Prevention and Education 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 CDPH's 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.

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

The candidate works under the direction of the Health Program Manager I (HPM I), Alcohol Harm Reduction Unit. The Health Program Specialist (HPS I) functions as an independent, highly skilled program consultant in areas of extreme sensitivity in training, technical assistance, health education, and policy for the Alcohol Harm Prevention Initiative (AHPI). The HPS I will primarily support the AHPI’s work to raise awareness of alcohol related harms and to prevent alcohol misuse through public education; policy, systems, and environmental change strategies; training; and technical assistance. The HPS I will also support work on other substance and addiction related topics, including problem gambling and cannabis. The HPS I tracks current research, policy, and legislative changes; uses data (including surveillance, survey, and treatment data) to inform prevention strategies; and coordinates program strategic planning and community engagement. The HPS I also provides consultation in relevant committee meetings with local, state, and community organizations. This position requires a high level of independence. Some travel within the State of California (up to 5%) to provide training and to meet with stakeholders is required. Some overnight stays may be 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:

Knowledge and/or experience in:

• Public health, particularly in the field of substance use or behavioral change.
• Planning, coordinating, and implementing public health activities and services with population-based equity principles.   
• Population-based strategies to improve health outcomes, including policy, systems, and environmental change strategies.
• Providing technical assistance, consultation, and guidance on complex and sensitive programmatic and policy issues.
• Developing and maintaining effective and cooperative working relationships with internal and external multi-disciplinary partners and stakeholders.
• Understands how the historical, systemic, institutional, and community conditions have shaped health equity.
• Knowledge of key performance indicators and using data to drive policy and prevention.
• Experience working with stakeholders, building relationships and consensus.
• Experience with strategic planning or program development.  
• Demonstrated ability to take initiative and proactively identify solutions.
• Experience in working in a collaborative telework team environment.
• Demonstrates excellent verbal and written communication skills with clarity.
• Possesses strong organizational and time management skills.

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=500996

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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