Housing Policy Specialist

Job Code #: JC-529549 | Position #: 401-310-9035-009

About the Role

The Housing and Community Development Specialist I, under general direction, performs a wide range of policy, program, regulatory, and technical assistance activities supporting the Housing Accountability Unit in the Housing Policy Development Division. Core responsibilities include work related to accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and other housing laws, providing technical assistance, conducting research, and offering subject-matter expertise on housing and community development policy issues.

The Specialist I independently conducts research, provides technical assistance, reviews and enforces ADU and Land Use ordinances, and develops policy and program recommendations for executive consideration. Additional areas of focus include regulatory relief, land use and planning, housing for special-needs populations, and government planning and financing programs. The Specialist I also serves as a key liaison between the Division and a wide variety of internal and external stakeholders.

This position is located in Sacramento and requires reporting to an HCD office a minimum of four days per week. In limited cases, at the Department’s discretion, an employee may be approved to work in a remote-centered capacity on a temporary basis until appropriate office space becomes available. Under California Government Code Section 14200, telework-eligible employees must reside in California. The designated headquarters location will be based on the employee’s primary residence and may be updated if HCD criteria are met.

Note: Effective July 1, 2025, a 3% salary reduction is in place under the Personal Leave Program (PLP), with 5 hours of Personal Leave Credit earned monthly in exchange. This program is subject to change based on union agreements and state budget policy.

About the Department

HCD helps provide stable, safe homes affordable to veterans, seniors, young families, farm workers, tribes, people with disabilities, and individuals and families experiencing homelessness. Our vision is that every California resident can live, work, and play in healthy communities of opportunity.

HCD awards loans and grants to public and private housing developers, nonprofit agencies, cities, counties, state and federal partners. This funding supports the construction, acquisition, rehabilitation, and preservation of affordable rental and ownership homes, provides permanent supportive housing options, and stable, safe shelter for those experiencing homelessness. HCD also develops housing policy, building codes, and regulates factory-built and manufactured homes as well as mobilehome parks.

HCD values diversity at all levels of the organization and is committed to fostering an environment where 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.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research and provide technical assistance on housing and community development policy issues.
• Review and enforce ADU and Land Use ordinances.
• Develop policy and program recommendations for executive consideration.
• Focus on regulatory relief, land use and planning, housing for special-needs populations, and government planning and financing programs.
• Serve as a key liaison between the Division and a wide variety of internal and external stakeholders.

Requirements

• A Statement of Qualifications must be submitted along with your application to be considered for this position.
• Must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).
• Confidentiality: Do not include any confidential information (e.g., Social Security Number, birthdate, student ID, driver’s license number unless required, examination results, LEAP status, marital status, age) on submitted documents.
• Employment Application (STD.678) must include work experience, dates, hours worked, contact names, and phone numbers of supervisors. Resumes cannot substitute a state application.
• Selected candidates may be subject to a Conflict of Interest Code requiring the filing of a Statement of Economic Interest (Form 700).
• Pre-employment background checks are required for all new or returning HCD candidates. This position requires a background check conducted in California and cleared prior to hiring.
• HCD utilizes the federal E-Verify system to verify employment authorization in the United States.

Pay

• HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST I: $6,623.00 - $8,290.00 per month. New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
• HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST II: $7,276.00 - $9,107.00 per month (consideration for this level may be given).

Schedule

• Permanent, Full Time.
• Hybrid work schedule with a minimum of four days per week in the Sacramento office.