Federal Program Specialist

Job Description:

Federal Program Specialist

Description

Job Description and Duties

This position is located in Sacramento, CA.

At HCD, we are dedicated to fostering a dynamic and inclusive work environment where innovation and collaboration thrive. If you’re interested in promoting safe, affordable, sustainable communities for all Californians, HCD is the place for you. By joining our team, you’ll have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in your community while working along passionate professionals.

Under the general direction of the Staff Services Manager II, Community Development Block Grant Section Chief, in the Community Development Branch of the Division of Federal Financial Assistance (DFFA), the Housing and Community Development Specialist (HCDS) I is responsible for conducting research, collection and analysis of programmatic and community development data, as well as development of program plans, materials, regulations and policy recommendations for federally funded programs. HCDS I also serves as grant lead on complex grant and monitoring issues. HCDS I is considered proficient in one or more U.S. Housing and Urban Development programs including the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) with a focus on the most complex issues during all phases of program and project development. These phases include initial application analysis, underwriting, change approval, construction, disbursement, and final project closeout.

Please Note: A Statement of Qualifications must be submitted along with your application in order to be considered for this position. Please see Statement of Qualifications section below for instructions.

This job can be done partly from home and partly from the office, based on California state rules. Sometimes, you may be able to work entirely from home, but the department will decide. You must live in California.

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

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

• HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST I

Additional Documents

• Job Application Package Checklist
• Duty Statement

Position Details

Job Code #:

JC-478362

Position #(s):

401-253-9035-001

Working Title:

Federal Program Specialist

Classification:

HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST I
$6,430.00 - $8,049.00

# of Positions:

Multiple

Work Location:

Sacramento County

Telework:

Hybrid

Job Type:

Permanent, Full Time

Department Information

HCD helps to provide stable, safe homes affordable to veterans, seniors, young families, farm workers, tribes, people with disabilities, and individuals and families experiencing homelessness.

Our Vision

Every California resident can live, work, and play in healthy communities of opportunity.

What We Do

HCD does not manage properties or place individuals in affordable housing. For assistance, please contact a person in your local community who helps people who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

Our Commitment to Diversity

HCD values diversity at all levels of the organization and is committed to fostering an environment in which employees from a variety of backgrounds, cultures, and personal experiences are welcomed and can thrive. HCD believes the diversity of our employees and their unique ideas inspire innovative solutions to further our mission. Join HCD and help us improve the lives of all Californians.

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

Special Requirements



Confidentiality

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.

Employment Application (STD.678)

It is a requirement to submit work experience, dates, and hours worked, contact names and phone numbers of supervisors on the state application. Resumes or other documents cannot substitute a state application. Applicants who fail to submit a completed STD. 678 will not be considered.

HCD Disclosure Requirements

Selected candidates may be subject to rules imposed by a Conflict of Interest Code that apply to HCD employees, which may require filing a Statement of Economic Interest (Form 700).

HCD conducts pre-employment background checks on all new to HCD or returning to HCD candidates. This position requires a background check to be cleared prior to being hired.

Per CCR 249.3, this job control may be used to fill subsequent vacancies.

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: 6/6/2025
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).

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 www.CalCareers.ca.gov. 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 Housing & Community Development

Postal

Attn: Hiring Unit | JC 478362

P.O. Box 952050

Sacramento , CA 94252-2050

Address for Drop-Off Application Packages

You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:

Department of Housing & Community Development

Drop-Off

HCD Hiring Unit | JC 478362

651 Bannon Street (Lobby)

Sacramento , CA 95811

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 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 optional. It may be included, but is not required.
• Statement of Qualifications - Please refer to the Statement of Qualifications section below for additional requirements.

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:

• Knowledge and experience with the Community Development Block Grant Program including the activities: construction projects, economic development programs, housing programs and public services.
• Knowledge and experience with researching, analyzing, and applying Federal Regulations.

• Knowledge of government auditing standards, local government financial statements and financial operations.
• Knowledge and experience of project management and organizational skills
• Knowledge and proficiency in navigating across various computer applications, systems, and databases.
• Knowledge of and experience with creating, documenting and supporting process and procedure development.
• Project Management Experience

Benefits

We offer competitive benefits and flexible opportunities:

• Excellent health, dental and vision benefits for employee/employee’s family
• 401k program
• Flexible Schedules
• Hybrid telework
• Alternate Work Week Schedule options
• Paid Holidays and vacation/leave
• Tax-advantaged savings and spending accounts
• Free Employee Assistance Program
• Investment in your training and development

HCD’s Sacramento Headquarters’ building also offers:

• Convenient transportation options, including light-rail and pre-tax parking
• Free On-site Gym
• On-site Childcare
• On-site Café, Deli, and Grill
• On-site ATM

For more details about employee benefits, visit the California Department of Human Resources website.

Contact Information

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

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

Hiring Unit Contact:
Hiring Unit | JC 478362
(916) 263-6735
hiring@hcd.ca.gov

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:
Medical Management Unit
(916) 263-6735
medical.management@hcd.ca.gov

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.

Statement of Qualifications

Interested individuals must submit a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) in addition to the standard state application (form STD 678). Your SOQ will be considered the first interview for this position. Cover letters and resumes do not take the place of the SOQ. When completing the SOQ, please include all relevant experience, education, and training for each question and explain your answers thoroughly. Please include 1) places of employment; 2) pertinent dates; 3) duties performed, when responding to each question. If a job included has responsibilities that are applicable to several questions, separate the different functions of the job to answer all the questions completely. Responses should be no longer than two pages, single-spaced, using Arial 12-point font. Your SOQ must address the following:
Knowledge and experience with the Community Development Block Grant Program including the activities: construction projects, economic development programs, housing programs and public services. Knowledge and experience with researching, analyzing, and applying Federal Regulations. Knowledge of and experience with Project management, creating, documenting, and supporting process and procedure development.

Note: Applicants who do not follow these instructions may be disqualified from the selection process.

Visit th e SO Q Checklist for Candidates for tip s on completing a Statement of Qualifications.

Additional Information

Click on the following link to complete a department recruitment survey: Recruitment Survey .

To become 'list eligible' for consideration, interested candidates must successfully pass a civil service exam.

You may apply and take the exam online at CalCareers .

If you're new to the state application process please visit 3 Steps to a State Job .

All information regarding your employment history must be included on the State Employment Application STD. 678. Applications that are submitted blank or with “see resume” in place of duties performed or applications received without the following information for each job entry will be considered incomplete and will not be accepted:

• "To" and "from" dates (month/day/year)
• Hours worked per week
• Private sector job titles
• Supervisor name and phone number
• Job duties performed
• State employees must list the specific departments for which they worked and indicate the specific civil service classification titles held (not working titles)

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.

Closing Date/Time: 6/6/2025

Salary:

$6,430.00 - $8,049.00 per Month