The Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) is seeking qualified applicants for the position of
HEALTH PLANNING AND PROGRAM SPECIALIST
Public Health Lab
Interviews and job offer will take place beginning the week of 8/19/24.
This position is eligible for appointment at step 1, $97,136.00 annually.
County employees are subject to the County Promotion Rule for step placement in accordance with Comp Ord 1.3.5.
The County of San Diego Public Health Laboratory is seeking an experienced and highly motivated Health Planning and Program Specialist (HPPS) with specialization in program management, contract management, and laboratory regulatory compliance. This position supports the Public Health Laboratory’s business operations team in collaboration with all technical testing sections within the Public Health Laboratory.
The ideal candidate must be able to work in a complex environment with professionals in public health, laboratory staff, epidemiology, and information technology. A quality candidate for the Health Planning and Program Specialist position should have a master's degree and at least five (5) years of experience in Public Health with at least three (3) years at a level responsible for the planning and administration of health or social services for a large public health and human services agency or in an organization which deals with public health/human services agencies. This experience should include overseeing multiple complex Federal, State, and County programs, as well as regional community health initiatives. Strong program management skills and experience in regulatory compliance are essential.
The role involves coordinating multidisciplinary staff efforts, directing the work of the Public Health Laboratory, and regional health initiatives using integrated research, planning, and program and resource development. The Health Planning and Program Specialist will effectively represent the Public Health Laboratory in planning and evaluation matters before departmental, community, governmental, and professional groups.
Knowledge and Experience:
- Collection, management, and analysis of health services data.
- Budgeting and health services cost analyses.
- Understanding of the County General Management System (GMS).
- Familiarity with current technology and trends in Public Health and public health laboratories.
- Contract management experience is a plus
- Laboratory Regulatory Compliance experience is a plus.
- Laboratory Quality Assurance experience is a plus
Skills and Abilities:
- Analyze and evaluate complex healthcare problems, recommending practical solutions to senior management on sensitive issues.
- Communicate effectively orally and in writing with professional, administrative, legislative, and community representatives.
- Comprehend complex written materials, including legal, technical, and medical documents.
- Prepare and present concise, logical oral and written reports.
- Work well in a diverse workforce culture.
Leadership and Management:
- Supervising professional and support staff.
- Independently proposing policies and monitoring their implementation.
- Identifying financial resources and writing grant proposals.
- Negotiating contracts with community health service providers.
- Participating in professional committees focused on priority healthcare areas.
The current vacancy is in Public Health Services, specifically within the Public Health Laboratory. However, the list established from this recruitment may be used to fill vacancies in other departments.
Click here to view the complete job description for Health Planning and Program Specialist.
To learn more about Public Health Services of the Health and Human Services Agency, see the Strategic Plan: Public Health Services Strategic Plan—2023-24 and 2024-25.
HIRING TIMELINE AND DATES
The timeline for this recruitment is outlined below.
- Job Offer and Background Process begins the week of August 19, 2024. Note: Current County employees may be excluded from additional background screening.
- Pre-employment Medical Screening: Approximately 3 days following successful background investigation results.
- Anticipated Start Date: Start date will be based upon successful completion of medical screening or other mutually agreed upon date.
If you are not selected for this interview process, you may have the opportunity to compete for future vacancies.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- A master's degree from an accredited U.S. college or university, or a certified foreign studies equivalency in one (1) of the following disciplines: public health, health planning, social work, economics, public administration, or other related field; AND, five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in the field of health and/or social services planning or education with at least three (3) years at a level responsible for the planning and administration of health or social services for a large public health/human services agency or in an organization which deals with public health/human services agencies; OR,
- Possession of a certification that meets the California State Department of Health Services definition of "skilled professional medical personnel" (SPMP); AND, five (5) years progressively responsible experience in health and/or social planning or education with at least three (3) years at a level responsible for the planning and administering of health or social services for a large public health/human services agency or an organization which deals with public health/human services agencies.
Notes:
Examples of qualifying SPMP include but are not limited to Physicians, Registered Nurses, Dentists, Licensed Clinical Psychologists, Licensed Clinical Social Workers, Dental Hygienists, Nutritionists registered with the Commission of Dietetics Registration (R.D.), and Medical Social Workers.
The Department of Human Resources removes personally identifiable information from all recruitments. This practice, called Blind Applicant Screening, hides a candidate’s personal information that could influence or bias a hiring decision. Personal information includes name, phone number, address, gender, age and race. This process helps contribute to a fair and equitable selection process leading to a more diverse and inclusive workforce.
The most highly qualified candidates, based on the evaluation results, will be referred for an interview. Be sure to include your experience in meeting the minimum requirements in both the Work Experience section and the Supplemental Questionnaire section of the Application.
Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of the application Work History and/or supplemental questionnaire.
CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT
As part of the County of San Diego’s pre-employment process, prospective candidates will undergo a background check (including fingerprinting) and a pre-employment medical screening prior to beginning County employment. Additional types of background investigations may be conducted based on the job-related activities of the position. Current County employees may be excluded from this process.
EVALUATION PROCESS
Qualified applicants will be placed on a six (6) month eligible list based on scores received during the evaluation of information contained on their employment application and supplemental questionnaire. Please ensure all information is complete and accurate as the responses you give will be scored using an automated evaluation system. If you are successful in the initial screening process, your application will be reviewed individually to confirm that the information you provided is accurate and qualifying.
Note: Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable a qualified individual with a disability to perform the essential functions of a job, on a case-by-case basis.
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Military Skills Translator Do you need assistance translating your military experience into civilian experience? This tool can help!
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