HEALTH PROGRAM SPECIALIST II JC-534998

California Department of Public Health; Sacramento (CA); Hybrid; USD 81,000 - 102,000; Full time

Job summary

The California Department of Public Health seeks a Harm Reduction Specialist to lead program evaluation and oversee the Syringe Services Authorization Program in Sacramento. You will guide policy recommendations, coordinate with the Harm Reduction Unit and OA Support Branch, and ensure alignment with state regulations to expand harm reduction services.

This role requires strong analytical and regulatory skills, experience with grant contracts, and the ability to meet tight deadlines in a public

Qualifications

• Minimum qualifications require Health Program Specialist II criteria and list eligibility.
• Ability to develop policy recommendations and evaluate program performance.
• Experience coordinating complex grants/contracts and regulatory processes.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the California Syringe Services Authorization Program and grant management.
• Provide technical assistance to SSPs and ensure compliance with state law.
• Coordinate with Harm Reduction Unit, OA Support Branch, and Contract Management.
• Lead updates to regulations and deliver data-driven recommendations to management.

Skills

Program evaluation

Policy analysis

Stakeholder engagement

Regulatory compliance

Grant administration

Job description

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 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 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.”

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

Job Description And Duties

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.

Qualifications

“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.”

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

Final Filing Date: 10/23/2026

Position Details

Job Code #: JC-534998

Position #(s): 580-403-8336-003

Working Title: Harm Reduction Specialist

Classification: 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: Sacramento County

Telework: Hybrid

Job Type: Permanent, Full Time