JC-487738 – Health Equity Lead

Overview

This position supports the California Department of Public Health’s (CDPH) mission and strategic plan by promoting equitable social, economic, and environmental conditions to achieve optimal health, mental health, and well-being for all. The Office of Health Equity provides a key leadership role to reduce health and mental health disparities experienced by vulnerable communities in California.

The CDPH is not currently an E-Verify employer.

“The salary information listed on this advertisement may not reflect recent salary increases from salary adjustments or changes in the fiscal year.”
Department Website: https://www.cdph.ca.gov

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.

This position supports the California Department of Public Health’s (CDPH) mission and strategic plan by promoting equitable social, economic, and environmental conditions to achieve optimal health, mental health, and well-being for all. The Office of Health (OHE) was established, as authorized by Section 13109.5 of the California Health and Safety Code, to provide a key leadership role in reducing health and mental health disparities to vulnerable communities.

The candidate works under the direction of the Health Program Manager II (HPM II), Chief of the Children and Youth Behavioral Health Section (CYBHS) in the Behavioral Health and Equity Branch (BHEB). The Health Program Specialist II (HPS II), Health Equity Lead, is responsible for leading the development and implementation of statewide programs associated with the BHEB. The HPS II works closely with other BHEB staff and contractors to develop a community led and informed, behavioral health program.

The candidate is also responsible for leading program efforts in mental health policy direction and culturally responsive guidance to various constituency groups and key decision makers on addressing health and mental health disparities and inequities for racial, ethnic, and multicultural communities. As needed, provides high touch mental health technical assistance and directional to local health and mental health departments, Tribal leaders, community-based organizations, and key stakeholders. The incumbent may be responsible for writing contract request for proposals, organizing contract applications scoring teams, and providing direction to contracted staff.

This position may be eligible for telework. The amount of telework permitted is at the discretion of the Department and is subject to change, consistent with CDPH’s Telework Program. All employees who telework are required to be California residents in accordance with Government Code 14200. Candidates who reside outside of the state of California may be interviewed; however, the selected candidate must have a primary residency in the state of California prior to appointment (and continue to maintain California residency) as a condition of employment. Failure to meet this requirement may result in the job offer being rescinded.

Travel may be required for this position. Reimbursement for travel takes into consideration an employee’s designated headquarters, as reflected in the duty statement, and is subject to regulations and bargaining unit contract provisions. All commute expenses to the designated headquarters office will be the responsibility of the selected candidate.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

HEALTH PROGRAM SPECIALIST II
Desirable Qualifications

In addition to evaluating each candidate’s relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:

Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal supervision while managing complex, high-visibility public health projects
Strong oral & written communication skills
Ability to translate & adapt materials for specific cultural groups; marketing to diverse communities
Knowledge of children & youth behavioral health policies & programs
Experience with community engagement & outreach strategies
Experience working in a fast-paced environment while handling multiple competing priorities & shifting expectations
Knowledge of budget & accounting procedures, contract provisions, general contract management & procedures
Knowledge of media placement integration for the development & implementation of the media evaluation studies
Expertise in the development of the programmatic & technical portions of the departmental Request for Proposals
Knowledge of processing contracts/amendments & development of content for Secretary Action Requests and Director’s Action Requests
Bilingual preferred (Spanish)
How To Apply

Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included.

https://calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/Jobs/JobPostingPrint.aspx?jcid=487738

At the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), equity, diversity, and inclusion are at the core of our mission to advance the health and well-being of California’s diverse people and communities. We are genuinely and strongly committed to cultivating and preserving a culture of inclusion and connectedness where we can grow and learn together with a diverse team of employees. In recruiting team members, we welcome the unique contributions that you can bring to us and the work we do.