SUPERVISOR I

California Department of Developmental Services; California (MO); Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 99,000; Full time

Job summary

The California Department of Developmental Services seeks a Self-Determination Program Policy Supervisor in Orange County. Under the direction of the CPS IV, you will oversee professional staff, coordinate policy writing for SDP, and liaison with regional centers to advance state SDP initiatives.

This permanent, full-time hybrid role offers a salary range of $7,172 to $8,910 per month, with potential geographic retention pay.

Qualifications

• Experience coordinating with external partners with differing priorities and perspectives.
• Experience supervising/providing direction to professional/analytical staff and managing project timelines.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and supervise professional and analytical staff within the SDP Policy Unit.
• Lead SDP policy writing and liaise with regional centers to advance SDP initiatives.
• Oversee state activities related to SDP implementation, administration and oversight.

Skills

Strong communication

Supervision

Policy writing

External partnerships coordination

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

PowerPoint

Outlook

Job description

Job Description And Duties

Under the general direction of the Community Program Specialist IV (CPS IV) in the Self‑Determination Program (SDP) Branch, SDP Policy Unit, the Supervisor I is responsible for assisting, directing, coordinating, and overseeing activities of professional level staff. This position leads policy writing for the SDP, leads the liaisons activities with each regional center and completes the higher‑level assignments associated with the State’s efforts on the implementation, administration and oversight of state activities related to the SDP.

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.

This position is eligible for geographic retention pay differential of $250.00 per month.

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.

In‑office days required where work is performed in an open‑spaced, partitioned office environment in close proximity to co‑workers while using a Department issued computer or reviewing documents. Travel is required occasionally and includes continuous days of overnight stay.

Position Details

Job Code #: JC‑531928

Position #(s): 472‑574‑4800‑XXX

Working Title: Self‑Determination Program Policy Supervisor

Classification: SUPERVISOR I

Salary: $7,172.00 - $8,910.00

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: Orange County

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

The Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) must be numbered in the same order as the following areas, typed in 12‑point Arial font, single spaced, and be no more than two pages in length. Applicants who fail to answer the questions or submit an SOQ may not be considered.

• The Supervisor I is responsible for coordinating with external partners and supporting effective communication, outreach, and program improvement. Describe a time you coordinated with multiple external partners who had differing priorities, perspectives, or levels of understanding of a program or initiative. What approach did you take to build alignment, address challenges, and ensure effective collaboration? What was the outcome?
• The Supervisor I provides direct supervision to professional and analytical staff within the SDP Policy Unit. Describe your experience supervising or leading professional or analytical staff. How do you assess the quality and accuracy of staff work products, support staff development, and establish and monitor project timelines?

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 for the position.

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.

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).

Final Filing Date: 9/24/2026

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: The Lanterman Act and developmental services system. Applicable state laws, policies, directives, regulations and federal SDP waiver. Principles, practices, and trends of public and business administration, including supporting management and staff; principles and practices of employee supervision; formal and informal aspects of the legislative process; and the Administration and Department’s goals and policies. Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook required. Strong communication skills are essential to the successful performance and completion of job duties.
• Ability to: Perform complex analytical and administrative duties including reading and interpreting laws, regulations, and policies; presenting data, findings, and reports in public forums and meetings; evaluating issues, identifying solutions, and taking effective action; drafting clear, comprehensive, and well‑organized directives, reports; safeguarding sensitive and confidential information; interacting tactfully and professionally with the public and stakeholders; establishing and maintaining effective working relationships; applying relevant laws, rules, policies, and procedures; proactively identifying and communicating critical issues to leadership; effectively leading and guiding team members; managing multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment; and establishing and maintaining project timelines.

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

The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.

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

Human Resources Contact

Mimi Hairford

[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

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 Supervisor I 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.

Remove Any Confidential Information

Do not include any confidential information on any documents you submit for a job vacancy, such as your State application, resume, or educational transcripts.

Confidential information that should be excluded or removed from these documents includes, but is not limited to, your Social Security Number (SSN), birthdate, student identification number, driver’s license number (unless required), basis of eligibility, examination results, LEAP status, marital status, and age. Confidential information on the first page of applications submitted electronically online, such as Easy ID number, SSN, examination related information, and driver’s license number will automatically be redacted upon submission.

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.