Policy Analyst

California Department of Health Care Services; Sacramento (CA); Hybrid; USD 67,000 - 84,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits: Training and development

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Job summary

California Department of Health Care Services in Sacramento seeks a Policy Analyst (Analyst II) to join the Immigration Unit of the Eligibility Policy Branch II, Medi-Cal Eligibility Division. You will research complex Medi-Cal eligibility issues, develop guidelines, and prepare policy guidance for county workers and system implementations.

The role includes coordinating unit activities, interpreting residency and immigration rules, collaborating with multiple agencies, and delivering

Qualifications

• Analyst II position in Immigration Unit within MCED.
• Ability to analyze complex Medi-Cal eligibility policy and provide guidance.
• Experience coordinating cross‑unit or cross-agency projects.
• Strong writing and policy development skills.

Responsibilities

• Researches complex Medi-Cal eligibility issues and analyzes options.
• Writes and edits policy guidance for county eligibility workers and system implementation.
• Develops policies and processes impacting Medi-Cal, SAWS, and CalHEERS.
• Coordinates and monitors Immigration Unit activities and collaborates with other divisions and agencies.

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. If you are interested in joining our team, apply today!

About this Role:

Under the direction of the Supervisor I in the Immigration Unit of the Eligibility Policy Branch II, Medi-Cal Eligibility Division (MCED), the Analyst II exercises considerable independent judgment in making decisions and recommendations that have significant impact on California's Medi-Cal program, as well as affecting county government operations, and the health and welfare of Medi-Cal members. The Analyst II researches complex issues impacting Medi-Cal eligibility, analyzes available options and provides recommendations to management to solve policy or system issues. The Analyst II writes and edits a variety of documents to provide policy guidance for county eligibility workers and system implementation; develops policies, guidelines and processes that impact California's Medi-Cal program, Covered California operations, Statewide Automated Welfare System (SAWS), and the California Healthcare Eligibility, Enrollment, and Retention System (CalHEERS).

The Analyst II coordinates and monitors Immigration Unit activities. This may include providing clarification and interpretation of general Medi-Cal Citizenship and Immigration regulations and policies, California residency policies, Refugee Medical Assistance, and immigrant Medi-Cal eligibility. The Analyst II works independently or as part of a team and collaborates with other units within MCED and other Divisions within DHCS on assignments and projects. The Analyst II also collaborates and consults with multiple governmental agencies, which include federal, state, and county staff, legislative staff, in addition to administrative vendors and advocacy groups.

The Analyst II develops, implements, and monitors complex, highly visible, Medi-Cal eligibility projects for the state's Medicaid population including those associated with state and federal changes such as the July 4, 2025, House Resolution 1. The duties and assignments may change and be interchangeable depending upon the priorities of the Unit. The Analyst II may act as lead for major section or branch projects. This position may include some travel and occasional overnight travel to attend county trainings and provide training and presentations to county staff and others. This would be 5% or less of the time.

Have questions and/or need assistance? Contact [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.

NOTE: To be considered for this Job Opportunity, applicants must have permanent civil service status, be reachable on an employment list, have transfer eligibility, or have reinstatement eligibility. IF YOU DO NOT HAVE ELIGIBILITY, YOU MUST TAKE THE EXAM. Please visit the CalCareers website to take the exam for this classification. Analyst II Exam Link

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

• ANALYST II

Additional Documents

• Job Application Package Checklist
• Duty Statement

Position Details

Job Code #

JC-536402

Position #(s)

805-310-5393-930

Working Title

Policy Analyst

Classification

ANALYST II

Salary

$6,031.00 - $7,547.00 A

# 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 .

Special Requirements

Supplemental Application

This Supplemental Application (SA) serves as documentation of each candidate’s ability to present information clearly and concisely in writing. Resumes, cover letters, and pre-written SOQ's do not take the place of the SA. Please put your responses in a document that can be attached (uploaded) with your application documents. This is a required document and if not submitted, you will not be considered for the position.

Describe your experience analyzing and interpreting complex policies or regulations. How have you applied this analysis to develop or implement program guidance, procedures, or recommendations?

In your response, include:

• The context and scope of the policy or regulation.
• The methods you used to analyze and interpret the information.
• The outcome of your work and how it supported program goals or compliance.

Desirable Qualifications

• Working knowledge of information technology systems and system development.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Analytical skills (ability to analyze complex situations and provide recommendations)
• Research skills
• Strong communication skills (both written and verbal)
• Ability to multitask, and project management experience.

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.

Katie Kellinger

[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

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: 1501 Capitol Avenue, Sacramento, CA 95814

Personal Leave Program (PLP) 2025 agreement

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 on this job advertisement for details.

Additional Information

Using the online application system as specified in the announcement is the preferred method of applying for civil service job opportunities; however, applicants may instead apply by way of U.S. mail, parcel delivery or courier service, or in person, as set forth in this announcement.

Paper applications must include a signature. Dates printed on envelopes by mobile barcodes or equivalent mobile print technology are not acceptable proof of the date the application and any other required documents or materials were filed. Applicants must state their basis of eligibility (List Eligibility, Lateral Transfer, Reinstatement, T&D, or Surplus/SROA), and the Job Control (JC) number and/or position number in the "Examination(s) or Job Title(s), For Which You Are Applying" section on the STD. 678. Surplus/SROA candidates should submit a copy of their letter with their application. Please remove any confidential information (i.e., social security number, date of birth, etc.) as well as any information regarding your LEAP eligibility and/or exam scores from your documents prior to submission.

All information on the Employment Application (STD 678) must be completed. Applicants should include all employment history on the Employment Application (STD 678), including detailed job descriptions, hours worked per week, and start/end dates (MM/DD/YYYY). Resumes or other documents may not be substituted for the Employment Application (STD 678).

If applying electronically, please note that CalCareers no longer allows applicants to withdraw their applications. If you need assistance to withdraw your application, please contact the Recruitment Section at [e-mail] For all other questions regarding your CalCareer account, please contact CalHR’s CalCareers Unit at [phone] or [e-mail]

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.

Final Filing Date

11/3/2026

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.