HEALTH PROGRAM SPECIALIST

Arkansas Department of Energy & Environment; Jonesboro (AR); On-site; USD 52,000 - 77,000; Full time

Job summary

Arkansas Department of Health in Jonesboro seeks a Health Program Specialist to plan, develop, and coordinate public health programs addressing chronic disease, maternal and child health, environmental health, and more. You will evaluate outcomes using data, adjust goals, and prepare reports to meet agency and state requirements.

The role requires a bachelor's degree in public health or related fields, strong communication, and ability to work with diverse partners.

Qualifications

• A bachelor's degree in public health, health science, social work, education, public administration, or a closely related field is required.

Responsibilities

• Plan, develop, and coordinate public health programs to address chronic disease, maternal and child health, environmental health, infectious disease control, injury prevention, or health promotion.
• Evaluate program effectiveness using health data, performance metrics, and community feedback; adjust goals and strategies as needed to improve outcomes.
• Develop educational materials, outreach tools, and technical guidance for community partners and the public.
• Prepare reports and grant applications; ensure compliance with agency, state, and federal requirements.
• Collaborate with internal departments, local health units, schools, nonprofits, and other agencies to coordinate service delivery and leverage resources.

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Anticipated Starting Salary: $52,137.07

Health Program Specialist

• CLASSIFIED AS A SAFETY SENSITIVE POSITION*

Date: Aug 21, 2026

Req ID: 55434

Location: Jonesboro, AR, US, 72401

Category: AR DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

Anticipated Starting Salary: 52,137.07

Arkansas Department of Health

4815 W Markham Street

Little Rock, AR 72205

Position Number: 22128740

County: Craighead City: Jonesboro

Posting End Date: 09/01/26

Anticipated Starting Salary: $52,137.07

Division of Local Public Health - Craighead County Local Public Health Unit

• CLASSIFIED AS A SAFETY SENSITIVE POSITION*

Additional Preferences

• Some travel may be required. A valid driver's license is required.
• Occasional work, including but not limited to phone calls outside of standard business hours, may be required.
• This position will serve the Northeast Region.
• Knowledge of agency programs such as: WIC, Family Planning, Maternity and Medical Billing preferred.
• Experience with Windows computer applications, Electronic Health Records, Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook preferred.
• Exposure to environmental hazards may occur.

Hiring Official: L. Thaxton

The mission of the Department of Health is to protect and improve the health and well-being of all Arkansans.

Position Information

Job Series: Health Specialties

Classification: Health Program Specialist - Career Path

Class Code: PHS07P

Pay Grade: SGS06

Salary Range: $52,137 - $77,163

Primary Responsibilities

Plan, develop, and coordinate public health programs to address key health concerns such as chronic disease prevention, maternal and child health, environmental health, infectious disease control, injury prevention, or health promotion. Evaluate program effectiveness using health data, performance metrics, and community feedback; adjust goals and strategies as needed to improve outcomes. Develop educational materials, outreach tools, and technical guidance for community partners, stakeholders, and the public. Prepare reports, grant applications, and program summaries in accordance with agency, state, and federal requirements. Collaborate with internal departments, local health units, schools, nonprofits, and other governmental agencies to coordinate service delivery and leverage resources. Maintain accurate, organized records of program activities, expenditures, outcomes, and evaluations. Conduct community outreach and represent the agency at public events, health fairs, advisory meetings, or legislative briefings as needed. Ensure that all program activities are conducted in compliance with public health laws, grant conditions, and departmental policy. Respond to inquiries from the public or partners regarding program information and resources.

Knowledge and Skills

Strong understanding of public health principles, population health, and program development cycles. Ability to analyze and interpret health data, epidemiological reports, and demographic trends. Proficient in preparing clear and accurate program reports, policy documents, and grant submissions. Experience working with data systems, spreadsheets, and digital tools (e.g., Microsoft Excel, SharePoint, or program-specific software). Effective written and verbal communication skills with the ability to tailor messaging for professional, public, and diverse audiences.

Minimum Qualifications

A bachelor's degree in public health, health science, social work, education, public administration, or a closely related field is required.

Licensure/Certifications

N/A OTHER JOB RELATED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE MAY BE SUBSTITUTED FOR ALL OR PART OF THESE BASIC REQUIREMENTS, EXCEPT FOR CERTIFICATION OR LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS, UPON APPROVAL OF THE QUALIFICATIONS REVIEW COMMITTEE.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The State of Arkansas is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, citizenship, national origin, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by law.

Nearest Major Market: Jonesboro

Arkansas Department of Health

4815 W Markham Street

Little Rock, AR 72205

Position Number: 22128740

County: Craighead City: Jonesboro

Posting End Date: 09/01/26

Anticipated Starting Salary: $52,137.07

Division of Local Public Health - Craighead County Local Public Health Unit

• CLASSIFIED AS A SAFETY SENSITIVE POSITION*

Additional Preferences:

• Some travel may be required. A valid driver's license is required.
• Occasional work, including but not limited to phone calls outside of standard business hours, may be required.
• This position will serve the Northeast Region.
• Knowledge of agency programs such as: WIC, Family Planning, Maternity and Medical Billing preferred.
• Experience with Windows computer applications, Electronic Health Records, Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook preferred.
• Exposure to environmental hazards may occur.

Hiring Official: L. Thaxton

The mission of the Department of Health is to protect and improve the health and well-being of all Arkansans.

The State of Arkansas is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, citizenship, national origin, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by law.