HEALTH PROGRAM SPECIALIST

State of Arkansas; Pine Bluff (AR); On-site; USD 52,000 - 77,000; Full time

Job summary

The Health Program Specialist position with the State of Arkansas supports the Division of Health Protection and Infectious Disease by planning, coordinating, and monitoring public health programs across the state.

Responsibilities include program development, data-driven evaluation, stakeholder engagement, and interagency collaboration to improve community health outcomes. Travel between Jefferson or Desha County units is involved, with occasional overtime as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in public health, health science, social work, education, public administration, or a closely related field is required.
• Experience with data systems, spreadsheets, and digital tools (e.g., Excel, SharePoint) is desirable.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for professional, public, and diverse audiences.

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 records of program activities, expenditures, outcomes, and evaluations.
• Respond to inquiries from the public or partners regarding program information and resources.

Skills

Data analysis

Program development

Stakeholder engagement

Clear reports

Public health knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in public health or related field

Tools

Excel

SharePoint

Job description

Select how often (in days) to receive an alert:

Anticipated Starting Salary: $52,137.07
Division of Health Protection - Infectious Disease

*CLASSIFIED AS A SAFETY SENSITIVE POSITION*

Additional Preferences:

Frequent to constant in-state travel required. A valid driver’s license is required.

Occasional overtime will be required.

This office will be located in the Jefferson County or Desha County Local Health Unit.

Experience working in public health, communicable disease investigation, and case management preferred.

Experience working with diverse and high-risk populations is preferred.

A charged cell phone must be turned on and in possession at all times while in work status. The position requires some field work outside of the primary office location.

Hiring Official: C. Wilson

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

Class Code: PHS07P

Pay Grade: SGS06

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

Job Summary

The Health Program Specialist is responsible for the development, coordination, implementation, and monitoring of public health programs designed to address specific health issues or populations across Arkansas. This position supports state efforts to improve community health through evidence-based program strategies, stakeholder engagement, and interagency collaboration.

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/AOTHER 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.

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.