PUBLIC HEALTH MEDICAL ADMINISTRATOR I

Department of Public Health

Job Description and Duties

This position supports the California Department of Public Health’s (CDPH) mission and strategic plan by serving as the clinical consultant for CLIA-related compliance, quality improvement, and programmatic oversight for two branches within the Genetic Disease Screening Program (GDSP): the Program and Policy Branch (PPB) and the Genetic Disease Laboratory (GDL) Branch. These branches manage critical public health initiatives, including the Newborn Screening Program, Prenatal Screening Program, California Birth Defects Monitoring Program, and Biobank Program Operations.

The PHMA I serves as the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) clinical consultant and Medical Subject Matter Expert (SME) providing medical, legislative, and programmatic guidance to ensure the effectiveness, compliance, and advancement of screening and laboratory services statewide.

The incumbent works under the administrative direction of the Public Health Administrator II, CEA, Division Chief of GDSP.

This position is designed to support continuity of laboratory operations. If operationally required, and if the incumbent meets federal CLIA Laboratory Director eligibility criteria, the incumbent may be designated and assigned by the GDSP Division Director as the CLIA Laboratory Director of record for the Genetic Disease Laboratory (GDL), including identification on applicable CLIA certification and regulatory documentation. Qualification as a CLIA Laboratory Director is not required at the time of appointment, and assignment to the CLIA Laboratory Director role occurs only at the discretion of the GDSP Division Director.

In July 2025, the State of California implemented the Personal Leave Program (PLP) 2025. This program temporarily reduces employees’ monthly base pay in exchange for paid leave credits. This position is subject to PLP 2025 and will have a monthly base pay reduction of 4.62% in exchange for 8 hours of leave credits through December 2026. The salary ranges shown on this job posting do not reflect the salary reduction.

Working Conditions

Telework Information

This position may be eligible for telework. The amount of telework permitted is at the discretion of the Department and is subject to change, consistent with CDPH’s Telework Program. All employees who telework are required to be California residents in accordance with Government Code 14200. Candidates who reside outside of the state of California may be interviewed; however, the selected candidate must have a primary residency in the state of California prior to appointment (and continue to maintain California residency) as a condition of employment. Failure to meet this requirement may result in the job offer being rescinded.

Travel may be required for this position. Reimbursement for travel takes into consideration an employee’s designated headquarters, as reflected in the duty statement, and is subject to regulations and bargaining unit contract provisions. All commute expenses to the designated headquarters office will be the responsibility of the selected candidate.

Department Information

At the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), equity, diversity, and inclusion are at the core of our mission to advance the health and well-being of California’s diverse people and communities. We are genuinely and strongly committed to cultivating and preserving a culture of inclusion and connectedness where we can grow and learn together with a diverse team of employees. In recruiting for team members, we welcome the unique contributions that you can bring to us and the work we do.

The Genetic Disease Screening Program (GDSP) of the California Department of Public Health works to protect and improve the health of all Californians. We run the largest screening program in the world and set the standard in delivering high-quality, cost-effective genetic services to all Californians. The mission of GDSP is “to serve the people of California by reducing the emotional and financial burden of disability and death caused by genetic and congenital disorders.”

Special Requirements

For experience/education to qualify during the application screening process, and to ensure that minimum qualifications can be determined, applicants should include all employment history on the Employment Application (STD 678) and/or Resume, including detailed job descriptions, hours worked per week, and start/end dates (MM/DD/YYYY). Application packages without this information will experience delayed processing times and your eligibility for this position may be impacted.

A completed State application (STD. 678) and any other relevant documents (e.g. unofficial transcript, copy of degree, resume, etc.) should be submitted electronically via your CalCareers Account. Please reference Job Control # (518676) and indicate the basis of your eligibility in the Examination(s) or Job Title(s) section. SROA and surplus candidates should submit a copy of their letter with their application. Please remove any confidential information (i.e. social security number, date of birth) from your documents prior to submission.

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:

• Clinical or public health expertise in areas such as screening programs, genetics, laboratory medicine, epidemiology, or similar fields, with the ability to provide oversight for complex health programs.
• Knowledge of laboratory regulatory requirements, including experience with CLIA or similar regulatory frameworks, test evaluation, quality assurance activities, and maintaining regulatory readiness. GDSP will support eligible candidates in meeting CLIA qualification requirements.
• Demonstrated leadership or supervisory experience, including mentoring staff, supporting performance management, and contributing to strategic or operational direction.
• Experience leading or supporting quality improvement efforts, such as developing quality metrics, conducting incident reviews, performing risk assessments, or coordinating cross-program quality activities.
• Skill in interpreting, reviewing, or approving clinical or laboratory data, including applying evidence-based practices, establishing decision thresholds, or contributing to clinical or operational guidance.
• Experience in program or project oversight, including strategic planning, coordinating cross-functional activities, or supporting operations for complex public health or laboratory programs.
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement abilities, including presenting information to leadership, advisory groups, clinical partners, or public audiences.
• Experience in developing or supporting educational, training, or provider-facing initiatives, such as workforce development or continuing education activities.
• Familiarity with legislative, regulatory, or policy processes, including reviewing proposals, supporting regulatory development, or preparing briefings or reports.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, respond to evolving program needs, and provide coverage or support across teams or leadership functions as necessary.

Benefits

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.