HEALTH PROGRAM SPECIALIST

State of Arkansas•Little Rock, AR

About The Position

The Department of Human Services is a place for people passionate about serving others and changing lives for the better. We care for Arkansans of all ages and ensure places like child care centers and nursing homes are safe. We are the safety net for the most vulnerable Arkansans. Whether you answer the phones, take applications, protect children, or help care for residents or patients at one of our facilities, you make a difference by working at DHS. Plus, working for the State has great perks, including a pension, maternity leave, paid state holidays, and much more. At DHS, we take care of our employees so you can help care for others. Each Health Program Specialist (Adult Protective Services Worker) carries a caseload of approximately 300 cases and covers multi-county territory with few other positions nearby. This position is responsible for both investigating complaints of maltreatment and serving as custodian for impaired or endangered adults, law institutions, etc. 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.

Requirements

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.
In-state Travel Required.
Required to perform occasional on-call duties during the week and on weekends.
Three years’ experience with statutes, policy, or procedures related to adult or child welfare
Two years’ experience in a discipline which requires using reasoning skills and objective analysis of facts
Ability to document complex situations in a comprehensive and legible manner
At least two years’ experience using Microsoft Office applications.
Must have a valid driver’s license, access to personal vehicle, and a clean driving record.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with developmentally disabled or geriatric populations
Demonstrates ability to plan and organize work and time around deadlines.

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.