Nutrition Program Specialist

Effective July 1, 2025, The California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) implemented the Personal Leave Program 2025 (PLP 2025). PLP 2025 directs that each employee shall receive a 3 percent reduction in pay in exchange for 5 hours PLP 2025 leave credits, monthly. The salary range(s) included in the job advertisement do not reflect the 3 percent reduction in pay.

About this Role

Under the general direction of the Nutrition and Wellness Section (NWS) Supervisor, the Health Program Specialist I (HPS I) serves as a technical and program specialist supporting the Title III C-1 Congregate Meals and Title III C-2 Home-Delivered Meals components of the Older Californians Nutrition Program (OCNP). The HPS I has lead responsibility for assigned project management, policy and regulation development, programmatic oversight, technical assistance, training, research, and program improvement activities.

The HPS I works collaboratively with NWS staff, other California Department of Aging (CDA) divisions and programs, California's 33 Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs), nutrition service providers, and other state and federal partners. The position exercises a high degree of independence and professional judgment in analyzing complex program issues, identifying potential impacts, developing recommendations, and supporting consistent statewide implementation of nutrition program requirements.

Examination Information

Those interested in obtaining employment with the California Department of Aging must apply and compete through the State recruitment process ( 3 Steps To A State Job ). Applicants who successfully pass the examination will be placed on an eligibility list used to recruit for positions.

To apply for the examination for this position, click on the link below to search for the examination and follow the "How to Apply" instructions in the examination announcement: CalCareers Exam/Assessment Search
If you already have list eligibility for this classification, you do not need to retake the examination, except when your list eligibility expires. For questions regarding the examination process and/or career opportunities with the California Department of Aging, please contact the Human Resources Branch at View email address on click.appcast.io .
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement .

Working Conditions


Employees are currently required to work in-person at least four (4) days per week in alignment with Executive Order N-22-25. Additional in-office days may be required based on operational needs.


The physical work location of the position is designated at the department's headquarters location, a three-story building and standard office modular workspace located in Sacramento (Natomas). The duties of the position require sitting for long periods of time while using a personal computer, reviewing documents, and attending meetings whether they are digital (i.e., Zoom, WebEx, MS Teams, etc.) or in person.


Up to 25% statewide travel may be required to support AAAs through program development, technical assistance, training, monitoring, and on-site reviews of nutrition and health programs.


Minimum Requirements You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

• HEALTH PROGRAM SPECIALIST I

Additional Documents

• Job Application Package Checklist
• Duty Statement

Position Details Job Code #:
JC-531933


Position #(s):
797-724-8338-006

Working Title:
Nutrition Program Specialist


Classification:
HEALTH PROGRAM SPECIALIST I $6,623.00 - $8,290.00
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.


# of Positions:
1


Work Location:
Sacramento County


Telework:
Hybrid


Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time


Department Information
The California Department of Aging (CDA) administers programs that serve older adults, adults with disabilities, family caregivers, and residents in long-term care facilities throughout the State. The Department administers funds allocated under the federal Older Americans Act, the Older Californians Act, and through the Medi-Cal program.


Recognizing that California's over-65 population is projected to grow to 8.6 million by 2030, Governor Gavin Newsom issued Executive Order N-14-19 calling for the creation of a Master Plan for Aging to be developed by December - 2020. The Master Plan will serve as a blueprint that can be used by state government, local communities, private organizations and philanthropy to build environments that promote healthy aging. CDA will play an integral part in the development and implementation of the Master Plan.


To learn more about CDA, visit:

To learn more about the Master Plan for Aging activities and status, visit:

To learn more about the Master Plan and the Governor's Executive Order, visit:

Special Requirements
This position is designated under the Conflict of Interest Code . The position is responsible for making or participating in the making of governmental decisions that may potentially have a material effect on personal financial interests. The appointee is required to complete Form 700 within 30 days of appointment and once per year. Failure to comply with the Conflict of Interest Code requirements may void the appointment.


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: 10/15/2026
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:


California Department of Aging
Mail In Address
Attn: Human Resources Branch JC 531933
2880 Gateway Oaks Drive, Suite 330


Sacramento , CA 95833


Address for Drop-Off Application Packages


You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:


California Department of Aging
Drop Off Address
Human Resources Branch JC 531933
2880 Gateway Oaks Drive
(Drop box located on 1st floor right side of elevator)
Sacramento , CA 95833


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 - A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required and must be included. Please see the Statement of Qualifications Instructions section below 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.


