Policy Consultant

Job Description and Duties

The California Department of Education (CDE), Special Education Division (SED), Policy and Initiatives Unit is seeking a motivated, detail-oriented Education Programs Consultant (EPC). Under general supervision of the Education Administrator I in the Policy and Initiatives Unit, the EPC performs complex analytical duties in support of the Education Administrator I and the Director of the Special Education Division. As the Unit's policy consultant, the EPC independently research, analyzes, and interprets proposed and enacted state and federal legislation, regulations, and policy affecting special education including the California Education Code, Title 5 of the California Code of Regulations, and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and prepares bill analyses, policy briefs, and implementation recommendations for Division management.

The EPC independently analyzes and tracks the annual state budget as it affects special education programs, services, and funding, including the Governor's Budget, May Revision, budget change proposals, education trailer bill language, and legislative budget subcommittee actions, and prepares written analyses and briefing materials on fiscal and programmatic impact.

The EPC also independently drafts memoranda, statewide guidance documents, correspondence, and presentations for the Director's review and use; develops federally required annual reports, including the State Performance Plan/Annual Performance Report and the State Systemic Improvement Plan; plans, coordinates, and leads statewide initiatives and work groups; partners with other CDE divisions and external stakeholder groups; serves as grant and contract monitor for assigned projects; and serves as the Division liaison to the California Advisory Commission on Special Education.

This position is headquartered in Sacramento and may be eligible for a hybrid telework schedule for eligible applicants residing in California. Travel may be required.

Personal Leave Program 2025

Effective July 1, 2025, the State of California implemented the Personal Leave Program (PLP) 2025. This position is subject to PLP 2025 and will have a monthly base pay reduction of 3% in exchange for 5 hours of leave credits through June 2027. The salary range(s) shown on this job posting does not reflect the salary reduction.

You will find additional information about the job in the .

Working Conditions

TELEWORK OPTION

HYBRID

This position is headquartered in Sacramento and may be eligible for a hybrid telework schedule for eligible applicants residing in California. A hybrid telework schedule includes working remotely and physically reporting to the office.

Special Requirements

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:

• Knowledge of IDEA, California Education Code, and Title 5 regulations governing special education.

• Experience analyzing and interpreting proposed and enacted legislation and regulations and preparing bill analyses or policy briefs.

• Knowledge of the California state budget process, including the Governor's Budget, May Revision, and trailer bill language.

• Experience analyzing education funding structures and communicating fiscal and programmatic impact to management.

• Ability to independently draft accurate memoranda, guidance documents, and correspondence meeting Section 508 requirements.

• Experience planning and facilitating work groups and engaging diverse stakeholders.

• Ability to manage multiple complex assignments independently and meet deadlines.

• Tact, resourcefulness, and sound judgment on sensitive policy issues.

Benefits

The State of California provides comprehensive benefits packages determined by the employee’s bargaining unit. Some of these benefits include:

· Medical benefits, including health, dental, and vision insurance

· Paid holidays: 11 paid State holidays, 1 personal paid holiday, and 2 professional development days

·401(k) and 457(b) Plans (Savings Plus)

· Employee Assistance Program

· Commute Program

More benefit information can be found on CalHR’s website: Benefits Summary

Important Application Instructions

• How to Apply for state jobs:
• Electronic applications submitted through your CalCareer account are highly recommended.
• DO NOT include any confidential information on any documents you submit for this job vacancy. Confidential information that should be excluded or removed from these documents includes, but is not limited to, your Social Security Number (SSN), birthdate, age, student identification number, driver license (unless required), examination results, LEAP status, and marital status.
• Incomplete or late application packages will NOT be considered.
• For experience to be considered, your STD 678 (state application) must be complete and include dates, accurate hours per week, total time worked, duties and responsibilities, and contact names and phone numbers of supervisors. Applications that are submitted blank or with “see resume” in place of duties performed will be considered incomplete.
• For civil service classifications, do not use working titles.
• If you choose not to submit electronically and are mailing or dropping off your hard copy State Application (STD. 678), use the revised 06/2024 version.
• If you are using education to meet the minimum qualifications, you must submit a copy of your transcripts or diploma. Foreign transcripts must be accompanied by an academic credential evaluation. List of approved agencies:
• Please note that the CalCareer system will not allow you to make changes to your application once it is submitted.
• Candidates who reside outside of the State of California may be admitted to the job interview but must provide proof of residence in California prior to being eligible for appointment.
• For general information about getting a job with the state, please view the job series videos here: .

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 -

  Interested individuals MUST submit a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) with their application. Resumes, letters, and other materials do not take the place of the SOQ. The SOQ should have a title of “Statement of Qualifications, Your Name ,” be no more than 2 pages, no smaller than 12-point font, and address the following:
  

  • 1. Describe your experience performing complex analysis of legislation, regulations, or public agency budgets, and translating that analysis into written products or presentations for management. Provide an example of an analysis you completed independently, including any resources used.
  • 2. This position leads statewide initiatives and workgroups. Describe a time you led or coordinated a group, project, or initiative in which participants held competing interests or priorities. Explain your role, how you moved the work forward without formal authority over the participants, a significant obstacle you encountered and how you addressed it, and the outcome.