Community Programs Research Data Specialist (Hybrid)

California Department of Health Care Services; Sacramento (CA); Hybrid; USD 1,124,000 - 1,407,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental & Vision

Paid holidays

Retirement plan

Savings plan

Job summary

California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) is seeking a Research Data Specialist III to support the Community Programs Data Support Branch. You will independently design and perform complex studies, develop reporting processes, and lead data quality initiatives for the Specialty Services Data Section.

Ideal candidates will have SAS/SQL experience, health-related research background, and the ability to manage multiple projects with competing deadlines; knowledge of R/Python and

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and perform complex research projects for the Integrated Systems of Care program.
• Lead data-quality projects and collaborate with programs and data systems to define measurement specifications.
• Ensure strong analytic, statistical, and data governance practices using SAS, SQL, or BI tools.

Job description

Work Location

Sacramento County

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 Enterprise Data and Information Management (EDIM), Program Data Reporting Division (PDRD) at the California DHCS is seeking a highly motivated and experienced individual to join our team as a Research Data Specialist III (RDS III) within the Community Programs Data Support Branch (CPDSB).

Under the general direction of the Research Data Manager (RDM), the RDS III will independently design, develop, and perform complex research projects or activities in support of the Integrated Systems of Care program, specifically the Specialty Services Data Section. The RDS III will work with programs and data systems to develop measurement specifications and reporting processes. Additionally, the RDS III will serve as a lead for highly complex, research and data quality projects. The incumbent must demonstrate strong analytic, statistical, data governance, organizational, and communication skills and be able to use SAS, Structured Query Language (SQL), or other statistical/business intelligence software.

Training and Development (T&D) assignments may be considered for this position for current California civil service employees. T&D assignments cannot exceed 24 months. However, successful T&D candidates may transition to a permanent appointment, if eligible at the end of the T&D assignment.

This position has been advertised as limited term and is expected to last 24 months; it may become permanent or be extended.

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

You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.

Working Conditions

Please see the Telework and Salary Information section below for telework, reporting location, and temporary statewide salary reduction details.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

• RESEARCH DATA SPECIALIST III

Additional Documents

• Job Application Package Checklist
• Duty Statement

Position Details

Job Code #: JC-531866

Position #(s): 803-397-5770-914

Working Title: Community Programs Research Data Specialist (Hybrid)

Classification: RESEARCH DATA SPECIALIST III

$8,392.00 - $10,505.00 A

New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

# of Positions: Multiple

Work Location: Sacramento County

Telework: Hybrid

Job Type: 12 Month Limited Term - Full Time

Department Information

DHCS’ purpose is to provide equitable access to quality health care leading to a healthy California for all.

DHCS is a dynamic organization with ambitious goals and talented, committed employees. We work hard every day to fulfill our vital responsibility to support the delivery of quality health care to Californians. DHCS is committed to addressing disparities within our organization and in our communities through efforts toward greater diversity, equity, and inclusion. This is accomplished, in part, by a commitment toward employing a diverse workforce that reflects the many communities we serve, and by promoting and enforcing equal employment opportunity.

Take a look at some of the DHCS’ recent projects and happenings that our Department has accomplished in the DHCS Newsroom.

The PDRD’s mission is to work with state, local, and community programs and business partners to support federal and state data reporting and data analytic requirements, along with providing data and research consultation and data expertise to programs and partners in these areas. The PDRD is part of the EDIM, which provides department-wide leadership and support of the collection, analysis, management, and dissemination of quality data and data products in order for programs to make sound, data-driven decisions to better serve members, improve outcomes, and support programmatic needs and requirements.

All hires pending HR approval.

Desirable Qualifications

• Experience with SAS or SQL or similar data management/statistical/reporting software.
• Experience with health-related research and/or healthcare services administrative data.
• Experience working on multiple projects with competing deadlines.
• Experience with R and Python.
• Experience with ESRI/ArcGIS.

Benefits

• Continuous and ongoing training
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion program activities
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

• 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

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.

Telework and Salary Information

This position is currently eligible for telework. 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.

The DHCS office location for this position is at 1700 K Street, Sacramento, CA 95811.

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 positions 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.

Contact Information

Hiring Unit Contact:

Soua Vang

[phone]

[e-mail]

Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.

EEO Contact:

EEO Officer

[phone]

[e-mail]

California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.

Additional Information

Using the online application system as specified in the announcement is the preferred method of applying for civil service job opportunities; however, applicants may instead apply by way of U.S. mail, parcel delivery or courier service, or in person, as set forth in this announcement.

Paper applications must include a signature. Dates printed on envelopes by mobile barcodes or equivalent mobile print technology are not acceptable proof of the date the application and any other required documents or materials were filed. Applicants must state their basis of eligibility (List Eligibility, Lateral Transfer, Reinstatement, T&D, or Surplus/SROA), and the Job Control (JC) number and/or position number in the “Examination(s) or Job Title(s), For Which You Are Applying” section on the STD. 678. Surplus/SROA candidates should submit a copy of their letter with their application. Please remove any confidential information (i.e., social security number, date of birth, etc.) as well as any information regarding your LEAP eligibility and/or exam scores from your documents prior to submission.

All information on the Employment Application (STD 678) must be completed. Applicants should include all employment history on the Employment Application (STD 678), including detailed job descriptions, hours worked per week, and start/end dates (MM/DD/YYYY). Resumes or other documents may not be substituted for the Employment Application (STD 678).

If applying electronically, please note that CalCareers no longer allows applicants to withdraw their applications. If you need assistance to withdraw your application, please contact the Recruitment Section at [e-mail] For all other questions regarding your CalCareer account, please contact CalHR’s CalCareers Unit at [phone] or [e-mail].

Final Filing Date: 9/28/2026

Who May Apply

Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply. Individuals who are eligible for a Training and Development assignment may also be considered for this position(s).