Contract 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 Information Technology (IT) Specialist (S) I serves as contracts specialist in the IT Contract Services Section A (ITCSS A). The responsibilities lie within the Business Technology Management and Project Management domains. The ITS I serves as a Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) contracts specialist of major IT systems and services and provides consultative and expert support on all phases of the procurement process. The ITS I independently reviews and assists in the development of highly technical and specialized IT service contracts. The ITS I independently develops solicitations, contract amendments and other related contractual documents in accordance with all state and federal requirements. This position requires extensive technical knowledge and skills related to procurement activities associated with DHCS' IT projects.

Pending Human Resource Department and Budget Approval.

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

Will consider Training and Development appointment.

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 Information Technology Specialist I . See the Minimum Requirements section above.
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 Information Technology Specialist I exam.

Statement of Qualifications Requirement Section

The Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is a pre-interview screening tool used to assess writing clarity and relevant experience. It must be typed, limited to one page, in 12-point Arial font, on 8½ x 11” paper with 1” margins. The header must include the Job Control Number, your full name, and the page number. Responses must directly answer the question and list all relevant experience, including employers and duties. Failure to follow these instructions will result in your application not being considered.

The SOQ must address the following:

1. Describe your experience with complex contracts or projects on track. Include details on why the contract/project was complex, the actions you took, and the tools you used.

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 and experience with state and federal procurement, contract and project management regulations
• Professionalism
• Team player
• Work independently
• Fast learner
• Self-motivated
• Customer Service skills/experience
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Experience with continuous improvement efforts

• Excellent communication skills (both verbal and written)

• Public Speaking skills/experience
• Training experience
• Computer skills including experience with: Microsoft Office, Teams, Outlook, SharePoint, and Jira

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.

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.

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 optional. It may be included, but is not required.
• Statement of Qualifications -

  Refer to the Statement of Qualifications Requirement Section for instructions.