Behavioral Health Data Specialist II (Hybrid)

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:

The Enterprise Data and Information Management (EDIM), Program Data Reporting Division (PDRD) at the California DHCS is seeking a highly motivated and experienced individual to join our team as a Research Data Specialist II (RDS II) within the Managed Care Plan Data Support Branch (MCPDSB).

Under general direction of the Research Data Supervisor II, the RDS II independently performs advanced data analysis, validation, and issue resolution to support the reporting and evaluation needs of the PDRD, MCPDSB, Managed Care Behavioral Health Reporting Section. This position plays a critical role in analyzing mental health and substance use disorder (SUD) data from various DHCS systems to assess service needs and evaluate the effectiveness of community-based behavioral health programs. The RDS II is responsible for designing and leading complex research projects, including the development of methodologies, data models, and analytical frameworks. The incumbent provides expert-level consultative services on the feasibility, impact, and implications of proposed policies, programs, and operational changes. These services support internal decision-making and inform various stakeholders, including DHCS leadership, legislative bodies, commissions, and other governmental entities.

Training and Development (T&D) assignm ents may be considered for this position for current California civil service employees. T&D assignments cannot exceed 24 months. However, successful T&D candidates may transition to a permanent appointment, if eligible at the end of the T&D assignment.

Have questions and/or need assistance? Contact  View email address on calcareers.ca.gov we are here to help walk you through the state hiring process! 

This position is not eligible for a visa sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work in the US without the need for a visa sponsorship by the start date of employment.

You will find additional information about the job in the .

Working Conditions

Please see the Telework and Salary Information section below for telework, reporting location, and temporary statewide salary reduction details.

Special Requirements

Simple Application Steps

If you are interested in this position, complete the following these simple steps:

1. Review the education and experience minimum qualifications  Research Data Specialist II .  See the Minimum Requirements section above.
2. Complete the state application by clicking “Apply Now” above. See below for detailed application instructions.
3. Submit your application package with all required documents - see the "Required Application Package Documents" section below.
4. Once you have applied, take the  Research Data Specialist II Exam.

Education: If you are meeting minimum qualifications with education, you must include a copy of your diploma/degree  and/or unofficial/informal transcripts for verification. Official transcripts may be required upon appointment.

In order to be considered for this position, you must complete and submit the following Supplemental Application (SA). The SA must be no more than two pages in length, double-spaced and using 12-point Arial font. You must indicate your Full Name and Job Control Number at the top right corner.

Candidates who fail to provide a SA with their application or do not follow SA instructions may be disqualified. Resumes do not take the place of the SA.

1.  Describe a project that you have led or worked on that is related to Health Care data including your position, goal, roles and responsibilities, actions taken, and the outcome.

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 with programs and services related to Health Care, Managed Care, Fee for Service and Behavioral Health.

• Experience working with large and complex health care datasets, such as claims, encounters, eligibility or provider data.

• Strong analytical skills and proficiency in tools such as SAS, SQL, or other data analysis software are important for supporting data validation, reporting, and program monitoring efforts.

• Qualitative and quantitative analysis skills to perform the duties described in the duty statement.

• Strong communication skills, attention to detail and the ability to collaborate effectively with Program and IT teams.

• Ability to work independently or in a team setting, take initiative, assume a high level of responsibility, and exercise good judgment.

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)

Additionally, as a team member of the State of California, you may be eligible for many benefits, such as:

• 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

Full benefits information can be found on CalHR's

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: . This survey is not required to be considered for this position.

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 View email address on calcareers.ca.gov For all other questions regarding your CalCareer account, please contact CalHR’s CalCareers Unit at Show phone number or View email address on calcareers.ca.gov.

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 required and must be included.
• Supplemental Application -

  In order to be considered for this position, you must complete and submit a Supplemental Application (SA). Directions for completing the SA are in the Special Requirements section above.