Harm Reduction Specialist

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.

“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:

Please let us know how you heard about our position by taking this brief survey:

You will find additional information about the job in the .

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.

Special Requirements

For experience/education to qualify during the application screening process, and to ensure that minimum qualifications can be determined, applicants should include all employment history on the Employment Application (STD 678) and/or Resume, including detailed job descriptions,  hours worked per week , and  start/end dates (MM/DD/YYYY) . Application packages without this information will experience delayed processing times and your eligibility for this position may be impacted.

A completed State application (STD. 678) and any other relevant documents (e.g. unofficial transcript, copy of degree, resume, etc.) should be submitted electronically via your CalCareers Account. Please reference Job Control #(534998)  and indicate the basis of your eligibility in the Examination(s) or Job Title(s) section. SROA and surplus candidates should submit a copy of their letter with their application . Please remove any confidential information (i.e. social security number, date of birth) from your documents prior to submission.

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 CalCareers Account at Submitting an electronic application through your CalCareers account is strongly recommended since electronic applications will be received/processed faster than other methods of filing. Please submit only one application.

If you are unable to submit your application electronically through your CalCareers account, please email  View email address on calcareers.ca.gov  for assistance and a CDPH Human Resources Division staff member will contact you to assist with the online application process or,  a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method as explained in the How to Apply section below. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included.

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.

Benefits

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

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.

PLEASE NOTE: Resumes, letters, Supplemental Questionnaire, transcripts, degrees, your state application, cover letters and other materials will not take the place of the Statement of Qualifications. Simply copying and pasting your resumé will also not be accepted .

Required Application Package Documents

The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:

• Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
• Resume is optional. It may be included, but is not required.
• Statement of Qualifications -

  Please see Statement of Qualifications (SOQ)  instructions below at end of posting . Applications received without a written response to the SOQ may be rejected.