HEALTH PROGRAM SPECIALIST II

Summary

Health Program Specialist II

This position supports the California Department of Public Health's (CDPH) mission and strategic plan by addressing the complex preventive health needs of people who use drugs and supporting California service providers who work to advance the health and well-being of this diverse and stigmatized population. This position leads ongoing program evaluation activities, analyzing program outcomes and preparing recommendations to management for statewide harm reduction strategies.

The Health Program Specialist (HPS) II exercises independent responsibility for critical program decisions, including development of policy recommendations, evaluation of program performance, and determination of compliance findings for syringe services programs (SSPs) applicants and authorized programs and is responsible for the overall administration and oversight of the California's Syringe Services Authorization Program, which works to expand access to sterile syringes and harm reduction services in underserved areas of the state to prevent HIV, hepatitis C, and opioid overdose. Acts as liaison between the Harm Reduction Unit, the Office of AIDS (OA) Support Branch, and CDPH Contract Management Unit. The HPS II provides technical assistance to organizations seeking authorization as syringe services programs (SSPs), reviews applications for compliance with state law and regulations, and meets tight deadlines to usher applications through the government review process. The HPS II leads the process to update regulations that govern the program, and provides analysis, data, and recommendations regarding litigation involving the program. Serves as primary coordinator for Harm Reduction Unit contracts and grants, leading the development of new grant agreements and contracts.

The incumbent works under the general direction of the Staff Services Manager III, Chief of the HIV Prevention Branch.

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 3% in exchange for 5 hours of leave credits through June 2027. The salary ranges shown on this job posting do not reflect the salary reduction.

Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications of the Health Program Specialist II classification and are interested in this position, may take the Health Program Specialist II exam to obtain list eligibility. List eligibility is required prior to appointment.

You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.

Job Description

Health Program Specialist II

This position supports the California Department of Public Health's (CDPH) mission and strategic plan by addressing the complex preventive health needs of people who use drugs and supporting California service providers who work to advance the health and well-being of this diverse and stigmatized population. This position leads ongoing program evaluation activities, analyzing program outcomes and preparing recommendations to management for statewide harm reduction strategies.

The Health Program Specialist (HPS) II exercises independent responsibility for critical program decisions, including development of policy recommendations, evaluation of program performance, and determination of compliance findings for syringe services programs (SSPs) applicants and authorized programs and is responsible for the overall administration and oversight of the California's Syringe Services Authorization Program, which works to expand access to sterile syringes and harm reduction services in underserved areas of the state to prevent HIV, hepatitis C, and opioid overdose. Acts as liaison between the Harm Reduction Unit, the Office of AIDS (OA) Support Branch, and CDPH Contract Management Unit. The HPS II provides technical assistance to organizations seeking authorization as syringe services programs (SSPs), reviews applications for compliance with state law and regulations, and meets tight deadlines to usher applications through the government review process. The HPS II leads the process to update regulations that govern the program, and provides analysis, data, and recommendations regarding litigation involving the program. Serves as primary coordinator for Harm Reduction Unit contracts and grants, leading the development of new grant agreements and contracts.

The incumbent works under the general direction of the Staff Services Manager III, Chief of the HIV Prevention Branch.

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 3% in exchange for 5 hours of leave credits through June 2027. The salary ranges shown on this job posting do not reflect the salary reduction.

Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications of the Health Program Specialist II classification and are interested in this position, may take the Health Program Specialist II exam to obtain list eligibility. List eligibility is required prior to appointment.

You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.