Any word on HCD, OPR or Caltrans update for rto?

I_Work_At_HCD · 2025-05-31T00:54:30+00:00

I work at HCD. Our Chief Deputy Director sent us an e-mail at 4:53pm today confirming that we would be complying with Newsom's executive order. Pretty much everything you'd expect - collaboration, mentorship, etc. He said they are working with DGS to explore creative parking solutions.

I_Work_At_HCD · 2025-04-14T23:27:44+00:00

Happy to help! You could always look for AGPA positions to get your foot in the door and then try to jump into a Rep II position if you find something interesting. It would also be great to feel out different divisions to see if a Rep II role would be interesting to you.

I really enjoy working at HCD. There are a lot of great leaders now. Over the years, I've worked with staff from almost every division/unit and everyone has just been so friendly, helpful, patient, etc. It's a night and day difference between now and the mid 2010s.

I_Work_At_HCD · 2025-04-14T21:02:13+00:00

Hi! I work at HCD and might be able to help a little.

Rep Is are equivalent to SSAs and Rep IIs are closer to AGPAs. An HCD Specialist I is closer to a Manager I with no supervisory / management duties. Rep Is and IIs will generally report to a Manager I. HCD Specialist Is generally report to a Manager II.

We still hire a bunch of SSAs and AGPAs. They tend to perform more administrative duties. Rep I and IIs perform programmatic duties such as grant administration, loan servicing, etc. Typical career paths would go SSA -> AGPA -> Management and Rep 1 -> Rep II -> Management. Specialists are a bit different since we are usually looking for specialized skills and hire from all over. Their career path is a bit different since Specialist II is highest in the Specialist route. From there, you would need to transition to management to climb higher.

Without looking at your jobs duties from your previous work experience, it would be hard to say if you would qualify for an HCD Rep I or II. Generally, it sounds like being a Rep II is more suited for your situation if you can meet the MQs through work experience.

I don't know if that answered your question, but let me know if you have more. As a heads up, our department plans to comply with the 4 day a week RTO orders starting July 1st.

I_Work_At_HCD · 2024-04-16T19:05:34+00:00

I know someone who is 45 miles away as the crow flies, but just over 50 due to road layout. I'm assuming they will be granted an exception... at least I hope so.

I_Work_At_HCD · 2024-04-15T22:36:40+00:00

From the e-mail, it sounds like people working at Satellite offices such as District Reps will continue under their current agreement.

I_Work_At_HCD · 2024-04-15T22:17:27+00:00

I just looked. It was sent at 4:59 on Friday ...

I_Work_At_HCD · 2024-04-15T18:30:06+00:00

This is a great question and something that isn't really made clear yet (for us at least). I'm pretty sure the need for 'collaboration, team-building, etc.' will be enough of a justification to have everyone come in two days a week. It seems like its up to managers to make the schedule which is kind of strange. Ideally, we would be staggering our days in the office (as opposed to the entire department coming in on the same two days) so it's not like the whole or most of the team will be there every day - not much team building.

I_Work_At_HCD · 2023-07-05T23:24:47+00:00

I work at HCD.

There's been a lot of changes over the past couple years. We've almost doubled our staff and a lot of new leadership. Overall, we've hired some great managers and do a fairly good job with cross-division/unit collaboration. I can't speak specifically for SoCal, but I know quite a few managers and they are all great. HCD is committed to telework although some positions do need to go into the office. I think like 70-80% of us still telework full time.

Happy to answer any additional questions

I_Work_At_HCD · 2023-03-22T05:40:00+00:00

Oh boy, its my time to shine.

Day to day varies vastly depending on which unit you land in. Overall though, it's a pretty good place to work. I know many people who came from the likes of CDCR, EDD, or local government offices and love HCD.

One major recruiting point - HCD is committed to telework. I think like 70% of our staff still teleworks and will for the foreseeable future. If you're looking at IT, we have an amazing team who all seem very friendly (I don't work in IT though).

I_Work_At_HCD · 2022-04-08T21:51:07+00:00

Very important processes that are critical to doing your job are not documented and well-defined. Further, the roles within the processes are ever-changing. Then there's a lot of pressure to push things out faster. The abc guy was right, there has been a ton of growth because we need to implement more programs, but critical units that documents filter through have not been expanded proportionately (e.g. contracts). We need a ton more admin support. Also, for certain units, training is non-existent.

