HEALTH PROGRAM SPECIALIST

Arkansas Department of Health

4815 W Markham Street

Little Rock, AR 72205

Position Number: 22125542

County: Jefferson City: Pine Bluff

Posting End Date: 09/14/26

Anticipated Starting Salary: $52,137.07
Division of Health Advancement – Child and Adolescent Health

*CLASSIFIED AS A SAFETY SENSITIVE POSITION*

Additional Preferences:

Frequent in-state and regional travel is required. A valid driver’s license is required.

This is a Community Health Promotion Specialist (CHPS) position that will be based in the Arkansas River Cooperative of Pine Bluff building.

Experience working with public schools is preferred.

Public speaking experience is preferred.

Experience working with Microsoft Office Programs preferred.

Occasional work, including but not limited to phone calls, outside of standard business hours may be required. A state cell phone is required with security app features installed. The phone must be with the employee and charged and turned on when in work status. An app must be installed with the capability to geo-locate.

A bachelor’s degree in nutrition and/or health education is preferred.

Three (3) years of experience in planning or implementing Public Health Programs is preferred.

Experience presenting and communicating to multi-disciplinary groups is preferred.

Exposure to environmental hazards may occur.

Hiring Official: R. McDonald

The mission of the Department of Health is to protect and improve the health and well-being of all Arkansans.

Position Information

Job Series: Health Specialties

Classification: Health Program Specialist – Career Path

Class Code: PHS07P

Pay Grade: SGS06

Salary Range: $52,137 - $77,163

Job Summary

The Health Program Specialist is responsible for the development, coordination, implementation, and monitoring of public health programs designed to address specific health issues or populations across Arkansas. This position supports state efforts to improve community health through evidence-based program strategies, stakeholder engagement, and interagency collaboration.

Primary Responsibilities

Plan, develop, and coordinate public health programs to address key health concerns such as chronic disease prevention, maternal and child health, environmental health, infectious disease control, injury prevention, or health promotion. Evaluate program effectiveness using health data, performance metrics, and community feedback; adjust goals and strategies as needed to improve outcomes. Develop educational materials, outreach tools, and technical guidance for community partners, stakeholders, and the public. Prepare reports, grant applications, and program summaries in accordance with agency, state, and federal requirements. Collaborate with internal departments, local health units, schools, nonprofits, and other governmental agencies to coordinate service delivery and leverage resources. Maintain accurate, organized records of program activities, expenditures, outcomes, and evaluations. Conduct community outreach and represent the agency at public events, health fairs, advisory meetings, or legislative briefings as needed. Ensure that all program activities are conducted in compliance with public health laws, grant conditions, and departmental policy. Respond to inquiries from the public or partners regarding program information and resources.

Knowledge and Skills

Strong understanding of public health principles, population health, and program development cycles. Ability to analyze and interpret health data, epidemiological reports, and demographic trends. Proficient in preparing clear and accurate program reports, policy documents, and grant submissions. Experience working with data systems, spreadsheets, and digital tools (e.g., Microsoft Excel, SharePoint, or program-specific software). Effective written and verbal communication skills with the ability to tailor messaging for professional, public, and diverse audiences.

Minimum Qualifications

A bachelor’s degree in public health, health science, social work, education, public administration, or a closely related field is required.

Licensure/Certifications

N/A OTHER JOB RELATED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE MAY BE SUBSTITUTED FOR ALL OR PART OF THESE BASIC REQUIREMENTS, EXCEPT FOR CERTIFICATION OR LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS, UPON APPROVAL OF THE QUALIFICATIONS REVIEW COMMITTEE.

The State of Arkansas is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, citizenship, national origin, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by law.