Housing Policy Specialist

California Department of Housing & Community Development; Sacramento (CA); Hybrid; USD 74,000 - 93,000; Full time

Job summary

California Department of Housing & Community Development in Sacramento seeks a Housing Policy Specialist. Under general direction, the Specialist I supports the Housing Accountability Unit with policy, program, regulatory, and technical assistance activities related to ADUs and housing laws.

The role develops policy recommendations, conducts research, and serves as a liaison to internal and external stakeholders, with telework eligibility and four-in-office requirements as part of the job.

Qualifications

• Statement of Qualifications must be submitted with your application.
• Position requires reporting to an HCD office a minimum of four days per week; limited remote-centered capacity may be approved temporarily.

Responsibilities

• Under general direction, supports the Housing Accountability Unit with policy, program, regulatory, and technical assistance activities.
• Focus areas include accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and other housing laws; provides technical assistance and conducts research.
• Develops policy and program recommendations for executive consideration; liaises with internal and external stakeholders.

Job description

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.

Job Code #: JC-529549

Position #(s): 401-310-9035-009

Working Title: Housing Policy Specialist

Classification: HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST I

$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.

Shall Consider: HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST II

$7,276.00 - $9,107.00

# of Positions: Multiple

Telework: Hybrid

Job Type: Permanent, Full Time

Final Filing Date: 8/31/2026

Department Website: https://www.hcd.ca.gov/

Job Description And Duties

Note: Effective July 1, 2025, a 3% salary reduction is in place under the Personal Leave Program (PLP), with 5 hours of Personal Leave Credit earned monthly in exchange. This program is subject to change based on union agreements and state budget policy.

This position is located in Sacramento.

At HCD, we are dedicated to fostering a dynamic and inclusive work environment where innovation and collaboration thrive. If you’re interested in promoting safe, affordable, sustainable communities for all Californians, HCD is the place for you. By joining our team, you’ll have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in your community while working along passionate professionals.

Under general direction, the Housing and Community Development Specialist I is responsible for a wide range of policy, program, regulatory, and technical assistance activities that support the work of the Housing Accountability Unit in the Housing Policy Development Division. Core responsibilities include work related to accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and other housing laws; providing technical assistance; conducting research; and offering subject-matter expertise on housing and community development policy issues.

t he Specialist I independently conducts research, provides technical assistance, reviews and enforces ADU and Land Use ordinances, and develops policy and program recommendations for executive consideration. Additional areas of focus include regulatory relief, land use and planning, housing for special-needs populations, and government planning and financing programs. t he Specialist I also serves as a key liaison between the Division and a wide variety of internal and external stakeholders.

Please Note: A Statement of Qualifications must be submitted along with your application in order to be considered for this position. Please see Statement of Qualifications section below for instructions.

This position requires reporting to an HCD office a minimum of four days per week. In limited cases, at the Department’s discretion, an employee may be approved to work in a remote-centered capacity on a temporary basis until appropriate office space becomes available. Under California Government Code Section 14200, telework-eligible employees must reside in California. The designated headquarters location will be based on the employee’s primary residence and may be updated if HCD criteria are met.

You will find additional information about the job in the DutyStatement.

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).

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).