HEALTH PROGRAM SPECIALIST I

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:

Medicaid Administrative Claiming (MAC) is a way for states to receive federal funding for conducting administrative activities that support the Medicaid program. The Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC) plays a role in assisting people with navigating long-term services and supports that includes many administrative activities that are eligible for Medicaid Claiming.

The Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) and The California Department of Aging (CDA) work collaboratively to research, develop, and implement MAC as an ongoing financing mechanism for California's ADRCs/No Wrong Door Systems (NWDs). MAC provides a significant opportunity for sustaining ADRC/NWD partnerships. With the support of federal reimbursements available under MAC, ADRC partner organizations can receive federal dollars to assist individuals with navigating the maze of Long Term Services and Supports (LTSS) options through provision of “administrative functions” such as identifying and enrolling potential eligible clients onto Medicaid or performing activities that directly support the provision of medical services under the State Medicaid Plan; outreach; facilitating Medicaid eligibility, training, program planning; linking health care with social supports; helping individuals avoid costly facility care whenever possible; and providing them with information that can help them avoid or delay spending down life savings.

Under the direction of the Supervisor I, the Health Program Specialist (HPS) I will serve as a subject matter expert for the California Department of Aging's Local ADRC/NWD Medi-Cal Administrative Activities Unit. The HPS I will independently lead and perform a variety of complex administrative health program management and highly technical analytical tasks necessary to accomplish the goals and objectives of the program.

The HPS I is responsible for coordinating the implementation of program policy and problem resolution recommendations with multiple departmental, immediate, and long-range impacts. This involves providing consultative advice to various program partners regarding program policy. The HPS I will act as a program subject matter expert (SME) as it relates to ADRC/NWD MAC. The HPS I will serve as a SME within the unit in development of public health and health care projects; apply health regulations, policies and procedures; speak and write effectively, and act as program liaison. The HPS I fosters a collaborative and communicative atmosphere with program partners, contracted resources, and coworkers.

Travel, including overnight, of up to 10% may be required.

This position has been advertised as limited term and is expected to last 12 months. This limited term position may be extended up to 24 months if supported by workload or may become permanent if workload becomes permanent.

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!

You will find additional information about the job in the .

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

Additional Documents

Special Requirements

Simple Application Steps:

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

1. Review the education and experience minimum qualifications (MQ’s) of the Health Program Specialist I  . See the Minimum Requirements section below.

2. Complete the statement of qualifications and the state application by clicking “Apply Now” above. See below for detailed application instructions.

3.Submit your application package with all required documents, which include the statement of qualifications - see the "Required Application Package Documents" section below.

4. Once you have applied, take the Health Program Specialist I  CalCareers exam.

Statement of Qualifications Requirement Section:

Applicants must include a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) for this recruitment. The SOQ is a narrative discussion, not a cover letter, prepared by the applicant describing how their skills, knowledge, abilities, education, training, and experience, qualify them for the position. The SOQ serves as documentation of the applicant’s ability to present information clearly and provide DHCS additional information about their experience and qualifications concisely in writing. The DHCS may not consider applicants who fail to provide an SOQ with their application. Resumes do not take the place of the SOQ.

A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required to apply. The SOQ must be typed, no longer than two pages in Arial font size 12. Please include your First and Last name, along with the Job Control Number, in the upper left hand corner. Applicants who submit an incomplete SOQ will not be considered.

1. Describe why you are the most qualified candidate for this position based on your educational background and/or work experience.   

2. Please give an example of how you have audited data to ensure program integrity.

Candidates who do not complete and submit an SOQ may not be considered for this position.

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: 9/11/2026

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 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-530145

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

Certification Technician - JC-530145

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 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 -

  Refer to the Statement of Qualifications Requirement Section for instructions.

Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.

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.

Contact Information

The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.

Hiring Unit Contact:
Alyssa Antuna
View phone number on calcareers.ca.gov
View email address on calcareers.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
View phone number on calcareers.ca.gov
View email address on calcareers.ca.gov

California Relay Service: View phone number on calcareers.ca.gov (TTY), View phone number on calcareers.ca.gov (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. 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.

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.