Housing Policy Specialist

Job Description and Duties

Note: Effective July 1, 2025, a 3% salary reduction is in place under the Personal Leave Program (PLP), with 5 hours of Personal Leave Credit earned monthly in exchange. This program is subject to change based on union agreements and state budget policy.

This position is located in Sacramento. At HCD, we are dedicated to fostering a dynamic and inclusive work environment where innovation and collaboration thrive. If you’re interested in promoting safe, affordable, sustainable communities for all Californians, HCD is the place for you. By joining our team, you’ll have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in your community while working along passionate professionals.

U nder general direction, the Housing and Community Development Specialist I is responsible for a wide range of policy, program, regulatory, and technical assistance activities that support the work of the Housing Accountability Unit in the Housing Policy Development Division. Core responsibilities include work related to accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and other housing laws; providing technical assistance; conducting research; and offering subject-matter expertise on housing and community development policy issues.

T he Specialist I independently conducts research, provides technical assistance, reviews and enforces ADU and Land Use ordinances, and develops policy and program recommendations for executive consideration. Additional areas of focus include regulatory relief, land use and planning, housing for special-needs populations, and government planning and financing programs. T he Specialist I also serves as a key liaison between the Division and a wide variety of internal and external stakeholders.

Please Note: A Statement of Qualifications must be submitted along with your application in order to be considered for this position. Please see Statement of Qualifications section below for instructions.

This position requires reporting to an HCD office a minimum of four days per week. In limited cases, at the Department’s discretion, an employee may be approved to work in a remote-centered capacity on a temporary basis until appropriate office space becomes available. Under California Government Code Section 14200, telework-eligible employees must reside in California. The designated headquarters location will be based on the employee’s primary residence and may be updated if HCD criteria are met.

You will find additional information about the job in the .

Special Requirements

Confidentiality

Do not include any confidential information on any documents you submit for a job vacancy, such as your State application, resume, or educational transcripts. Confidential information that should be excluded or removed from these documents includes, but is not limited to, your Social Security Number (SSN), birthdate, student identification number, driver’s license number (unless required), basis of eligibility, examination results, LEAP status, marital status, and age. Confidential information on the first page of applications submitted electronically online, such as Easy ID number, SSN, examination related information, and driver’s license number will automatically be redacted upon submission.

Employment Application (STD.678)

It is a requirement to submit work experience, dates, and hours worked, contact names and phone numbers of supervisors on the state application. Resumes or other documents cannot substitute a state application. Applicants who fail to submit a completed STD. 678 will not be considered.

HCD Disclosure Requirements

Selected candidates may be subject to rules imposed by a Conflict of Interest Code that apply to HCD employees, which may require filing a Statement of Economic Interest (Form 700).

HCD conducts pre-employment background checks on all new to HCD or returning to HCD candidates. This position requires a background check to be conducted in California and cleared prior to being hired.

HCD utilizes the federal E-Verify system to verify employment authorization in the United States. For additional information, please visit the E-Verify website .

Per CCR 249.3, this job control may be used to fill subsequent vacancies.

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 state housing law, land use planning, Accessory Dwelling Law, and/or local housing policies.
• Experience with planning, permitting, coordination with local jurisdictions, and the California Building Code.
• Experience in reviewing, analyzing, developing, or advocating for state housing laws.
• Experience with project management or leading teams and special projects.
• Experience reviewing, analyzing, communicating (written, verbal, and inter-personal), and presenting complex topics to a variety of internal and external stakeholders; experience with public engagement.
• Experience planning and facilitating public engagement events.

Benefits

We offer competitive benefits and flexible opportunities:

• Excellent health, dental and vision benefits for employee/employee’s family
• 401k program
• Flexible Schedules
• Hybrid telework
• Alternate Work Week Schedule options
• Paid Holidays and vacation/leave
• Tax-advantaged savings and spending accounts
• Free Employee Assistance Program
• Investment in your training and development

HCD’s Sacramento Headquarters’ building also offers:

• Convenient transportation options, including light-rail and pre-tax parking
• Free On-site Gym
• On-site Childcare
• On-site Café, Deli, and Grill
• On-site ATM

For more details about employee benefits, visit the

Statement of Qualifications

When applying for this position, a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required to be submitted along with your State Employment Application (STD Form 678). The SOQ will serve as a pre-interview screening tool and will be evaluated and scored based on the applicant’s ability to follow these instructions.

Instructions:

• The SOQ must be:
  • No more than two (2) pages
  • Typed in 12-point font
  • Numbered and labeled according to the prompts provided below
• Your SOQ must include the numbered prompts below, followed by your relevant responses.
• Resumes, letters, and other materials will not be considered as a substitute for the SOQ.

Applicants who do not follow these instructions and/or do not provide relevant responses to the numbered statements below will not be considered for this position.

1. Please describe your experience in State Housing Laws, local land use planning, affordable housing development, or housing policy.

1. Describe your experience working in an environment with competing priorities and multiple deadlines. How do you balance your workload?

1. Describe your experience in drafting, analyzing, evaluating, and/or preparing complex reports, technical assistance memos, policy briefs, studies, data, or the like.

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 - Please refer to the Statement of Qualifications section below for additional requirements.