HEALTH PROGRAM SPECIALIST I

State of California•Sacramento, CA

37d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Health Program Specialist (HPS) I, acting as the Fiscal Specialist, is responsible for assisting the SSMI in developing and maintaining fiscal, budget, and accounting expenditure activities; assists in planning and coordination of Branch and Center drills and assignments; oversees the development of contracts; provides technical assistance to lower level staff; tracks projects, and provides leadership to ensure Branch/Center efficiencies. Keeps Programs updated regarding approval status of contracts and takes an active role in resolving hindrances to the approval process of contracts while negotiating, monitoring and evaluating contracts. Performs queries and develops reports for fiscal planning and quality assurance. Monitors program's fund sources, encumbrances, expenditure balances and provides routine spreadsheets, accounting and summary reports to management. The incumbent works under the direction of the Administrative Support Supervisor, Staff Services Manager I of the Center for Laboratory Sciences Operations Branch. This position is a 12-month Limited Term (LT) and may be extended up to 24 months or become permanent. If new to California state service, you will need to have taken and passed the examination for this classification in order to be hired for this position. If you are a current state employee, but do not have transfer eligibility or list eligibility, you will need to have taken and passed the examination for this classification in order to be hired for this position. Please go to CalHR's website to review the exam bulletin: https://www.calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/Exams/ExamBulletin.aspx?ExamControlId=1192 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. Please let us know how you heard about our position by taking this brief survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CDPHRecruitment You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.

Requirements

If new to California state service, you will need to have taken and passed the examination for this classification in order to be hired for this position.
If you are a current state employee, but do not have transfer eligibility or list eligibility, you will need to have taken and passed the examination for this classification in order to be hired for this position.
Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).
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.
Resume is required and must be included.
A Cover Letter is required and must be submitted with your application package.

Nice To Haves

Experience preparing and reviewing State and Federal documentation such as Budget Change Proposals (BCPs), Finance Letters, Budget Revisions, progress reports, and Requests for Proposals/Applications (RFPs/RFAs).
Knowledge of budget development and fiscal management, including forecasting, expenditure monitoring, and ensuring compliance with funding requirements.
Familiarity with purchasing and procurement processes, fiscal drills, and financial reporting within a public health or government setting.
Experience leading or coordinating program or project teams, including assigning tasks, tracking deliverables, and supporting team performance.
Ability to write clear, concise, and accurate budgetary reports and fiscal summaries for leadership and program planning.
Demonstrated experience working collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders to support program goals and policy implementation.
Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet tight deadlines.
Analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to apply logical and creative thinking to resolve programmatic or operational issues.
Effective verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to prepare briefing materials, reports, and presentations for leadership.
Receptiveness to feedback and ability to apply constructive input to improve work products and processes.
Understanding of lean process improvement and change management principles.
Ability to analyze data, evaluate alternatives, and present findings in a clear and organized manner.
Ability to foster a positive and collaborative team environment using emotional intelligence and effective communication.
Flexibility and adaptability in response to shifting priorities or urgent assignments.
Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with professionalism and discretion.
Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage time-sensitive, high-priority assignments effectively.
Ability to communicate and collaborate with staff at all levels to complete assignments and support organizational objectives.

Responsibilities

Assisting the SSMI in developing and maintaining fiscal, budget, and accounting expenditure activities
Assists in planning and coordination of Branch and Center drills and assignments
Oversees the development of contracts
Provides technical assistance to lower level staff
Tracks projects, and provides leadership to ensure Branch/Center efficiencies
Keeps Programs updated regarding approval status of contracts and takes an active role in resolving hindrances to the approval process of contracts while negotiating, monitoring and evaluating contracts
Performs queries and develops reports for fiscal planning and quality assurance
Monitors program's fund sources, encumbrances, expenditure balances and provides routine spreadsheets, accounting and summary reports to management

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