HEALTH PROGRAM SPECIALIST II

State of California; California (MO); Hybrid; USD 87,000 - 109,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Telework eligible

Job summary

California Department of Public Health (CDPH) is seeking a Fitness Council Coordinator, Health Program Specialist II, to provide leadership, direction, and technical consultation for initiatives prioritized by the Governor’s Advisory Council on Physical Fitness and Mental Well-being. You will translate priorities into actionable plans and coordinate statewide campaigns.

The role involves collaboration with state agencies, stakeholders, and contractors, with up to 10% in‑state travel and

Qualifications

• Excellent communication both written and oral, and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Self‑motivated and strong work ethic.
• Knowledge of social marketing and public relations strategies.
• Ability to build and foster collaborative relationships.
• Ability to interact effectively with internal staff and external partners including academia and local and state health departments.
• Experience working with multiple levels of staff including executive management.
• Experience working in a fast‑paced environment with multiple priorities.

Responsibilities

• Translate council‑derived priorities into actionable implementation plans.
• Guide cross‑agency collaboration and manage public‑facing campaigns.
• Direct, organize, and coordinate projects and activities statewide.

Skills

Excellent communication

Organizational skills

Interpersonal skills

Public relations strategies

Stakeholder collaboration

Job description

Fitness Council Coordinator, HEALTH PROGRAM SPECIALIST II

$7,276.00 - $9,107.00 per Month. New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

Final Filing Date: 10/13/2026

This position supports the California Department of Public Health’s (CDPH) mission and strategic plan by providing leadership, direction, and technical consultation to implement initiatives prioritized by the Governor’s Advisory Council on Physical Fitness and Mental Well-being (GAC), whose mission is to promote the physical fitness and mental well-being of all Californians at all ages. The Health Program Specialist II (HPS II) directs, organizes, and coordinates projects and activities that advance physical fitness and mental well‑being statewide, collaborating with state agencies, stakeholders, and contractors. Responsibilities include translating council‑derived priorities and deliverables into actionable implementation plans, guiding cross agency collaboration, and managing public‑facing campaigns. In‑state travel is required up to 10% of the time. Occasional work outside normal business hours and on weekends may be required to attend events.

The Nutrition and Physical Activity Branch (NPAB) is part of the Center for Healthy Communities (CHC). We are dedicated to advancing community health and well‑being by addressing systemic inequities, promoting equitable access to resources, and strengthening the social drivers of health that allow communities to thrive. At the same time, CHC strives to foster an internal culture where equity, mattering, psychological safety, psychological agency, and belonging are prioritized.

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.

This is a 12 month Limited‑Term Full‑Time position that may be extended or become Permanent.

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

Working Conditions

Telework Information

This position may be eligible for telework. 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.

Travel may be required for this position. Reimbursement for travel takes into consideration an employee’s designated headquarters, as reflected in the duty statement, and is 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.

Minimum Requirements

• HEALTH PROGRAM SPECIALIST II

# of Positions: 1

Telework

Hybrid

Job Type

12 Month Limited Term - Full Time

Department Information

At the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), equity, diversity, and inclusion are at the core of our mission to advance the health and well‑being of California’s diverse people and communities. We are genuinely and strongly committed to cultivating and preserving a culture of inclusion and connectedness where we can grow and learn together with a diverse team of employees. In recruiting for team members we welcome the unique contributions that you can bring to us and the work we do.

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) works to protect the public’s health and shape positive health outcomes for individuals, families and communities. Public health is for everyone; not just in emergencies but in everyday life —from heart health and mental wellness to food safety and the prevention of infectious and chronic diseases. Our programs and services, in collaboration with local health departments, state, federal and private partners, touch the lives of every Californian and visitor, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Health Program Administrators play a pivotal role in the field of Public Health by supporting, overseeing and managing health programs that aim to improve community health outcomes. They are responsible for planning, implementing, and evaluating public health initiatives, ensuring that these programs are effective and meet the needs of Californians. Health Program Administrators help to address health disparities, promote wellness, and enhance the overall health of communities. Their expertise and leadership are essential in driving public health advancements and ensuring the success of health programs.

The salary information listed on this advertisement may not reflect recent salary increases from salary adjustments or changes in the fiscal year.

The CDPH is currently an E-Verify employer.

Desirable Qualifications

• Excellent communication both written and oral, and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Self‑motivated and strong work ethic.
• Knowledge of social marketing and public relations strategies.
• Ability to build and foster collaborative relationships.
• Ability to interact effectively and achieve results with internal staff and external partners including academia, and local and state health departments.
• Experience working with multiple levels of staff including executive management.
• Experience working in a fast‑paced environment while handling multiple competing priorities and shifting expectations.

Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.

Contact Information

Human Resources Contact:

Human Resources Division

[phone]

[e-mail]

Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.

EEO Contact:

EEO Office

[phone]

[e-mail]

California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.

Statement of Qualifications

Describe in detail your health program administration experience within your previous positions. Please include:

• The position(s) in which you performed these duties and the start and end dates (month and year) of each position.
• If you’ve had major/independent responsibility (as a lead or in another independent role) for a significant health program and the duties performed.
• Describe the type of organization where you managed the significant health program. Provide details on the:
• Type of organization and size
• Complexity of health program and scope
• Functions and duties of the program
• Staff you oversaw and their roles
• Community or clients served

Health program administration refers to the practice of managing and overseeing the operations of healthcare or public health programs to ensure efficient delivery of health services within a specific healthcare setting.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug‑free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.