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 nutrition, aging, public health, food service, or other health and human services programs.
• Knowledge of nutrition services and the nutritional needs of older adults.
• Experience researching, analyzing, interpreting, or implementing federal or state laws, regulations, policies, or program requirements.
• Experience developing policies, procedures, program guidance, standards, technical assistance resources, or training materials.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze complex programmatic issues, identify potential impacts, and develop well-supported recommendations.
• Experience providing technical assistance, consultation, or training to governmental agencies, community-based organizations, contractors, service providers, or other external partners.
• Experience managing projects involving multiple assignments, deadlines, stakeholders, or competing priorities.
• Ability to communicate complex requirements clearly and effectively to audiences with varying levels of program knowledge.
• Strong written communication skills, including the ability to prepare clear, concise, and well-organized policies, guidance, reports, correspondence, presentations, and other professional documents.
• Strong interpersonal, facilitation, presentation, and stakeholder-engagement skills.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise initiative and independent judgment while working collaboratively within a team environment.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to prioritize assignments and produce accurate, timely, and high-quality work products.
• Experience analyzing program data, monitoring findings, or other information to identify trends, compliance concerns, service gaps, or opportunities for improvement.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and other standard business applications.
• Education or professional experience in nutrition, dietetics, public health, or a related field is desirable.
• Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) credentials are desirable but not required.

Benefits
In addition to competitive public employee wages and a comprehensive benefits package, our employees enjoy meaningful and interesting work that supports access to programs and services that serve older adults, adults with disabilities, family caregivers, and residents in long-term care facilities throughout California.


To learn more about benefits for State employees, visit the Benefit Summary page on the CalHR website.


CDA is located near downtown with easy access to I-5 and I-80. Employees enjoy a great team environment, FREE PARKING , and convenient access to dining and shopping in the Natomas area.


Contact Information
The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.
Human Resources Contact:
Human Resources Branch
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View email address on click.appcast.io


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
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California Relay Service: View phone number on click.appcast.io (TTY), View phone number on click.appcast.io (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.


Statement of Qualifications Instructions


All interested applicants are required to submit a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ). Please provide direct responses to each of the numbered items listed below. Applicants must number and include the full text of the SOQ items in their response. Please include specific examples of your education, training, and/or experience. SOQs must include your full name and be limited to a maximum of two (2) pages, single-spaced, in twelve-point Arial font.


1. Describe your education, training, and professional experience that has prepared you to provide program oversight, technical assistance, and support for nutrition, aging, or other health and human services programs. Include specific examples of your responsibilities and the populations or programs you supported.

2. Describe your experience researching, analyzing, or interpreting laws, regulations, policies, or complex program requirements. Provide a specific example of how you translated those requirements into a policy, procedure, guidance document, recommendation, training, or other resource that could be implemented by others.


3. Describe a complex project or initiative you were responsible for planning, coordinating, or leading that involved multiple stakeholders or competing priorities. Explain your role, how you organized and managed the work, how you communicated or provided technical assistance to stakeholders, and the outcome of the project.


Note: Resumes, cover letters, and other materials will not be accepted in place of the SOQ. Applications submitted without the SOQ will be considered incomplete and may not be considered for the position.


The SOQ must be written solely by you and should provide specific details and examples that clearly demonstrate your qualifications based upon your own experience/education. Any submissions that are created, modified or include any type of artificial intelligence may be disqualified.


Additional Application Instructions


Ensure your application is complete and detailed, including job duties, employment start/end dates, and hours worked per week. Do not include confidential information such as your SSN, birthdate, driver's license number (unless required), medical information, age, marital status, or examination-related information on your application, resume, or transcripts. Certain information submitted electronically will be automatically redacted.


Minimum qualifications will be verified before interview and/or appointment. Candidates who do not meet the minimum qualifications may be removed from the eligibility list and become ineligible for appointment.


If qualifying through education, include unofficial transcripts or a copy of your degree with your application. Official transcripts may be required upon appointment. Foreign education must include an academic credential evaluation from an approved agency: Foreign Transcripts Evaluation (CL-635) .


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.