Senior Housing Policy Specialist - Hybrid

This position is located in Sacramento and offers a hybrid work arrangement, requiring reporting to an HCD office a minimum of four days per week. 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.

About the Role

The Housing and Community Development Specialist II (HCDS II) works independently under general supervision to provide complex technical assistance, policy analysis, research, and enforcement within the Housing Accountability Unit. This role develops policy and program recommendations for executive consideration and is responsible for implementing and enforcing critical state housing, planning, and land use laws, including:

• Transit-Oriented Development laws
• Housing Element Law
• Housing Accountability Act
• Density Bonus Law
• Housing Crisis Act
• Streamlined Ministerial Approval

The HCDS II serves as a key liaison between the Division and external stakeholders, providing technical assistance, guidance, and supporting the successful implementation and accountability of housing laws.

Responsibilities

• Conduct complex policy analysis and research to support housing law enforcement and implementation.
• Develop policy and program recommendations for executive review and consideration.
• Enforce state housing, planning, and land use laws to ensure compliance and accountability.
• Provide technical assistance and guidance to external stakeholders, including local governments, developers, and community organizations.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to advance housing affordability and sustainability goals.
• Serve as a subject-matter expert on housing laws and regulations, ensuring accurate interpretation and application.

Requirements

• Experience in housing policy, community development, land use planning, or a related field.
• Knowledge of California housing laws, including Housing Element Law, Housing Accountability Act, Density Bonus Law, and others.
• Strong analytical, research, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage complex projects with minimal supervision.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey technical information to diverse audiences.
• Commitment to fostering equitable and inclusive housing solutions for all Californians.

A Statement of Qualifications must be submitted with your application to be considered for this position.

Pay

Monthly salary range: $7,276.00 - $9,107.00. New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable. The department may also consider candidates at the HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST I level, with a salary range of $6,623.00 - $8,290.00.

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.

Schedule

This is a permanent, full-time position.

About the Department

HCD helps provide stable, safe, and affordable homes for veterans, seniors, young families, farm workers, tribes, people with disabilities, and individuals and families experiencing homelessness. The department awards loans and grants to public and private housing developers, nonprofit agencies, cities, counties, and state and federal partners to support the construction, acquisition, rehabilitation, and preservation of affordable rental and ownership homes. 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 inclusive environment where employees from a variety of backgrounds, cultures, and personal experiences can thrive. The department believes that diverse perspectives inspire innovative solutions to further its mission of improving the lives of all Californians.