Job Posting: CalFresh Student Specialist

Department of Social Services

JC-510243
-
CalFresh Student Specialist
ANALYST III

$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.

Final Filing Date: 3/16/2026

Job Description and Duties

Under the direct supervision of the Supervisor II over CalFresh Policy Section B, the Analyst III serves as the CalFresh Student Specialist and is responsible for a variety of senior-level analytical activities associated with CalFresh student policy development, implementation, and interpretation. This position functions as the department’s subject-matter expert on CalFresh student eligibility and related higher-education partnerships, including but not limited to the implementation of Assembly Bill (AB) 79. The Analyst III provides technical expertise, policy guidance, and strategic coordination to support statewide consistency, compliance, and continuous improvement in CalFresh student eligibility.

The Analyst III, CalFresh Student Specialist, is responsible for a variety of complex and highly visible activities related to CalFresh student policy. Duties include leading and coordinating the implementation of Assembly Bill (AB) 79 requirements, including stakeholder workgroups, statewide trainings, and legislative reporting. As well as leading the development, implementation, and evaluation of policies, guidance, and training materials related to CalFresh student eligibility; conducting advanced research and analysis on state and federal legislation, regulations, and program data impacting college students. The CalFresh Student Specialists independently manages special projects, collaborates with internal and external partners, including county welfare departments, institutions of higher education, and advocacy organizations, and proactively provides policy recommendations to management to improve program access, clarity, and effectiveness for college students. The Analyst III demonstrates the ability to work independently and as a lead within multidisciplinary teams, maintains effective and ongoing communication with management, and represents the department in high-level meetings and presentations.

If you would like to share how you learned about this career opportunity, please take a moment to complete our brief Recruitment Survey.

Need help with applying for positions, taking an examination, or preparing for interviews? Our team is here to support you, reach out anytime at Recruiter@dss.ca.gov. For guidance on applying for a state job, visit Three Steps to a State Job. 
 
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You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.

Working Conditions

Candidates who reside outside of the State of California may be admitted to the job interview, but they must provide proof of residence in California prior to being eligible for appointment. 


This work location is very convenient! The CDSS is located two blocks from the light rail and public transportation: within walking distance to the State Capitol, parks, restaurants, farmer’s markets and the Golden 1 Arena. Our building has easy access to I-5, Highway 50, and Highway 80. 

This position is eligible for hybrid work in accordance with the Governor’s Executive Order N-22-25 and at the sole discretion of the Department of Social Services under California Government Code Section 14200. All telework schedules are subject to change and may be re-evaluated at any time. The incumbent will be expected to report for in office work and attend work related in-person events as deemed operationally necessary. Telework does not change the terms and conditions of employment, the essential functions of job duties, or required compliance with the CDSS policies. 

Please note: Regular commute is not compensable. 

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

Additional Documents

Position Details

Job Code #:
JC-510243
Position #(s):
800-253-5402-955
Working Title:
CalFresh Student Specialist
Classification:
ANALYST III
$6,623.00 - $8,290.00 A
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:
Sacramento County
Telework:
Hybrid
Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time

Department Information

Are you interested in making a difference in the lives of fellow Californians while achieving your career goals? Do you set high standards for yourself and enjoy a collaborative and challenging work environment? The mission of the California Department of Social Services is to serve, protect, and support the people of California experiencing need in ways that empower wellbeing and disrupt systemic inequities. The vision of the California Department of Social Services is to provide quality services with a commitment to an inclusive, diverse, and equitable California where all people can thrive.

The State of California administers the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), known in California as CalFresh, to provide nutrition assistance to eligible low-income individuals and households. CalFresh Policy is responsible for developing, implementing, and interpreting state and federal CalFresh regulations to ensure consistent and accurate program administration statewide. In response to legislative and regulatory changes, CalFresh Policy develops guidance, provides training and technical assistance, and oversees policy implementation to support county welfare departments in serving eligible Californians. The CalFresh Policy Bureau provides statewide leadership through policy development, stakeholder coordination, program support, and ongoing policy oversight for all 58 counties throughout California. CalFresh Policy Bureau Section B emphasizes CalFresh student eligibility policy, CalFresh Able-bodied Adults without Dependants eligibility policy, and the CalFresh Restaurant Meals Program.

CDSS Guiding Principles    

Diversity. Equity. Inclusion. Accessibility. Belonging. 
We ensure opportunities for everyone to participate in a meaningful way in fulfilling the mission and vision of CDSS. 
Community Engagement 
We prioritize the lived experiences of community members as a driving force behind the creation, implementation, desired impact, or change of programs and services. 
Empowerment 
We engage, operate, and advocate from the understanding that each community and person has desires and capabilities to lead in their own life. 
Quality Services 
We provide services that align intent and impact by ensuring that they are accessible, community driven, interconnected, and continuously improved. 
Data Defined Outcomes 
We equitably collect and analyze data, take data-driven action, and measure outcomes relevant to those we serve, ensuring transparency and accountability. 

Special Requirements

Please Note: A Statement of Qualifications or Supplemental Questionnaire must be submitted along with your application to be considered for this position. Applications submitted without an SOQ may be disqualified for this position.

