INNOVATION SPECIALIST

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

Benefits offered by this job

Continuous training

DEI program activities

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Medical, dental, vision insurance

Paid holidays and vacation/leave

Defined retirement program

Savings Plus Program (401(k), 457)

Medical/Dependent Care Reimbursement

Job summary

California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) invites applications for an Innovation Specialist position. This role acts in a lead capacity for large-scale projects, contract procurement and evaluation, and analysis of bills and regulations.

The Innovation Health Program Specialist II will advance enterprise-level solutions and continuously promote innovation and efficiencies across Program Operations and the Department.

Qualifications

• Experience with workflow management and optimization.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to anticipate project needs.
• Experience developing and delivering technical assistance and capacity-building initiatives.
• Experience supporting and training staff and community partners that are unfamiliar with research, to collect, manage, and analyze data.
• Ability to analyze, think logically, interpret technical data, and make sound decisions.
• Intermediate to advanced experience with Microsoft suite, technology, software tools, etc.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines simultaneously.
• Ability to facilitate.
• Receptive to feedback.

Responsibilities

• Lead large-scale projects, contracts procurement and evaluations.
• Analyze bills and regulations as part of program operations.
• Contribute to enterprise-level technology enhancements and solutions.
• Promote innovation and efficiencies throughout Program Operations and the Department.
• Coordinate cross‑functional teams and stakeholders to deliver results.

Skills

Workflow management

Problem solving

Capacity building

Staff training

Data analysis

MS Office

Facilitation

Job description

Work Location

Yolo 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 Business Innovation Branch of the Program Operations Deputy Director's Office serves as the innovation arm for both Program Operations and the Department. Under the general direction of the Supervisor II, the role of the Innovation Health Program Specialist II acts in a lead capacity for large scale projects, contract procurement and evaluation, and analysis of bills and regulations. This also include work on projects related to technical enhancements, including enterprise level solutions, and continuously promoting innovation and efficiencies throughout Program Operations and the Department.

Position Details

• Job Code #: JC-530391
• Position #(s): 805-400-8336-XXX
• Working Title: INNOVATION SPECIALIST
• Classification: HEALTH PROGRAM SPECIALIST II
• Salary: $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: Multiple
• Work Location: Yolo 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. Individuals who are eligible for a Training and Development assignment may also be considered for this position(s).

Desirable Qualifications

• High integrity
• Experience with workflow management and optimization
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to anticipate project needs
• Experience developing and delivering technical assistance and capacity-building initiatives
• Experience supporting and training staff and community partners that are unfamiliar with research, to collect, manage, and analyze data
• Ability to analyze, think logically, interpret technical data, and make sound decisions
• Intermediate to advanced experience with Microsoft suite, technology, software tools, etc.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines simultaneously
• Ability to facilitate
• Receptive to feedback

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

Contact Information

Hiring Unit Contact: May Tang [phone] [e-mail]

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. 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 840 Stillwater Rd, West Sacramento, CA 95605. 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 in 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 workplace. 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.

Final Filing Date

Final Filing Date: 9/11/2026