Health Program Specialist

department: arkansas department of health |
location: jonesboro, ar |
position number:  |
posting end date: 02/27/26

• job series: health specialties
• classification: health program specialist – career path
• class code: phs
  07p
• pay grade: sgs
  06
• salary range: $52,137 – $77,163

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

some travel may be required. A valid driver’s license is required. Occasional work, including but not limited to phone calls outside of standard business hours, may be required. This position will serve the northeast region. Knowledge of agency programs such as: wic, family planning, maternity and medical billing preferred. Experience with windows computer applications, electronic health records, microsoft word, excel, and outlook preferred.

Exposure to environmental hazards may occur.

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.