investigation be cleared prior to being hired.

The position(s) require(s) a Background Investigation be cleared prior to being hired.

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. Confidential information that should be excluded or removed from these documents include, but is not limited to, your Social Security Number (SSN), birthday, driver’s license number (unless required), basis of eligibility, examination results, LEAP status, marital status, and age. Confidential information on the first page of applications submitted electronically online, such as Easy ID number, SSN, examination related information, and driver’s license number will automatically be redacted upon submission.

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 transcripts 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.

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 Conducting Outreach and Education

• Experience coordinating and/or facilitating meetings, workgroups and committees

• Experience evaluating and researching health policy, legislation, regulation, procedures or research studies, and providing recommendations

• Experience managing a program, project, or special study

• Experience in writing or editing documents, such as reports, memos, PowerPoint presentations, press releases

• Experience representing a department or organization in front of local, State, Federal or private jurisdictions

• Knowledge of Health Care Industry, County Behavioral Health System, and Commercial Health Plan systems, including claims processes, utilization management and the grievance processes.

• Experience building relationships and engaging with diverse stakeholders.

• Possesses a positive and professional attitude in a challenging work environment.

• Demonstrates excellent and effective written and oral communication skills.

• Ability to work independently or in a group setting, either as part of a team or as team lead.

Benefits

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

Additional Application Instructions

To be considered for this vacancy, please complete all applicable fields on the application form, including a list or description of previous/current occupational experience in the duties performed section.

Electronic applications through your CalCareer account are highly recommended.

Do NOT include your social security number on any submitted documents. If submitting your application via postal mail or in person, please notate RPA: 26-046 and Job Control: JC-530371 on your application.

All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to clearly demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position on your State Application (STD Form 678). The application should also clearly demonstrate the candidate’s ability to meet the Desirable Qualifications identified in this job advertisement. The Classification Specification for the Health Program Specialist II is located at the top of this Job Announcement Posting under Minimum Requirements.

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. DMHC accepts foreign transcript evaluations that are completed by one of the agencies approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing .

PLEASE NOTE: If you are mailing your application, it must be postmarked by the final filing date. Hand delivered applications must be submitted no later than 5:00 p.m. on the final filing date. Applications slipped under the door at the Human Resources Office will be time stamped the following business day.

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 -

  The Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is a MANDATORY requirement to apply for this position. The SOQ will answer specific questions and provide insight to the hiring manager regarding the candidate’s education, training, experience, and skills to meet the minimum and desirable qualifications for the position.

  Please see section labeled Statement of Qualifications Instructions for further direction .