NURSE PRACTITIONER, DEPARTMENTS OF MENTAL HEALTH AND DEVELOPMENTAL SERVICES

The California Department of Developmental Services seeks a Nurse Practitioner to join the Stabilization Training Assistance Reintegration (STAR) Acute Crisis Homes program. You will provide clinical support to adolescents (11-17 years old) and adults (18 years and older) with developmental disabilities during times of acute crisis. STAR operates four to five bed community homes in Vacaville, Porterville, and Costa Mesa, providing person-centered care in safe, supportive environments.

As a Nurse Practitioner with STAR, you will work in community home settings where you will be responsible for assisting individuals with activities of daily living, providing emotional support, and promoting independence. This role combines direct in-person services and telehealth services across all STAR locations and Canyon Springs Community Facility.

Clinical Setting

You will work in community-based homes serving individuals with developmental disabilities including intellectual disability, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, autism, and related conditions. The position provides both direct in-person services and telehealth services to STAR locations throughout California.

Responsibilities

• Provide clinical support to individuals with developmental disabilities during acute crisis periods
• Assist individuals with activities of daily living
• Provide emotional support and promote independence
• Work with individuals experiencing severe behavioral conditions, including aggression, self-injurious behavior, and psychiatric symptoms
• Deliver both in-person and telehealth services
• Maintain sufficient strength, agility, and endurance to perform during physically, mentally, and emotionally stressful situations

Required Qualifications

• Current California Registered Nurse (RN) license
• Nurse Practitioner certification by the California Board of Registered Nurses
• Valid Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) certificate
• Ability to work with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and severe behavioral conditions
• Empathetic understanding of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, with ability to navigate situations with tact, patience, alertness, and emotional stability

Preferred Qualifications

• Nurse Practitioner 103 or 104 certification
• Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) specialty
• Knowledge of cultural sensitivity, positive behavioral support, trauma-informed care, coaching skills training, and person-centered practices

Note: Nurse Practitioners not certified under the 103 or 104 pathway must practice under standardized procedures in collaboration with a licensed physician and surgeon, in accordance with California Business and Professions Code Section 2725.

Schedule and Travel

• Extended hours or varying shifts specific to operational needs
• Travel to locations throughout California, including North STAR (Vacaville), Central Valley STAR (Porterville), South STAR (Costa Mesa), Headquarters (Sacramento), Canyon Springs Community Facility (Cathedral City), and other Department locations
• Travel may require overnight stays
• Primary work location: Orange County
• In-office position (not remote)

Compensation and Benefits

• Salary: $12,423.00 - $14,042.00 per month
• New to State candidates will be hired at the minimum salary of the classification
• Effective July 1, 2025, State employees are subject to a three percent salary reduction in exchange for five hours per month of the Personal Leave Program
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance benefits
• Retirement benefits through CalPERS
• Benefit eligibility based on job classification, bargaining unit, time base, and length of appointment

Employment Details

• Position Type: Permanent, Full Time
• Number of Positions: 1
• Job Code: JC-534264
• Final Filing Date: October 13, 2026

Special Requirements

• Drug screening must be passed prior to hire
• Background investigation must be cleared prior to hire
• Medical clearance required prior to hire
• Candidates must be residents of the State of California at the time of appointment
• This position does not sponsor employment visas; lawful authorization to work in the United States is required

Application Instructions

Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by October 13, 2026. Submit your application through CalCareers.ca.gov or by mail/drop-off to:

Department of Developmental Services - Headquarters

Attn: Aira Dandoy, Cert Unit

1215 O Street, MS 10-40

Sacramento, CA 95814

Required application documents include the State Examination/Employment Application (STD Form 678) or electronic application through CalCareers. A resume is optional. If meeting minimum qualifications through education, include unofficial transcripts or diploma for verification.

Eligibility

Individuals currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, with list or LEAP eligibility, in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or with SROA and/or Surplus eligibility may apply. SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority.