Research Data Specialist

This is a re-advertisement of JC-408451. If you previously applied under JC-408451, you would need to re-apply under this new Job Control, JC-430996 in order to be considered. 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 Enterprise Data and Information Management Program (EDIM), Program Data Reporting division (PDRD) at the California DHCS is seeking a highly motivated and experienced individual to join our team as a Research Data Speciailist III (RDS III).

The RDS III will determine the scope and parameters of research criteria and perform the more complex research and data analysis projects for the Medi-Cal program, specifically to the PDRD, Managed Care Data Support Section and the Managed Care Health Reporting Section. The RDS III will serve as a top expert with programs and data systems to develop measurement specifications and reporting processes. Additionally, the RDS III will serve as a lead for highly complex, research and data quality projects. The incumbent must demonstrate strong analytic, statistical, data governance, organizational, and communication skills and be able to use Statistical Analysis Software (SAS), Structured Query Language (SQL), or other statistical/business intelligence software.


Have questions and/or need assistance? Contact we are here to help walk you through the state hiring process!

This recruitment has been posted for multiple vacancies candidates will be considered for all open positions. Additionally, this recruitment may be used to fill additional identical vacancies which occur within 180 days of the closing date of this bulletin.
Training and Development (T&D) assignments may be considered for this position for current California civil service employees. T&D assignments cannot exceed 24 months. However, successful T&D candidates may transition to a permanent appointment, if eligible at the end of the T&D assignment.
If you are interested in this position, it is critical to review the Classification Specifications to determine if you will meet the minimum qualifications (MQ's). Please make note of Education and Experience requirements for the classification. The Classification Specification and MQ's can be found here: Research Data Specialist III

You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement .
Working Conditions
Telework is based on operational needs for employees who can perform their essential functions remotely and/or whose duties are conducive to teleworking per DHCS' Telework Policy and in accordance with Government Code Sections 14200 – 14203 for employees residing in California. Should the incumbent need to report to an office, they will need to report to DHCS office location: 1700 K Street, Sacramento, CA.

CalHR Telework Definitions:
In Office – refers to all working days. Hybrid – refers to some working days in office and other days telework. Telework – refers to all working days at approved alternate work location.
Please see the Telework Information section below for telework details.
Minimum Requirements
You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification. RESEARCH DATA SPECIALIST III Additional Documents
Job Application Package Checklist Duty Statement Position Details
Job Code #: JC-430996
Position #(s): ********
Working Title: Research Data Support Specialist (Hybrid Option) Classification: RESEARCH DATA SPECIALIST III $7,911.00 - $9,902.00 A
# of Positions: Multiple
Work Location: Sacramento County
Telework: Hybrid
Job Type: Permanent, Full Time
Department Information
DHCS is California's health care safety net, helping millions of low-income and disabled Californians each and every day.

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 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 the DHCS' recent projects and happenings that our Department has accomplished in the DHCS Newsroom.
The PDRD's mission is to work with state, local, and community programs and business partners to support federal and state data reporting and data analytic requirements, along with providing data and research consultation and data expertise to programs and partners in these areas. The PDRD is part of the EDIM Program, which provides department-wide leadership and support of the collection, analysis, management, and dissemination of quality data and data products in order for programs to make sound, data-driven decisions to better serve members, improve outcomes, and support programmatic needs and requirements.



All hires pending HR approval. Special Requirements
Simple Application Steps If you are interested in this position, complete the following these simple steps:
1. Review the education and experience minimum qualifications Research Data Specialist III. See the Minimum Requirements section above.


2. Complete the state application by clicking "Apply Now" above. See below for detailed application instructions.
3. Submit your application package with all required documents - see the "Required Application Package Documents" section below.


4. Once you have applied, take the Research Data Specialist III exam.
Application Instructions
Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.
Final Filing Date: 5/17/2024 Who May Apply Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list 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).
How To Apply Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:

Address for Mailing Application Packages You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:

Department of Health Care Services
Attn: Certification Technician
M.S. 1300
P.O. Box 997411
Sacramento, CA ********
Address for Drop-Off Application Packages You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:

Department of Health Care Services
1501 Capitol Avenue, Suite 71.1501
Sacramento, CA 95814
08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Required Application Package Documents The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:
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 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. 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
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:
Experience with SAS or SQL or similar data management/statistical/reporting software. Experience with health-related research and/or healthcare services administrative data. Experience working on multiple projects with competing deadlines. Experience with R and Python. Experience with ESRI/ArcGIS. Benefits
DHCS is dedicated to creating an innovative workplace for its team members that is inclusive, diverse, and interactive! Here are a few of the ways we stay engaged with our team:
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 ******** Strategic Plan provides more information about our commitment to serving Californians and organizational excellence.
We need your help! Please let us know how you heard about our position by taking this brief optional survey: SurveyMonkey link. This survey is not required to be considered for this position.
Contact Information
The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.
Hiring Unit Contact:
Soua Vang


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

California Relay Service: (TTY), (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.
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.
A completed state application (STD. 678) and any documents list under "Required Application Documents" must be submitted with your application package. Applicants who are relying on additional documentation (e.g., transcripts, copy of degrees, certifications, licenses, etc.) in order to prove that they meet the minimum qualifications listed in the Classification Specification (located on the right under "Additional Documentation) must submit those documents with their application package. Failure to submit these documents may result in your application being disqualified. Applications must include a description of the duties performed for each position held; reference to a resume in place of a description of the duties performed will not be accepted.
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.


Here is the link to the exam bulletin for CLASSIFICATION: Research Data Specialist III.

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 .

For all other questions regarding your CalCareer account, please contact CalHR's CalCareers Unit at or .
Telework Information
The DHCS standard for hybrid work is a minimum of two days per week inperson and site-based and up to three teleworking days per week. The amount of telework is at the discretion of the Department's operational business needs and 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.
The DHCS office location for this position is: 1700 K Street, Sacramento, California.
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.