HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST I
California Department of Developmental Services, Sacramento, CA, United States
Work Location
Sacramento County
Job Description
and Duties Under the general direction of the Community Development Division, Housing Finance and Asset Management Branch Chief (CEA A) within the Community Development Division (CDD), the Housing and Community Development Specialist I (HCDS I) provides project management, coordination, and subject matter expertise on critical and sensitive statewide initiatives related to project development, financing, and asset management of multifamily housing under the Community Placement Plan (CPP) and Community Resource Development Plan (CRDP) for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
The HCDS I is responsible for managing multifamily housing projects and loan activities aimed at expanding statewide housing resources for individuals with complex service needs. The position provides subject matter expertise and technical assistance to regional centers, Department of Developmental Services (Department) staff, and funding lenders to ensure successful project implementation and compliance with applicable regulations and guidelines.
Additional information about the job can be found in the Duty Statement.
Effective July 1, 2025, State employees are subject to a salary reduction of three percent in exchange for five hours per month of the Personal Leave.
Working Conditions Under Government Code 14200, this position is a hybrid, in‑office/telework position, and may be subject to change. Incumbent can be required to report to the office, or any designated location at any time. Telework agreements can be modified and/or cancelled at any time. All commute expenses to the reporting location will be the responsibility of the selected candidate.
Pursuant to California Government Code requirements, candidates must be residents of the State of California at the time of appointment.
This position requires lawful authorization to work in the United States. The Department does not sponsor employment visas for this position.
Position Details
Job Code #: JC-507673
Position #(s): 472-557-9035-917
Working Title: HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST I
Classification: HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST I
Salary Range: $6,623.00 - $8,290.00
# of Positions: 1
Telework: Hybrid
Job Type: Permanent, Full Time
Department Information The California Department of Developmental Services (Department) is the agency through which the State of California provides services and supports to individuals with developmental disabilities. These disabilities include intellectual disability, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, autism and related conditions. Services are provided through state‑operated developmental centers and community facilities, and contracts with 21 nonprofit regional centers. The regional centers serve as a local resource to help find and access the services and supports available to individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.
The Department Is Located In a Modern, Sustainable And Innovative Office Building At 1215 “O” Street, Sacramento, California. Some Amenities Of The Building Include:
First floor retail space (separate access from 12th Street)
Café with multiple vendors
Outdoor seating for meal breaks
Employee fitness center which includes a yoga studio, cardio equipment and weights
Plaza area with kitchenette on each floor
Lactation rooms
Department Website: http://www.dds.ca.gov
Special Requirements The Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) must be numbered in the same order as the following areas, typed in 12‑point Arial font, single spaced, and be no more than two pages in length. Applicants who fail to answer the questions or submit an SOQ may not be considered.
Based on the duty statement and desired qualifications, please describe your experience in the following areas: real estate and affordable multifamily housing financing; underwriting and loan closing; diplomacy and stakeholder engagement; policy development; and change management. Provide specific examples that demonstrate your expertise and accomplishments.
Please describe how you would apply your housing and loan underwriting experience to manage a complex multifamily housing loan portfolio. Discuss underwriting, risk management, financial reviews, loan contingencies, multiple loan closings under strict timelines, balancing competing priorities, and navigating applicable Department, State, Federal, or local housing laws and regulations. Provide specific examples.
If you are using list eligibility from an online exam to qualify for this position, you must include documentation (e.g., copy of transcript, degree, license, etc.) to verify meeting the MQs, or you may not be considered. The MQs will be verified prior to interview and/or appointment. If it is determined that an applicant does not meet the MQs of the classification, the applicant may be withheld from the eligible list.
Application Instructions Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date to be considered. Final Filing Date: 3/16/2026.
Who May Apply: Individuals 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. 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. If you choose not to apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below.
Mailing Address Department of Developmental Services – Headquarters Attn: Desiree Cervantes Cert Unit 1215 O Street, MS 10-40 Sacramento, CA 95814
Drop‑Off Address Department of Developmental Services – Headquarters Attn: Desiree Cervantes Cert Unit 1215 O Street, MS 10-40 Sacramento, CA 95814 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Required Application Package Documents
Current version of STD 678 (when not applying electronically) or the electronic State Employment Application through your CalCareer account. Include all experience and education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification.
Resume is optional; may be included but is not required.
Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) – required. See “Special Requirements” for instructions.
Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request accommodations when the interview is scheduled. Contact the EEO office for assistance.
Desirable Qualifications In addition to evaluating each candidate’s ability, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating applicants:
Knowledge of: the banking and financing industry involving affordable housing (multifamily) mortgage loans; real estate transactions, appraisal and property evaluation techniques; mortgage loan market and procedures; mortgage credit requirements; the Lanterman Act; California’s developmental disabilities services system; negotiation strategies; policy formulation.
Ability to negotiate agreements, prepare clear loan proposals, work collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams, and maintain relationships with Department staff, regional centers, other state entities, housing organizations, and the public.
Experience with multifamily community housing financing for individuals with IDD, performing mortgage calculations, analyzing data, communicating effectively, and adapting to changing economic environments.
Benefits As a state employee working for the Department of Developmental Services, you and your family will have access to excellent medical, dental and vision insurance benefits in addition to retirement benefits.
Additional benefits may be outlined for specific bargaining units. For more information, visit the following links:
State Employees – CalHR Benefits Website
CalPERS Health Benefit Summary 2026
Contact Information The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.
Department Website: http://www.dds.ca.gov
Human Resources Contact: Desiree Cervantes (916) 245‑1946 desiree.cervantes@dds.ca.gov
EEO Contact
Equal Employment Opportunity Office (916) 654‑1888 OHRAS@dds.ca.gov
California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice)
Additional Information Electronic application submission is highly encouraged. Multiple positions may be filled from this recruitment. This recruitment may be utilized to fill future vacancies that may occur during the life of the certification list. Possession of Minimum Qualifications will be verified prior to interview and/or appointment. Official transcripts may be required upon appointment.
All appointments are subject to State Restriction of Appointment (SROA), Departmental Restriction of Appointment (DROA), re‑employment list procedures, pre‑employment physical and fingerprint clearances. Further information is available on the California Department of Human Resources website.
If you have not taken the Housing and Community Development Specialist I exam/assessment, you may find the exam for this classification at the link below. You must pass the exam to obtain eligibility for hire.
Equal Opportunity Employer The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation. The State of California is committed to a drug‑free workplace.
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Job Description
and Duties Under the general direction of the Community Development Division, Housing Finance and Asset Management Branch Chief (CEA A) within the Community Development Division (CDD), the Housing and Community Development Specialist I (HCDS I) provides project management, coordination, and subject matter expertise on critical and sensitive statewide initiatives related to project development, financing, and asset management of multifamily housing under the Community Placement Plan (CPP) and Community Resource Development Plan (CRDP) for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
The HCDS I is responsible for managing multifamily housing projects and loan activities aimed at expanding statewide housing resources for individuals with complex service needs. The position provides subject matter expertise and technical assistance to regional centers, Department of Developmental Services (Department) staff, and funding lenders to ensure successful project implementation and compliance with applicable regulations and guidelines.
Additional information about the job can be found in the Duty Statement.
Effective July 1, 2025, State employees are subject to a salary reduction of three percent in exchange for five hours per month of the Personal Leave.
Working Conditions Under Government Code 14200, this position is a hybrid, in‑office/telework position, and may be subject to change. Incumbent can be required to report to the office, or any designated location at any time. Telework agreements can be modified and/or cancelled at any time. All commute expenses to the reporting location will be the responsibility of the selected candidate.
Pursuant to California Government Code requirements, candidates must be residents of the State of California at the time of appointment.
This position requires lawful authorization to work in the United States. The Department does not sponsor employment visas for this position.
Position Details
Job Code #: JC-507673
Position #(s): 472-557-9035-917
Working Title: HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST I
Classification: HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST I
Salary Range: $6,623.00 - $8,290.00
# of Positions: 1
Telework: Hybrid
Job Type: Permanent, Full Time
Department Information The California Department of Developmental Services (Department) is the agency through which the State of California provides services and supports to individuals with developmental disabilities. These disabilities include intellectual disability, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, autism and related conditions. Services are provided through state‑operated developmental centers and community facilities, and contracts with 21 nonprofit regional centers. The regional centers serve as a local resource to help find and access the services and supports available to individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.
