HEALTH PROGRAM SPECIALIST

State of Arkansas • Little Rock, AR

4d • $52,137 - $77,163

About The Position

The Health Program Specialist develops, coordinates, implements, and monitors public health programs addressing specific health issues or populations across Arkansas. The position supports state efforts to improve community health through evidence-based program strategies, stakeholder engagement, and interagency collaboration.

The role may focus on areas such as chronic disease prevention, maternal and child health, environmental health, infectious disease control, injury prevention, or health promotion. The specialist evaluates program effectiveness, develops educational and outreach materials, prepares reports and grant applications, coordinates with community and governmental partners, maintains program records, conducts outreach, and ensures compliance with applicable laws, grant conditions, and departmental policy.

This position is classified as safety sensitive. The agency’s mission is to protect and improve the health and well-being of all Arkansans.

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree in public health, health science, social work, education, public administration, or a closely related field is required.
• Strong understanding of public health principles, population health, and program development cycles.
• Ability to analyze and interpret health data, epidemiological reports, and demographic trends.
• Proficiency in preparing clear and accurate program reports, policy documents, and grant submissions.
• Experience working with data systems, spreadsheets, and digital tools.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to tailor messaging for professional, public, and diverse audiences.
• Other job-related education and/or experience may be substituted for all or part of the basic requirements, except certification or licensure requirements, upon approval of the Qualifications Review Committee.

Nice To Haves

• Data entry experience preferred.
• Experience working with large databases preferred.
• Knowledge of medical and laboratory terminology preferred.
• Adobe Pro, SQL, and Excel experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Plan, develop, and coordinate public health programs addressing key health concerns.
• Evaluate program effectiveness using health data, performance metrics, and community feedback, and adjust goals and strategies as needed.
• 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 program activities comply with public health laws, grant conditions, and departmental policy.
• Respond to inquiries from the public or partners regarding program information and resources.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level