HEALTH PROGRAM SPECIALIST II

State of California; California; On-site; USD 81,000 - 102,000; Full time

Job summary

State of California is seeking a Harm Reduction Specialist (Health Program Specialist II) to oversee syringe services programs (SSPs) and lead statewide harm reduction efforts. The role includes policy guidance, program evaluation, and collaboration across multiple CDPH units to ensure compliance and effective service delivery.

The position supports the CA Department of Public Health's mission, with hybrid telework options and a salary of $7,276.00–$9,107.00 per month, subject to PLP 2025

Qualifications

• Experience with contract and budget development and coordination/oversight of contractor invoicing.
• Ability to develop policy recommendations, evaluate program performance and ensure compliance findings for syringe services programs.
• Strong analytical and data interpretation skills for statewide harm reduction strategies.

Responsibilities

• Lead ongoing program evaluation activities, analyzing program outcomes and preparing recommendations to management for statewide harm reduction strategies.
• Provide technical assistance to organizations seeking authorization as syringe services programs (SSPs) and review applications for compliance with state law and regulations.
• Coordinate Harm Reduction Unit contracts and grants, leading the development of new grant agreements and contracts; oversee invoicing and contract management processes.
• Serve as liaison between the Harm Reduction Unit, the Office of AIDS (OA) Support Branch, and CDPH Contract Management Unit.

Job description

Harm Reduction Specialist
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: 10/23/2026

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.” If you have not taken the HPS II exam, please follow the link below:

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

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

• HEALTH PROGRAM SPECIALIST II

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

# of Positions

1

Work Location

Telework

Hybrid

Job Type

Permanent, Full Time

Department Information

At the California Department ofPublic Health (CDPH), equity, diversity, and inclusion are at the core of ourmission to advance the health and well-being of California’s diverse people andcommunities. We are genuinely and strongly committed to cultivating andpreserving a culture of inclusion and connectedness where we can grow and learntogether 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 wedo.

The Office of AIDS (OA) is an office within the California Department of Public Health, Center for Infectious Diseases, Division of HIV, HCV, and STIs. OA works collaboratively with state and federal agencies, local health jurisdictions, universities, and community-based organizations to ensure that efforts to combat the HIV/AIDS epidemic are targeted and effective.

“The salary information listed onthis advertisement may not reflect recent salary increases from salaryadjustments or changes in the fiscal year.”

“ TheCDPH is currently an E-Verify employer.”

Desirable Qualifications

In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:

Experience with contract and budget development, as well as coordination and oversight of contractor invoicing.

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

Contact Information

The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the application process. The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position.

Department Website: https://www.cdph.ca.gov

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.

Statement of Qualifications (SOQ)

A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is REQUIRED with your application. The SOQ also serves as documentation of each candidate's ability to present information clearly and concisely in writing. The SOQ should be typed and no more than ONE (1) pages in length.

Please respond to the statement below.

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. Significant health programs include, but are not limited to: Mental Health Services, Physician Services, Medical Records, Pharmacy, Medical Appeals, Dietary, Nursing Services, Diagnostic (X-Ray, Lab), and Dental.

Describe in detail your health program administration experience including the duties performed, the length of time, with the start and end dates (month and year) of each job.

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.