HEALTH PROGRAM SPECIALIST II

California Department of Developmental Services; California (MO); Hybrid; USD 81,000 - 102,000; Full time

Job summary

The California Department of Developmental Services is seeking an Autism Training Program Specialist to design, deliver and evaluate statewide education initiatives on Autism Spectrum Disorder. You will collaborate with DDS offices, regional centers, providers and universities to create trainings and resource materials that advance equity and person-centered practice.

The role supports individuals on the autism spectrum with strengths-based approaches and neurodiversity, while navigating a

Qualifications

• Knowledge of supports accommodations related to autism and developmental disabilities.
• Familiarity with the Lanterman Act and the developmental disabilities service system.
• Experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Adobe and virtual meeting/training tools.

Responsibilities

• Develop, administer, coordinate and evaluate ASD-related statewide educational programs and trainings.
• Coordinate with DDS offices, regional centers, providers, and universities to deliver programs and materials.
• Support individuals with autism using equity, inclusion and person-centered practices.

Skills

Autism accommodations

Developmental disabilities

Lanterman Act

Microsoft Word

Excel

PowerPoint

Outlook

Adobe

Virtual meetings

Training materials

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

PowerPoint

Outlook

Adobe

Job description

Job Description And Duties

Under general direction, the Health Program Specialist II (HPS II) will develop, administer, coordinate, and evaluate educational programs and trainings related to Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) statewide. The HPS II will coordinate with the Department of Developmental Services (Department) offices and facilities, regional centers, providers, state departments, universities, and other system partners to organize, develop, deliver, and assess educational programs, trainings, and resource materials related to ASD.

The HPS II will support individuals on the autism spectrum by applying principles and practices related to equity, cultural and linguistic competency, inclusion, accommodations, strengths-based approaches, person-centered practices, individualized program planning, and neurodiversity.

Effective July 1, 2025, State employees are subject to a salary reduction of three percent in exchange for five hours per month of the Personal Leave.

Please let us know how you heard about our position by taking this brief survey:

Admin: https://www.research.net/r/ddsadmin

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

Working Conditions

Under Government Code 14200, this position is a hybrid, in-office/telework position, and may be subject to change. Incumbent can be required to report to the office, or any designated location at any time. Telework agreements can be modified and/or cancelled at any time. All commute expenses to the reporting location will be the responsibility of the selected candidate.

Pursuant to California Government Code requirements, candidates must be residents of the State of California at the time of appointment.

This position requires lawful authorization to work in the United States. The Department does not sponsor employment visas for this position.

Work is performed in an open-partitioned office area. Intermittent local and statewide travel.

Position Details

Job Code #: JC-532054

Position #(s): 472-575-8336-917

Working Title: Autism Training Program Specialist

Classification: HEALTH PROGRAM SPECIALIST II

Salary Range: $7,276.00 - $9,107.00

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: United States

Telework: Hybrid

Job Type: Permanent, Full Time

Facility: Department of Developmental Services

Department Information

The California Department of Developmental Services (Department) is the agency through which the State of California provides services and supports to individuals with developmental disabilities.

These disabilities include intellectual disability, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, autism and related conditions. Services are provided through state-operated developmental centers and community facilities, and contracts with 21 nonprofit regional centers. The regional centers serve as a local resource to help find and access the services and supports available to individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.

Department Website: http://www.dds.ca.gov

Special Requirements

• Describe your professional experience, training, and educational background as they relate specifically to autism and other developmental disabilities.
• Please provide a detailed example of a disability- or health-related training, project, or initiative you led. Describe the goals of the effort, your role in its implementation, and the outcomes or results achieved.

If you are using list eligibility from an on-line exam to qualify for this position, you MUST include with your application any documentation (i.e., copy of transcript, degree, license, etc.) to verify meeting the MQ’s or you may not be considered.

The MQs will be verified prior to interview and/or appointment. If it is determined that an applicant does not meet the MQs of the classification, the applicant may not be considered and withheld from the eligible list.

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 : Supports accommodations related to Autism, developmental disabilities; the unique support needs of individuals with ASD; the Lanterman Act and the developmental disabilities service delivery system; and applications including Microsoft Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Outlook, Adobe and virtual meeting and training related products. Support needs of individuals with ASD.

Ability to : Work effectively within an interdisciplinary team model. Work collaboratively with other divisions within the Department, regional center staff and professionals. Meet and communicate respectfully with the public, community groups, system partners and others; and always adhere to professional conduct. Adhere to Departmental policies and procedures related to confidential information. Develop and maintain cooperative and harmonious relationships with regional centers and other state agencies, internal and external community. Analyze situations accurately and take quick and effective action, reason logically and creatively. Establish and maintain project priorities. Communicate effectively with individuals from varied experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds.

Benefits

As a state employee working for the Department of Developmental Services, you and your family will have access to excellent medical, dental and vision insurance benefits in addition to retirement benefits.

Benefit Eligibility May Be Based On Job Classification, Bargaining Unit, Time Base And Length Of Appointment. Additional Benefits May Also Be Outlined For Specific Bargaining Units In Employee Collective Bargaining Contracts. For More Information, Please Visit The Links Below:

State Employees - CalHR Benefits Website

CalPERS Health Benefit Summary 2026

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

Contact Information

Human Resources Contact:

Mimi Hairford

[phone]

[e-mail]

Department Website: http://www.dds.ca.gov

EEO Contact:

Equal Employment Opportunity Office

[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

Electronic application submission is highly encouraged.

Multiple positions may be filled from this recruitment. This recruitment may be utilized to fill future vacancies that may occur during the life of the certification list.

Possession of Minimum Qualifications will be verified prior to interview and/or appointment. If you are meeting Minimum Qualifications with education, you must include your unofficial transcripts/diploma for verification. Official transcripts may be required upon appointment. If it is determined an applicant does not meet the Minimum Qualifications, the candidate may be withheld from the eligibility list, rendering them inactive and ineligible to be hired for the position. Candidates who have been withheld may file an appeal with the California Department of Human Resources.

All appointments are subject to State Restriction of Appointment (SROA), Departmental Restriction of Appointment (DROA), Re-employment List procedures, pre-employment physical and fingerprint clearances. Further information on the definition of the above may be found on the California Department of Human Resources' website at: www.calhr.ca.gov .

If you have not taken the Health Program Specialist II exam/assessment you may find the exam for this classification at the link below. You must take and pass the exam/assessment to obtain eligibility for hire. Click here to gain list eligibility.

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.