MEDS Lead Technical Specialist

California Department of Health Care Services; Sacramento (CA); Hybrid; USD 106,000 - 142,000; Full time

Job summary

California Department of Health Care Services is seeking an Information Systems Technology Specialist III to act as a systems architect and technical expert for MEDS changes. This role requires analyzing requirements, translating them into technical specs, and coordinating with internal teams and external partners for seamless implementation.

The position is hybrid in Sacramento County with permanent, full-time employment.

Qualifications

• Advanced expertise in developing and maintaining complex legacy mainframe applications.
• Expertise in Systems Architecture & Technical Leadership.
• Proficiency in Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC) & AGILE Methodologies.
• Strong skills in analyzing business requirements, translating them into technical specifications, and developing or modifying system code to meet organizational needs.
• Minimum Qualifications specified in the Class Specification.
• Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) required with application.

Responsibilities

• Analyze business requirements and translate them into technical specifications.
• Develop or modify MEDS-related system code in alignment with enterprise architecture.
• Coordinate with analysts, customers, testing team, and external partners to ensure integrated changes.

Skills

Legacy mainframe apps

Systems architecture

Technical leadership

SDLC

AGILE

Requirements analysis

Technical specifications

Code development

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 administrative direction of the Information Technology Manager II (Branch Chief) within the Eligibility Applications and Support Branch, the Information Systems Technology Specialist III (ITS III) serves as a systems architect and technical expert for implementing complex system changes in Medi-Cal Eligibility Data System (MEDS) as part of the H.R.1 system enhancements and maintenance efforts. This role is essential to ensure technical solutions are aligned with business needs and are successfully implemented. The ITS III will analyze business requirements, translate them into technical specifications, and develop or modify system code accordingly. A key responsibility includes identifying and assessing impacts to downstream systems and external partners and coordinating with those partners to facilitate seamless integration and implementation of changes. The ITS III will work closely with analysts and customers to validate requirements and with testing team members to verify that developed solutions meet quality standards and functional expectations. This role also involves conducting in-depth technical research and analysis to resolve complex system issues and align with enterprise architecture and standards.

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

This position is subject to the Department's Conflict of Interest Code and filing a Statement of Economic Interests (Form 700) when assuming office, annually while in office, and upon leaving office.

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

Working Conditions

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

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

• INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SPECIALIST III

Additional Documents

• Job Application Package Checklist
• Duty Statement

Position Details

Job Code #: JC-534472

Position #(s): 802-351-1415-XXX

Working Title: MEDS Lead Technical Specialist

Classification: INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SPECIALIST III

Salary: $9,507.00 - $12,740.00

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: 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.

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

Statement Of Qualifications Requirement Section

Applicants must include a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) for this recruitment. The Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) serves as documentation of each candidate's ability to present information clearly and concisely in writing. We request that you refrain from using Artificial Intelligence (AI) assistance while crafting your response. This allows us to evaluate and comprehend your personal writing style, communication skills, and abilities accurately. 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 typed, no more than two pages (2) in length and 12 pt. Arial font. The SOQ must address the following:

• Describe a time when you introduced a significant change to a mainframe-based system or process. Explain the technical challenge, the modernization approach you chose (e.g., code conversion, refactoring, data migration, architectural redesign), and the steps you took to gain buy-in from technical staff, management, and stakeholders. Be sure to describe how you communicated the need for change, aligned the effort with organizational goals, and ensured a smooth transition for the team.

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

Final Filing Date: 10/21/2026

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).

Required Application Package Documents

• Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
• Resume is required and must be included.
• Statement of Qualifications - Please refer to the Special Requirement section for the Statement of Qualifications instructions.

Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.

Desirable Qualifications

• Advanced expertise in developing and maintaining complex legacy mainframe applications.
• Expertise in Systems Architecture & Technical Leadership
• Proficiency in Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC) & AGILE Methodologies
• Strong skills in analyzing business requirements, translating them into technical specifications, and developing or modifying system code to meet organizational needs.
• Operational Security Best Practices
• Effective Communication & Stakeholder Engagement
• Complex Problem Solving & Technical Research
• Teamwork & Positive Change Management
• Adaptation & Modernization of Technology

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.

Contact Information

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

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

Hiring Unit Contact:

Marie Seavers

[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