Health Program Specialist I

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

Job summary

Under the direction of the Supervisor I, the Health Program Specialist I (HPS I) supports the Crisis Care Section Programs, responsible for assisting with the development, implementation, and administration of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (988 Program) and the Medi-Cal Mobile Crisis Services benefit, to provide lifesaving behavioral health interventions for California's high-risk populations.

The HPS I serves as lead staff in supporting the development and monitoring of initiatives related

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and administer the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (988 Program) and Medi-Cal Mobile Crisis Services benefit.
• Provide technical support, program evaluation and planning, budgeting, and policy analysis for the Crisis Care Section.
• Lead staff in development, monitoring, and guidance to ensure successful behavioral health programs; handle confidential information.

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 I (HPS I) supports the Crisis Care Section Programs, and is responsible for assisting with the development, implementation, and administration of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (988 Program) and the Medi-Cal Mobile Crisis Services benefit, to provide lifesaving behavioral health interventions for California's high-risk populations.

The HPS I serves as lead staff in supporting the development and monitoring of initiatives related to the program, including technical support, program evaluation and planning, program monitoring, policy analysis, and budgeting to the Crisis Care Section. These duties require the HPS I to conduct themselves in a professional manner, demonstrate good analytical skills, have good problem solving and organizational abilities, the ability to research and interpret laws and regulations, and the appropriate skills to present management with the recommendations and alternatives to identify issues. The HPS I must have the ability to handle confidential/sensitive information, develop and issue guidance, and amend regulations.

The HPS I serves as a subject matter consultant and performs various administrative and independent duties to ensure successful implementation and administration of all behavioral health programs related to crisis care programs and services. Travel may be required up to 5% of the time.

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

This position is not eligible for a visa sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work in the US without the need for a visa sponsorship by the start date of employment.

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

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

Minimum Requirements

• HEALTH PROGRAM SPECIALIST I

Additional Documents

• Job Application Package Checklist
• Duty Statement

Position Details

Job Code #

JC-535318

Position #(s)

806-476-8338-007

Working Title

Health Program Specialist I

Classification

HEALTH PROGRAM SPECIALIST I

Salary Range

$6,623.00 - $8,290.00

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

# of Positions

1

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.

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).

Final Filing Date

11/5/2026

Contact Information

Michelle Regalado
[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.

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.