The Department Is Located In a Modern, Sustainable And Innovative Office Building At 1215 “O” Street, Sacramento, California. Some Amenities Of The Building Include:
First floor retail space (separate access from 12th Street)
Café with multiple vendors
Outdoor seating for meal breaks
Employee fitness center which includes a yoga studio, cardio equipment and weights
Plaza area with kitchenette on each floor
Lactation rooms
Department Website: http://www.dds.ca.gov
Special Requirements The Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) must be numbered in the same order as the following areas, typed in 12‑point Arial font, single spaced, and be no more than two pages in length. Applicants who fail to answer the questions or submit an SOQ may not be considered.
Based on the duty statement and desired qualifications, please describe your experience in the following areas: real estate and affordable multifamily housing financing; underwriting and loan closing; diplomacy and stakeholder engagement; policy development; and change management. Provide specific examples that demonstrate your expertise and accomplishments.
Please describe how you would apply your housing and loan underwriting experience to manage a complex multifamily housing loan portfolio. Discuss underwriting, risk management, financial reviews, loan contingencies, multiple loan closings under strict timelines, balancing competing priorities, and navigating applicable Department, State, Federal, or local housing laws and regulations. Provide specific examples.
If you are using list eligibility from an online exam to qualify for this position, you must include documentation (e.g., copy of transcript, degree, license, etc.) to verify meeting the MQs, or you may not be considered. The MQs will be verified prior to interview and/or appointment. If it is determined that an applicant does not meet the MQs of the classification, the applicant may be withheld from the eligible list.
Application Instructions Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date to be considered. Final Filing Date: 3/16/2026.
Who May Apply: Individuals 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. 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. If you choose not to apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below.
Mailing Address Department of Developmental Services – Headquarters Attn: Desiree Cervantes Cert Unit 1215 O Street, MS 10-40 Sacramento, CA 95814
Drop‑Off Address Department of Developmental Services – Headquarters Attn: Desiree Cervantes Cert Unit 1215 O Street, MS 10-40 Sacramento, CA 95814 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Required Application Package Documents
Current version of STD 678 (when not applying electronically) or the electronic State Employment Application through your CalCareer account. Include all experience and education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification.
Resume is optional; may be included but is not required.
Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) – required. See “Special Requirements” for instructions.
Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request accommodations when the interview is scheduled. Contact the EEO office for assistance.
Desirable Qualifications In addition to evaluating each candidate’s ability, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating applicants:
Knowledge of: the banking and financing industry involving affordable housing (multifamily) mortgage loans; real estate transactions, appraisal and property evaluation techniques; mortgage loan market and procedures; mortgage credit requirements; the Lanterman Act; California’s developmental disabilities services system; negotiation strategies; policy formulation.
Ability to negotiate agreements, prepare clear loan proposals, work collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams, and maintain relationships with Department staff, regional centers, other state entities, housing organizations, and the public.
Experience with multifamily community housing financing for individuals with IDD, performing mortgage calculations, analyzing data, communicating effectively, and adapting to changing economic environments.
Benefits As a state employee working for the Department of Developmental Services, you and your family will have access to excellent medical, dental and vision insurance benefits in addition to retirement benefits.
Additional benefits may be outlined for specific bargaining units. For more information, visit the following links:
State Employees – CalHR Benefits Website
CalPERS Health Benefit Summary 2026
Contact Information The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.
Department Website: http://www.dds.ca.gov
Human Resources Contact: Desiree Cervantes (916) 245‑1946 desiree.cervantes@dds.ca.gov
EEO Contact
Equal Employment Opportunity Office (916) 654‑1888 OHRAS@dds.ca.gov
California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice)
Additional Information Electronic application submission is highly encouraged. Multiple positions may be filled from this recruitment. This recruitment may be utilized to fill future vacancies that may occur during the life of the certification list. Possession of Minimum Qualifications will be verified prior to interview and/or appointment. Official transcripts may be required upon appointment.
All appointments are subject to State Restriction of Appointment (SROA), Departmental Restriction of Appointment (DROA), re‑employment list procedures, pre‑employment physical and fingerprint clearances. Further information is available on the California Department of Human Resources website.
If you have not taken the Housing and Community Development Specialist I exam/assessment, you may find the exam for this classification at the link below. You must pass the exam to obtain eligibility for hire.
Equal Opportunity Employer The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation. The State of California is committed to a drug‑free workplace.
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