Unit Chief

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:

Under the general direction of the Supervisor II, the Unit Chief will lead the Crisis Care Unit (CCU) and play a key role in the development, implementation, and oversight of critical behavioral health initiatives. These include the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (988 Program), the Medi-Cal Mobile Crisis Services benefit, and the Recovery Incentives Program—each designed to deliver lifesaving interventions to California’s high-risk populations.

The Unit Chief will provide leadership and subject matter expertise in crisis care services, supporting the Crisis Care Section through: technical assistance, program planning and evaluation, policy development and analysis, budgeting and fiscal oversight, and program monitoring and performance improvement.

The incumbent will be expected to lead a multidisciplinary team effectively, apply logical and creative problem-solving approaches, and use a range of analytical methods to address complex policy and operational challenges. The Unit Chief will also be responsible for presenting data-driven recommendations, both orally and in writing, and for advising executive leadership and stakeholders on matters related to crisis care services. Travel may be required up to 5% of the time. 

This classification was previously known as the Staff Services Manager I classification and is now referred to as the Supervisor I classification, effective January 1, 2026.

Have questions and/or need assistance? Contact View email address on us.fitly.work , 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 simple steps: 

1. Review the education and experience minimum qualifications (MQ’s) of the Supervisor I . See the Minimum Requirements section of this posting.
2. Complete the Supplemental Application 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 Supplemental Application - see the "Required Application Package Documents" section of this posting. 
4. Once you have applied, take the Supervisor I examination.

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.

Supplemental Application Requirement Section:

Applicants must include a Supplemental Application (SA) for this recruitment. You must provide specific information in your response(s) which demonstrates how your knowledge, skills, and training meet the needs of this position. The DHCS may not consider applicants who fail to provide an SA with their application. Resumes do not take the place of the SA.

Respond directly to the following Supplemental Application question(s):

1. Please describe a time when you had to engage diverse stakeholders to achieve a critical organizational goal. How did you ensure their needs were met while keeping the project on track?

The SA response 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.

Travel may be required up to 5% of the time.

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 working in a health care or behavioral health care related field.

- Ability to lead a diverse group through competing goals.

- Experience with program implementation and/or program oversight, including providing technical assistance.

- Experience with analysis, such as requirements in contracts, regulations, or grants.

- Ability to monitor compliance requirements and ensure quality improvement.

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 California State Civil Service Employee Benefits Summary

DHCS 2023-2027 Strategic Plan 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: SurveyMonkey Link . This survey is not required to be considered for this position.

Telework and Salary Information

Telework:

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.

Personal Leave Program (PLP) 2025 agreement:

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.

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 - Refer to the Supplemental Application Requirement Section for instructions.