Harm Reduction Specialist

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 Duty Statement .

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.


Minimum Requirements You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

• HEALTH PROGRAM SPECIALIST II

Additional Documents

• Job Application Package Checklist
• Duty Statement

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


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:


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 click.appcast.io 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.


Application Instructions
Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.
Final Filing Date: 10/23/2026
Who May Apply
Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply. Individuals who are eligible for a Training and Development assignment may also be considered for this position(s). Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).


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 When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:


Address for Mailing Application Packages


You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:


Department of Public Health
CCAU Mailing
Attn: Classification & Certification Unit
P.O. Box 997378
MS 1700-1702
Sacramento , CA 95899-7378


Address for Drop-Off Application Packages


You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:


Department of Public Health
CCAU Drop Off
Classification & Certification Unit
1615 Capitol Avenue Suite 73.430


Sacramento , CA 95814


08:00 AM - 05:00 PM


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.
  

Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.


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.



Contact Information
The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the application process. The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position.
Department Website:
Human Resources Contact:
Human Resources Division
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Hiring Unit Contact:
Vikki Stone
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Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.
EEO Contact:
EEO Office
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California Relay Service: View phone number on click.appcast.io (TTY), View phone number on click.appcast.io (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.


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 .



Equal Opportunity Employer
The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.


It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.