Strategic Projects Specialist

CDPH is currently hiring for a Strategic Projects Specialist (Health Program Specialist I) within our Center for Infectious Diseases (CID), Division of HIV, STIs, and HCV (DHSH), Office of AIDS (OA). In this role, you will serve as the lead for the development and implementation of both state and federally funded trauma-informed and patient centered programs and special projects that focus on the health needs of vulnerable and underserved populations who have various intersecting social determinates of health needs.

Key Responsibilities:

• Serves as the lead project coordinator for all state funded projects administered by the Unit and leads in the planning, coordination, and development of requests for applications (RFA) for state-funded projects

• Becomes familiar with the Health and Safety Code (HSC) that determines RFA intentions and requirements and leads the planning and development of the RFA, including leading community engagement and outreach efforts, RFA release and application review processes

• Works closely with the AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP) Branch management team to facilitate the RFA review and approval process as necessary, as well as with the Contracts and Grants Unit in contract development processes, including scope of work and budgets, as needed

• Leads the planning, development, and facilitation of all quarterly meetings of those awarded, including surveying project staff, scheduling meetings, developing agendas and discussion questions

• Identifies technical assistance needs and topics for discussion and presentations during quarterly meetings and will reach out to OA staff and awardees to solicit presentations during quarterly meetings

• Works closely with the ADAP and Care Evaluation and Informatics (ACEI) to support equity-informed data and evaluation of current projects; assesses data collection tools for data elements related to health disparities; and identifies barriers and best practices for advancing health equity

• Works to advance health equity goals and objectives, and promotes the recognition and reduction of the burden of infection among California’s most vulnerable populations through changes in workplace culture and practice

• Serves as the primary lead to determine the Technical Assistance (TA) needs of funded local health jurisdictions (LHJs), health care agencies, and county community-based organizations (CBOs) through formal assessments, focused groups, learning collaboratives and informal conversations

• Works cross-functionally to identify meaningful ways to implement and ensure capacity-building assistance and programmatic priorities are fully integrated

• Serves as the lead coordinator of the development of programmatic guidance documents for federal and state-funded special projects

• Leads the facilitation of focus groups, community events, and assessments with members who are representative of the priority population and discussions with external partners on how funding should be used to develop and implement culturally responsive, trauma-informed, patient-centered and equitable programs

• Works closely with ACEI Branch to conduct data analysis as well as conducts analysis on existing programs to identify promising practices, data-based and strength-based approaches that are used to dismantle racial and health inequities for improving health outcomes of priority populations

• Serves as lead on program planning projects and periodic progress and evaluation reports for federal and state-funded entities

Telework Policy and Residency Requirement:

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.

Minimum Qualifications:

Three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in health program administration, at least one (1) year of which shall have been with major responsibility for a significant program, such as is normally found in a complex or departmentalized medical care delivery setting or health institution or organization. Possession of a Doctoral Degree in Public Health, Health Administration, Health Planning, Public Administration, or a closely related health professional field may be substituted for up to one year of the required general experience.

and

Possession of a Master's Degree in Public Health, Health Administration, Hospital Administration, Comprehensive Health Planning, Public Administration, or a closely related health professional field (1 year of additional specialized qualifying experience may be substituted for the required master's degree).

Desirable Qualifications:

• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and climate/economic justice in all aspects of program planning and delivery

• Strong project management skills

• Expertise in advancing health equity and reducing health disparities, particularly through community engagement, outreach, and collaboration with diverse partners

• Experience developing and delivering technical assistance and capacity-building initiatives for LHJs, healthcare agencies, and CBOs

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Knowledge of Health and Safety Code and relevant regulations governing program development, implementation, and reporting

About California Department of Public Health (CDPH)

At 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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