Program Specialist III
Listed on 2026-02-21
-
Healthcare
Public Health, Community Health, Health Promotion, Healthcare Administration
Program Specialist III in 38 - LAUDERDALE COUNTY, MS | page has loaded.
State of Mississippi
$43,509.31 - $65,329.23 Annually
Location
38 - LAUDERDALE COUNTY, MS
Full-Time
Job Number
Ld
0301 - HEALTH BOARD
Opening Date
02/17/2026
2/24/2026 at 11:59 PM Central Time (US & Canada)
Agency Minimum Salary
$43,509.31
$65,329.23
About the Agency
The Mississippi State Department of Health’s mission is to protect and advance the health, well-being, and safety of everyone in Mississippi. Questions about this position can be directed to recruitment.gov.
The Program Specialist III position will serve as the Community Health Director (CHD) for Public Health District VIII, providing district-level leadership for community-based chronic disease prevention and health promotion activities under the Office of Adult Health. District VIII encompasses nine (9) counties in central Mississippi:
Lauderdale, Kemper, Neshoba, Leake, Scott, Newton, Smith, Jasper, and Clarke, and requires coordinated oversight to address diverse community needs and chronic disease burdens. The Community Health Director is responsible for supervising district-based Community Health Educators and Community Health Workers, coordinating outreach efforts, and leading the implementation of prevention activities that align with Office of Adult Health priorities. This role provides operational leadership for the delivery of evidence-based interventions related to heart disease and stroke prevention, diabetes prevention and control, tobacco control, and other integrated chronic disease strategies at the district level.
In addition to program implementation, the CHD oversees performance management, workforce accountability, and the quality and timeliness of program reporting. The position ensures compliance with state and federal reporting requirements, including documentation in REDCap and other required systems to support PHHS Block Grant activities and CDC-funded programs. The CHD also supports staff training and professional development to ensure district teams maintain required competencies, certifications, and readiness to meet program deliverables.
What you'll need to be Successful
A successful applicant will demonstrate strong leadership and supervisory skills to guide district-level staff, manage performance, and ensure accountability across community health teams. The individual will possess knowledge of chronic disease prevention and health promotion strategies, including diabetes prevention and control, tobacco control, and heart disease and stroke prevention, as well as an understanding of the related risk factors that influence population health outcomes.
This role requires the ability to coordinate activities across multiple counties and effectively engage a broad range of community and healthcare partners to support program implementation. Strong written and verbal communication skills are necessary to clearly convey expectations, report progress, and facilitate collaboration with internal leadership and external stakeholders. The successful applicant must also be able to manage competing priorities, maintain compliance with funding requirements, and ensure district activities align with approved workplans, performance measures, and Office of Adult Health priorities.
Familiarity with federally funded programs, reporting requirements, and data systems such as REDCap is required.
Preferred Qualifications
Typically requires a bachelor’s degree and 2-4 years of experience.
Agency
Qualifications:
Experience leading or coordinating community-based public health initiatives is strongly preferred. Demonstrated experience with chronic disease prevention programs, community outreach, and supervision of staff is desirable.
Experience with data collection and reporting systems, such as REDCap, is essential to ensure timely, accurate documentation and to support state and federal reporting requirements.
See MSPB Careers for information regarding this classifications
Employer State of Mississippi
Address 210 East Capitol Street
Suite 800
Jackson, Mississippi, 39201
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