Job Description

Job Description and Duties

The Behavioral Health & State Policy Specialist functions as an independent, highly skilled, subject matter expert and technical program consultant in areas of extreme sensitivity and with the responsibility for providing consultation, technical assistance, and coordination in the planning, development, and implementation of a broad healthcare workforce policy. These tasks may occasionally require the involvement of other governmental agencies, public and private education institutions, and the employer community throughout California.

Effective July 1, 2025, specific Bargaining Units and associated Excluded State employees are subject to a salary reduction between 2% - 4.62% in exchange for Personal Leave Program 2025 (PLP 2025) hours each month. For more details about  PLP 2025 , visit the California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) website.

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Working Conditions

HCAI is committed to fostering a flexible, inclusive, and high-performing work environment that supports both operational excellence and employee well-being.

HCAI is housed in a state-of-the-art building outside of downtown off Interstate-5. Enjoy a great work environment with many amenities, including FREE PARKING and fully equipped electric vehicle charging stations. HCAI is close to many dining and shopping choices in the Natomas area.

HCAI supports a hybrid telework schedule for many positions, consistent with operational requirements. Telework schedules are only available for CA residents. The telework policy is subject to change, and additional in-office days may be required and/or minimal notification may be given to report to the worksite if an urgent need arises.

Visa Sponsorship: HCAI is not an E-Verify employer and does not provide visa sponsorship. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of appointment.

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 evaluating and analyzing situations followed by recommending, adopting and/or implementing an effective course of action.
• Experience that demonstrates the ability to efficiently process or oversee contracts and/or grants while effectively tracking and monitoring outcomes.
• Experience that demonstrates the ability to multi-task, meet deadlines and adjust to changing priorities in a cooperative manner.
• Experience collaborating and interacting with the public and varying levels of departmental personnel.
• Experience collaborating on or leading cross-functional teams.
• Experience with learning and implementing new technology platforms and effectively managing changes.

Benefits

In addition to competitive public employee wages and a comprehensive benefits package, our employees enjoy meaningful and interesting work that supports access to healthcare.

To learn more about benefits for State employees, visit the Salary and Benefits page on the CalHR website .

University of California (UC) and California State University (CSU) employees may qualify to transfer their current and previous employment credit to State of California employment through CalPERS. Human Resources can help with this process upon employment, or you can reach out to CalPERS for inquiries at (888) 225-7377.

Additional Application Requirements

To be considered for this vacancy, please complete all applicable fields on the application form, including a list or description of previous/current work experience in the duties performed section. The application should also clearly demonstrate the candidate’s ability to meet the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification.

Any documents you submit for a job vacancy such as your state application, resume, cover letter, educational transcripts, etc. SHOULD NOT include ANY confidential information e.g. Social Security Number (SSN).

Possession of Minimum Qualifications will be verified prior to interview and/or appointment. If you are using education to meet the minimum qualifications for this position, you must submit a copy of your high school or college/university transcript(s). Unofficial transcripts may be accepted during the application process; however, submission of official transcripts may be required prior to appointment.

Foreign Degrees or Transcripts – Applicants with foreign degrees or transcripts who wish to apply that coursework toward meeting the minimum qualifications of the classification must provide a transcript evaluation that indicates the number of units to which his/her foreign coursework is equivalent. HCAI accepts foreign transcript evaluations that are completed by one of the agencies approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.

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 -

  A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) must be submitted to apply for this position.

  
  1. Describe your experience assisting in the development, implementation, or evaluation of a public health program or initiative. What was your role, what steps did you take, and what was the result?

  2. Tell us about a time you worked with internal or external partners (e.g., community organizations, local health departments, or other state agencies) to support a public health effort. How did you ensure productive collaboration?

  3. Give an example of how you managed competing priorities or worked under tight deadlines on a health-related project. What strategies did you use to stay organized and ensure high-quality work?

Job Tags

Permanent employment, Full time, Work experience placement, Work at office, Local area, Remote work, Flexible hours

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