Health Program Specialist

California Department of Health Care Services; Sacramento (CA); Hybrid; USD 74,000 - 93,000; Full time

Job summary

California Department of Health Care Services in Sacramento is seeking a Health Program Specialist I to support LTC carve-in monitoring and policy evolution within the Medi-Cal managed care delivery system.

You will lead data‑driven monitoring activities, coordinate cross‑department projects, and ensure compliance with state and federal requirements while engaging with internal partners and stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of Medi-Cal/Medicaid program.
• Knowledge of managed care policies and programs and compliance.
• Experience interpreting contracts, policies, laws, and regulations.
• Strong analytical, critical thinking and problem‑solving skills.
• Experience writing and presenting policies and procedures.
• Ability to synthesize complex information and present it clearly to leadership.
• Excellent communication skills, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to be detail oriented.
• Possesses strong project management skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead ongoing monitoring activities related to LTC carve-in in managed care.
• Coordinate policy development, implementation, and evaluation for Medi-Cal managed care.
• Monitor MCP compliance with state and federal regulations and contracts.
• Develop data‑driven monitoring processes in collaboration with technical partners.

Skills

Analytical skills

Project management

Communication

Independent work

Time management

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.

About this Role

Under the direction of the Supervisor I, the Health Program Specialist (HPS) I in the SPD Monitoring Unit provides subject matter expertise supporting the long-term care (LTC) carve-in resulting from California Advancing and Innovating Medi-Cal (CalAIM). This position leads the development of ongoing monitoring activities related to the carve-in of Skilled Nursing, Subacute, and Intermediate Care Facilities in managed care, which includes oversight of Medi-Cal Managed Care Plan (MCP) LTC networks, provider payments and disputes., and amending the managed care contract to reflect changes in Federal and State regulations, and enforcement of noncompliance including sanctions and liquidated damages. The HPS I coordinate various projects as assigned including policy development, implementation, and evaluation related to Medi-Cal managed care delivery system, and leads ongoing activities to monitor MCP compliance with State and Federal regulations, applicable contracts, and All Plan Letters (APLs). The incumbent has multi‑department, immediate, and long‑range impacts, where the level of expertise is required to coordinate with internal technical partners to improve managed care program data and develop data‑driven monitoring processes.

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.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

• HEALTH PROGRAM SPECIALIST I

Position Details

Job Code #:

JC-530618

Position #(s):

805-150-8338-XXX

Working Title:

Health Program Specialist

Classification:

HEALTH PROGRAM SPECIALIST I

$6,623.00 - $8,290.00

# of Positions:

Multiple

Work Location:

Sacramento County

Telework:

Hybrid

Job Type:

Permanent, 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 DHCS' recent projects and happenings that our Department has accomplished in the DHCS Newsroom.

Statement Of Qualifications Requirement Section

The SOQ serves as documentation of the applicant’s ability to present information clearly and provide DHCS additional information about their experience and qualifications concisely in writing. The DHCS may not consider applicants who fail to provide an SOQ with their application. Resumes do not take the place of the SOQ.

The SOQ must be no more than one page in length, double-spaced and using 12-point font. You must indicate your Full Name and Job Control Number at the top right corner.

Candidates who do not complete and submit an SOQ may not be considered for this position.

Describe your experience supporting or conducting program oversight activities, such as monitoring compliance, analyzing performance data, identifying issues, or developing recommendations or solutions.

Application Requirements

Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.

Final Filing Date: 9/25/2026

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.

Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).

Desirable Qualifications

• Knowledge of Medi-Cal/Medicaid Program
• Knowledge of managed care policies and programs and compliance
• Experience interpreting contracts, policies, laws, and regulations
• Strong analytical, critical thinking and problem‑solving skills
• Experience writing and presenting policies and procedures
• Ability to synthesize complex information and present it clearly to leadership.
• Possesses excellent communication skills, both orally and in writing
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple time‑sensitive assignments.
• Advanced skills in Microsoft Office Suite
• Ability to be detail oriented
• Possesses strong project management skills

Benefits

• 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 California State Civil Service Employee Benefits Summary

DHCS 2023-2027 Strategic Plan 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: SurveyMonkey link . This survey is not required to be considered for this position.

Contact Information

The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.

Hiring Unit Contact:

Emilie Correa

[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.

Telework and Salary Information

Telework: 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.

Beginning July 1, 2026, pursuant to Executive Order N-22-25 issued March 3, 2025, and California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) Statewide Guidance issued March 13, 2025, DHCS team members generally will be required to report in‑person a minimum of four days per week unless exempted/excepted.

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 Ave, Sacramento, CA 95814.

Salary: 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.

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.