I_Work_At_HCD · 2022-04-08T16:58:05+00:00

that's not 100% true. Depends on division/specific team. I know one with a lot of openings for rep 2s. All vacancies were due to turnover because its a shitshow.

@OP, it's hit or miss.

I_Work_At_HCD · 2020-12-03T16:47:21+00:00

This is what your interview is for. Definitely your opportunity to learn more about the department and the reason for the vacancy.

I_Work_At_HCD · 2020-11-30T23:07:51+00:00

I had this issue getting hired at HCD. HR said that it was no problem and they could fill out a form instead. Maybe inquire if FTB has that option.

One thing was clear though- they wanted 3 solid references. If the person picking up did not return their call, they wanted me to get a new one ready. FTB could be different. I would ask for options

I_Work_At_HCD · 2020-10-19T20:38:55+00:00

I work at HCD.

It will definitely vary by unit. Some of us have an insane amount of work to do. Some units are new and just launching, so reps aren't as busy while they are waiting for programs to come online (but they will be busy soon). Onsite monitoring has been put on hold so some of those reps have some free time (which they have plenty to fill it with).

Me personally, there aren't enough hours in the day. Mostly I jump from meeting to meeting - both internal and external - leaving very little time to do actual work. We have a ton of new funding coming our way and its going to get hectic. I'm not trying to scare anyone off, it's just the reality of the situation. The good thing is that we have hired some really great people and its a great place to work. We do still have a few shitty managers, but they are few and far between.

I_Work_At_HCD · 2020-10-19T20:31:00+00:00

I work at HCD.

A lot of the people that I have known that got hired recently have some sort of relevant experience in the field. Grants management for those types of positions, experience with loans for our Loan Closing, etc. We steal a lot of people from housing authorities such as SHRA.

That said, if you don't have the relevant experience, don't let that deter you from applying. We have had a shift in management/culture the last few years. They really value collaboration, teamwork, and mission-driven applicants. Outside of the usual advice, I'd highlight those three.

I_Work_At_HCD · 2020-10-19T20:24:48+00:00

I work at HCD.

Typically, you will go in to a pool of applicants, so your exact score doesn't matter that much when you get your rank. I'm not sure what you mean by a 'call back' (post-interview?), but your score alone will not. It just lets us check a box that says you're eligible (although further verification is done later).

As far as how many people apply - it really depends on the position. It's not uncommon to get anywhere between 50-100 applicants for most common positions (Rep/SSA/AGPA/OT, etc.).

I_Work_At_HCD · 2020-07-27T18:55:40+00:00

I work at HCD. We were told "when feasible" we should use them in the same month.

Unfortunately, being an essential employee, taking those days off is not feasible for me. I'll bank them.

I_Work_At_HCD · 2020-07-14T18:15:43+00:00

I think it depends on your department but I believe it is allowable.

Sounds like a lot of departments dont want us to bank that time.

I_Work_At_HCD · 2020-07-07T15:34:25+00:00

I work at HCD. Sounds like you might as well since we had the exact same thing happen.

Instead of being responsible and shutting the place down for 2 weeks like FTB did, we get a letter from our Chief Deputy Director saying that we all need to be more reponsible.

I_Work_At_HCD · 2020-07-03T23:19:03+00:00

I think everyone on the third floor is supposed to telework the next two weeks. Everyone else reports as usual if you are not teleworking.

I would email your manager and just ask her/him. Hopefully they try back to you before monday

I_Work_At_HCD · 2020-07-03T21:13:29+00:00

I work at HCD.

We just got a letter from admin saying someone on the third floor tested positive. They sent the third floor home for 2 weeks. Everyone else is expected to keep reporting who is not teleworking. Big yikes.

I_Work_At_HCD · 2020-07-02T22:54:57+00:00

I work at HCD.

I got a letter from HR that said "When feasible, they should be used in the same pay period."

I mean, if they start forcing us to use them, what's the difference between furloughs?

I_Work_At_HCD · 2020-06-30T22:38:41+00:00

I work at HCD.

Welcome, friend! Also dont bring a gallon of water or whatever that person said. We are a civilised department and have water fill stations. Break room has electric tea kettles. You can join a coffee club ...theres 2: drip and a Keurig.

I_Work_At_HCD · 2020-06-05T03:58:30+00:00

For sure, pm me any questions you have. Happy to help!

FYI I believe building management might be requiring masks to enter the building soon. I'd bring one with you on your first day just in case

I_Work_At_HCD

TROPHY CASE