Fiscal Program Specialist | Health Program Specialist I, JC-495095

California Department of Public Health; Sacramento (CA); On-site; USD 73,912 - 92,516; Full time

Job summary

A state health department in California is seeking a Fiscal Program Specialist to maintain fiscal integrity and ensure compliance with federal grants. This role involves leading grant applications, strategic planning, and managing budgets effectively. Ideal candidates will have strong communication skills and experience in budget management. A Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience is required for this full-time position, which allows for a hybrid telework model.

Qualifications

• Experience managing complex technical projects.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Receptiveness to feedback for work improvement.

Responsibilities

• Maintain fiscal integrity and compliance with federal grants.
• Lead the federal grant application process.
• Participate in strategic planning and budgeting activities.

Skills

Experience with State and Federal documentation

Budget forecasting and management

Stakeholder engagement

Project management skills

Effective communication

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience

Job description

Fiscal Program Specialist | Health Program Specialist I, JC-495095

This position supports the California Department of Public Health’s (CDPH) mission and strategic plan by performing a critical role in maintaining fiscal integrity, policy, and fiscal-related assignments to ensure compliance with federal grant requirements and ensure ongoing funding for the Informatics Branch (IB).

The Health Program Specialist I (HPS I) serves as a highly skilled technical consultant with independent responsibility for carrying out a variety of high-level assignments in a fast-paced environment, dealing with complex federal/state funding and contractual objectives. The HPS I acts as subject matter expert and leads the Informatics Branch through the federal grant application process, coordinates IB responses to time-sensitive drills, and maintains internal tracking systems for federal/state funds. Provides high-level, technical expertise, coordination, and leadership for the development and implementation of critical federal grant activities that are consistent with CDPH core values and are critical to achieving CDPH mission and vision.

The Fiscal Program Specialist participates in strategic planning, implementation, and technical consultation for the IB’s external contracts and other activities related to Budget Change Proposals (BCP) and federal funding opportunities that enable IB to achieve programmatic and departmental goals. The incumbent works under the general direction of the Research Scientist Manager (RSM), in the Informatics Branch.

Job Description And Duties

Refer to the original posting for the detailed duties. This section summarizes responsibilities related to fiscal integrity, federal grant compliance, and funding management within the Informatics Branch.

Desirable Qualifications

• Experience with State and Federal documentation such as Budget Change Proposals, Finance Letters, Budget Revisions, progress reports, requests for proposals/applications, etc.
• Extensive budget, forecasting, and expenditure management experience
• Experience working with stakeholders who develop, interact with, and maintain infectious disease data systems.
• Ability to develop and manage complex technical projects.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills; excellent listening skills.
• Ability to be receptive to feedback and apply constructive input to improve the quality and effectiveness of work products.

Statement of Qualifications (SOQ)

An SOQ is a narrative discussion regarding how the applicant’s education, training, experience, and skill meet the Desirable Qualifications for the position. The SOQ responses are also evaluated for writing ability. Please address the SOQ by using specific examples of your education, training and experience.

For additional information on writing an SOQ, please visit How to Write Engaging SOQ's for CDPH.

An SOQ is required. The SOQ must be typed in 12-point font, single-spaced and be no more than two (2) pages in length. Responses should be complete, specific, clear, concise, and include examples. Resumes, cover letters, and applications will not be considered a substitute for the SOQ. The SOQ should address the following:

• Describe your experience and knowledge in forecasting budget trends from multiple funds sources and developing strategic expenditure management plans.
• Describe in detail your experience managing or supervising complex major health programs or projects including any program planning and implementation, program data analysis and evaluation, recommendations to management, budgeting and resource management, policy, regulations, or standards

PLEASE NOTE: Resumes, letters, Supplemental Questionnaire, transcripts, degrees, your state application, cover letters and other materials will not take the place of the Statement of Qualifications. Responses should be numbered and with the questions submitted in the same order. Applications received without an SOQ may be rejected. Simply copying and pasting your resume will also not be accepted.

Eligibility Information

If you are new to California State Service, you must take and pass the examination for this classification to be eligible for hire. Current state employees without transfer or list eligibility must also complete and pass the examination for this classification to qualify for this position. Please visit the CalCareers/Exams web page to review the Health Program Specialist I exam bulletin.

Telework Information

This position may be eligible for telework up to three (3) days per week and is required to report in-person to the designated headquarters office location a minimum of two (2) days per week. The amount of telework permitted is at the discretion of the Department and is subject to change, consistent with CDPH’s Telework Program. All employees who telework are required to be California residents in accordance with Government Code 14200. Candidates who reside outside of the state of California may be interviewed; however, the selected candidate must have a primary residency in the state of California prior to appointment (and continue to maintain California residency) as a condition of employment. Failure to meet this requirement may result in the job offer being rescinded.

Business travel may be required, and reimbursement considers an employee’s designated headquarters office subject to regulations and bargaining unit contract provisions. All commute expenses to the designated headquarters office will be the responsibility of the selected candidate.

The headquarters office location for this position is identified in the attached duty statement.

Final Filing Date: 10/29/2025

Job Code #: JC-495095

Position #(s): 580-410-8338-909

Working Title: Fiscal Program Specialist

Classification: HEALTH PROGRAM SPECIALIST I

$6,623.00 - $8,290.00

Telework: Hybrid

Job Type: Permanent, Full Time

Should you have any questions regarding the application process, our Recruitment Team is ready to help you at [e-mail] or [phone].

Seniority level

• Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Project Management and Other
• Industries

Note: Some sections of the original page contained unrelated listings and external links that do not pertain to the core job description. This refinement retains the essential responsibilities and qualifications for the Health Program Specialist I role as described by CDPH.