Behavioral Health Services Act Program Specialist

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 BHSA provides funds to local governments for the provision of mental health services to assist with the treatment and prevention of mental illness.

Under general direction of the Staff Services Manager (SSM) I, the Health Program Specialist I (HPS I) performs a variety of analytical activities related to the Behavioral Health Services Act (BHSA). The incumbent is responsible for updating existing fiscal, program, and evaluation policy for the BHSA. This position would also be responsible for developing policies for new BHSA requirements and or processes necessary due to changes in statute or regulation, or based on findings identified through BHSA program oversight reviews.

This position requires knowledge of, or the ability to quickly learn, a broad range of subjects pertaining to behavioral health policy. This position requires excellent writing and communication skills. The incumbent may be required to work with and be exposed to sensitive and confidential issues and/or materials and is expected to maintain confidentiality at all times. The incumbent is required to conduct business in a professional and service-oriented manner, demonstrate integrity and honesty in representing the Department, establish and build rapport through openness and trust, and promote teamwork and cross-functional collaboration and communication in support of Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) strategic goals.

Have questions and/or need assistance? Contact [email protected] , we are here to help walk you through the state hiring process!

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 Health Program Specialist I (HPS I). See the Minimum Requirements section of this posting.
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 of this posting.
4. Once you have applied, take the HPS 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.

Travel is required 10% of the time. The position may require overnight travel for up to a 3 consecutive nights.

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:

• Able to use critical thinking and prioritize while under the pressure of working deadlines
• Ability to show initiative, tact, originality, and good judgment.
• Ability to communicate effectively, demonstrate excellent customer service skills, interpersonal relationship skills, and organizational skills with attention to detail.
• Knowledge of the public behavioral health system, including delivery systems and services.
• Experience in supervising/managing projects.
• Ability to establish and maintain collaborative, productive, and professional working relationships with departmental leadership, various government entities, and stakeholders.

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

This position is currently eligible for telework up to three days per week and is required to report in person a minimum of two days per week. 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

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.