Health Program Specialist I

Job Description and Duties

Under the general direction of the Chief Health Policy Officer, the Health Program Specialist I (HPS I) acts as a highly skilled program subject matter expert for health and behavioral health and is responsible for performing a variety of complex health program management and analytical tasks in the Health Policy Division, Office of Youth and Community Restoration (OYCR). The HPS I supports OYCR in the implementation of Senate Bill 823, Chapter 337, and Statutes of 2020, which promotes trauma responsive, culturally informed services for youth involved in the juvenile justice system that support the youths’ successful transition into adulthood and help them become responsible, thriving, and engaged members of their communities. The HPS I performs special projects related to the identification, efficacy, development, implementation, and management of health programs for youth involved in the justice system. The incumbent supports the OYCR Health Policy Division to effectively identify and disseminate best practices and to help inform rehabilitative and restorative youth practices through education, physical and behavioral health, positive youth development, diversion programs, spiritual growth, re-entry programs, and services for survivors of crime.

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Working Conditions

This position is eligible for hybrid work in accordance with the Governor’s and at the sole discretion of the Department of Social Services under California Government Code Section 14200. All telework schedules are subject to change and may be re-evaluated at any time. The incumbent will be expected to report for in office work and attend work related in-person events as deemed operationally necessary. Telework does not change the terms and conditions of employment, the essential functions of job duties, or required compliance with the CDSS policies. Headquarter location may be designated on the selected candidate's primary residence location, and/or the closest CDSS location in accordance with operational need and available space. The successful candidate must reside in California upon appointment. The successful candidate must reside in California upon appointment.

Please note: Regular commute is not compensable.

Special Requirements

Instructions:

All applicants must complete this Special Requirements Supplemental Questionnaire as part of the application process for the Health Program Specialist I position. Responses must be typed and are expected to be clear, concise, and complete. Your responses will be used to assess your qualifications and experience relevant to the duties of the position. Applications submitted without the SQ will not be considered for an interview.

Please limit each response to 250 words .

1. Experience Supporting Health or Behavioral Health Programs for Youth
Describe your experience planning, implementing, or evaluating health, behavioral health, or trauma-informed programs for youth populations, particularly those involved in child welfare, education, or juvenile justice systems.
• Include specific examples of your role, responsibilities, and impact.
• Highlight experience working with vulnerable or justice-involved youth, communitybased providers, or county partners.

2. Knowledge of State Policies, Regulations, and Juvenile Justice Realignment
The Health Program Specialist I must understand the policy landscape created by SB 823 and related juvenile justice realignment mandates.
• Describe your experience working with California regulations, legislation, or state guidance related to health, youth services, or county-operated programs.
• Discuss how you stay current on policy changes and translate them into program operations or technical assistance.

3. County, Community, and Interagency Collaboration
This position requires coordination with counties, probation departments, community-based organizations, and behavioral health partners to support improved youth outcomes.
• Describe a time when you collaborated across agencies or disciplines to achieve a shared goal.
• Explain the challenges, strategies you used, and the final outcome.

4. Cultural Humility and Working with Diverse Youth and Families
OYCR is committed to equity, culturally responsive services, and strengthening connections between youth, families, and communities.
• Describe how you incorporate cultural humility in your work.
• Provide examples of how you have supported diverse youth or families, including those from historically marginalized communities.

5. Project Management and Independent Work
The HPS I often manages complex projects with minimal direction.
• Describe a project you independently planned and executed.
• Highlight your approach to organization, timelines, communication, and overcoming obstacles.

6. Writing, Communication, and Technical Assistance
This position requires producing written guidance, reports, presentations, and technical assistance for counties and stakeholders.
• Provide an example of a written product or presentation you created to convey complex information to a non-technical audience.
• Describe how you ensured accuracy, clarity, and usefulness of the information.

For experience/education to qualify during the application screening process, and to ensure that minimum qualifications can be determined, applicants should include all employment history on the Employment Application (STD 678) and/or Resume, including detailed job descriptions, hours worked per week, and start/end dates (MM/DD/YYYY) . Application packages without this information will experience delayed processing times and your eligibility for this position may be impacted.

• Complete application required.
• Resume required.

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 trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and community-based health and justice interventions, including diversion and re-entry models.
• Knowledge of research methodologies, survey design, and evidence-based practices, with the ability to translate findings into clear, actionable recommendations and to prepare, interpret, and present technical reports, dashboards, and policy briefs in a concise and accessible manner for diverse audiences.
• Experience supporting data collection, analysis, and reporting related to AB 2176 requirements on chronic absenteeism in juvenile court schools, including tracking trends, identifying causes, and providing technical assistance to address disparities.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, and to explain complex concepts to technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to build collaborative working relationships with agencies, community partners, and leadership, gaining and maintaining confidence and cooperation.
• Proven capacity to manage multiple projects, adapt to shifting priorities, and meet tight deadlines in a results-oriented environment.
• Initiative, flexibility, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to exercise sound judgment and demonstrate tact in sensitive situations.
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment while maintaining professionalism, accuracy, and accountability.

Benefits

There are many benefits to joining our team! The State of California has a generous benefits package that includes medical coverage, CalPERS pension upon retirement, two weeks paid vacation per year, two weeks paid sick leave per year, two paid Professional Development Days, one paid Personal Holiday, pre-tax parking fee program.

TRANSPORTATION REIMBURSEMENT

• Public transit (mass transit) passes.
  • 100 percent discount on public transit passes sold by state agencies, up to the monthly exclusion amount provided by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
  • 100 percent reimbursement on public transit passes purchased by state employees, up to the monthly exclusion amount provided by the IRS.
• Vanpool drivers and riders
  • 100 percent reimbursement on the monthly fee, up to the monthly exclusion amount provided by the IRS.

Benefit information can be found on the website and the website.

Personal Leave Program (PLP) 2025

Personal Leave Program (PLP) 2025 - Salaries do not reflect reductions from the Personal Leave Program, please see the applicable for additional information on the length and percentage of reductions.

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 -

  (SOQ) Please see the Special Requirements section of this job advertisement for detailed instructions for the SOQ submission.