Communications Specialist | HEALTH PROGRAM SPECIALIST I

The Substance and Addiction Prevention Branch (SAPB), within the Center for Healthy Communities, aims to reduce individual, social, and environmental harm from addiction and substance use through research-driven prevention, education, and treatment. SAPB houses California Department of Public Health’s (CDPH) youth cannabis prevention, alcohol, overdose, and problem gambling programs, creating synergy between substance use and addiction prevention efforts. In addition to efforts related to addiction and substance use, SAPB examines a wide range of societal, community, and social influences on individual consumption and the resulting social and behavioral outcomes.

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.

CDPH’s success arises from the differences in who we are, how we think, and what we experience. It is these differences that best form policies, develop resources, and deliver services to serve California's diverse communities.

CDPH continues to build and strengthen a work culture where all employees are inspired to share their talents and ideas, to become part of a team that works to better serve the needs of California’s diverse communities by delivering innovative solutions and quality resources.

We are committed to creating an environment where all employees are included, treated with dignity and respect, and in a position to contribute to protecting the health of all Californians.

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

“CDPH is an E-Verify Employer”  

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

This position supports the California Department of Public Health’s (CDPH) mission and strategic plan by protecting the public’s health and promoting health, wellness, and equity.

The incumbent works under the direction of the Health Program Manager II (HPM II), Public Awareness Section. The Health Program Specialist I (HPS I) functions as a communications specialist supporting the Substance and Addiction Prevention Branch’s (SAPB) multifaceted, cutting-edge health communication plans around a broad range of topics, including but not limited to youth cannabis prevention; opioid misuse and overdose prevention; and problem gambling awareness. The HPS I oversees project management; development and implementation of communication strategies and materials; and advertising campaigns designed to effectively reach multiple priority target groups. The HPS I supports branch-wide communications policy, priorities, and long-term strategies in the use of health communications to prevent substance misuse and addiction. The HPS I provides consultation in relevant meetings with local, state, and federal agencies, and community organizations. Limited in-state travel (10%) with occasional overnight stays are required.

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.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

• HEALTH PROGRAM SPECIALIST I

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:

• Understands how the historical, systemic, institutional, and community environments shape health equity.
• Works with a high degree of initiative, responsibility, independence, and accountability, producing high-quality work products with minimal supervision.
• Prioritizes and effectively manages multiple complex projects.
• Shows flexibility and forward-thinking while managing multiple shifting priorities.
• Demonstrates excellent verbal and written communication skills with clarity.
• Possesses strong organizational and project management skills.
• Experience with:
  • Public health, particularly in the field of behavioral health (e.g., substance use, misuse, addiction, nutrition, tobacco).
  • Policy, systems, and environmental change strategies.
  • High-profile or sensitive issues.
  • Health communications.  

How To Apply

Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included

https://calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/Jobs/JobPosting.aspx?JobControlId=509350

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.

About California Department of Public Health

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 Human Resources Division (HRD) partners with CDPH’s programs and management to provide guidance and consultative services on HR matters that are necessary for the Department to carry out its mission to deliver quality public health services.

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