Do not include any confidential information on any documents (i.e., application, resume, or transcripts) you submit for this job vacancy. Confidential information that should be excluded or removed from these documents include but is not limited to: Social Security Number (SSN), birthday and/or age, photos, student/other ID number, driver’s license number (unless required), basis of eligibility, exam results, LEAP status, and marital status. Confidential information submitted via a CalCareer Account (electronic application) is automatically redacted upon submission. 

This application requires a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ), which serves as a narrative description of how your education, training, experience, and skills have prepared you for this position.
The SOQ also documents your ability to clearly and concisely present a written response to the following questions.

Please note: Applicants who fail to submit a SOQ will be eliminated from consideration. Resumes, cover letters, exam results, degrees or applications do not take the place of the SOQ. 

The SOQ must be no more than two pages in length, size 12-point Arial font, answering the following questions:

1. Describe your knowledge and experience with CalFresh and/or other social welfare programs. 

2. How does your education, work experience, training, and skills relate to the desirable qualifications listed in the duty statement? What makes you a competitive and qualified candidate?

3. In the role as the CalFresh Student Specialist, you will be called upon to consult with stakeholders, develop and facilitate workgroup meetings and reporting, and develop and implement program trainings.

    a. Please provide an example of a high-level project you managed, where you had to think independently, and you played a significant role. What were the expectations involved and how did you accomplish them?

For helpful guidance on writing an effective SOQ, please see our Work4CA guide and video Work4CA: How to Write a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ). 

You are required to complete employment history on the application form (STD 678). You may be disqualified from the hiring and selection process if the employment history is inaccurate or incomplete. Resumes will not take the place of employment history.

If you are meeting minimum qualifications with education, you must include your unofficial transcripts for verification. If selected, you may be required to provide official transcripts at the time of hire. 

Training and Development assignments may be considered based on the availability of eligible candidates and are subject to approval by the Hiring Authority prior to appointment. Training and Development assignments are temporary in nature and shall not exceed twenty-four (24) months.

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: 3/16/2026

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).

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 Social Services
California Department of Social Services
Attn: Classification & Pay Unit
P. O. Box 944243 - MS 8-15-58
Sacramento, CA 94244-2430

Address for Drop-Off Application Packages

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

Department of Social Services
California Department of Social Services
Classification & Pay Unit
744 P Street, MS 8-15-58
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 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 - (SOQ) IS REQUIRED. Please see the Special Requirements section of this job advertisement for detailed instructions for the SOQ submission. 
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:

  • Ability to exercise initiative, good judgment, honesty, and make timely decisions while maintaining positive and trusting working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
  • Ability to plan, organize, communicate, and adapt to changing assignments and priorities, and work effectively under pressure to meet deadlines.
  • Ability to hink both logically and creatively, utilize a variety of analytical and research tools, identify gaps and opportunities for improvement, make sound recommendations, and translate those recommendations into actionable policy and/or processes.
  • Experience leading large meetings and effectively communicating, both verbally and in writing, to present information accurately and promptly to all levels of stakeholders, including CDSS leadership and solution partners.
  • Experience collaborating in a team environment and serving in coaching, mentoring, and leadership roles.
  • Knowledge and understanding or willingness and ability to learn CalFresh program, annd programmatic processes and procedures.
  • Strong working knowledge of California state administrative functions, with experience in policy and project management.
  • Experience using Microsoft Office Suite, including Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, MS Teams, and SharePoint.
The CalFresh Policy Bureau is seeking a highly motivated, positive, and self-directed individual with strong interpersonal and organization skills, understand team dynamics to support positive outcomes; and be able to meet deadlines.

Benefits

There are many benefits to joining our team!  The State of California has a generous benefits package that includes medical coverage, CalPERS pension upon retirement, two weeks paid vacation per year, two weeks paid sick leave per year, two paid Professional Development Days, one paid Personal Holiday, pre-tax parking fee program.

TRANSPORTATION REIMBURSEMENT
• Public transit (mass transit) passes. 
       o 100 percent discount on public transit passes sold by state agencies, up to the monthly exclusion amount provided by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
       o 100 percent reimbursement on public transit passes purchased by state employees, up to the monthly exclusion amount provided by the IRS.
• Vanpool drivers and riders 
       o 100 percent reimbursement on the monthly fee, up to the monthly exclusion amount provided by the IRS.

Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.

Contact Information

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

Hiring Unit Contact:
Amber Bonilla
(916) 210-9824
amber.bonilla@dss.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:
EEO Office
(916) 657-2326
EEOoffice@dss.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.

Personal Leave Program (PLP) 2025

Salaries do not reflect reductions from the Personal Leave Program, please see the applicable Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for additional information on the length and percentage of reductions. 

Examination Information

Those interested in obtaining employment with any state agency must apply and compete through the state hiring and recruitment process.   
To apply for the examination for this position, click on the link below to search for the examination and follow the “How to Apply” instructions in the examination announcement:
 
Successful examination applicants are placed on an eligibility list.  If you already have list eligibility for this classification, you do not need to retake the examination.  Applicants should refer to their examination results or check their CalCareer account for specific list eligibility expiration dates and to re-take the examination when necessary. For questions regarding the examination process, please contact the Examination Unit at: Examinations@dss.ca.gov.

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.

Application Methods:
Electronic (Using your CalCareer Account)
By Mail
Drop-off
Print Job