County of San Diego

Job Summary

The Health and Human Services Agency is currently accepting applications for the position of

HEALTH PLANNING AND PROGRAM SPECIALIST

Behavioral Health Services Administration

Interviews and job offers will take place beginning the week of July 28, 2025.

The Health Planning and Program Specialist (HPPS) is responsible for coordinating multidisciplinary staff efforts and directing the work of a health division in the use of integrated research and planning, and program and resource development. The HPPS represents the department in planning and evaluation matters before departmental, community, governmental, and professional groups and should be able to work in a complex environment with internal and external stakeholders from behavioral health, public health, hospitals, and public safety. Strong program management skills and experience with contract management and knowledge of workforce education, development and training are essential.

The current vacancy is in Behavioral Health Services (BHS) Administration. The HPPS will support BHS in project management, that includes planning and developing programs to support hospitals, justice involved programs, and workforce education and training. The ideal candidate will collaborate with staff across Behavioral Health Services.

IDEAL CANDIDATE

• Possess the ability to explain policy, procedures, and recommendations on a wide variety of behavioral health issues
• Demonstrate experience with monitoring behavioral health services providers/programs to ensure compliance with State, Federal, and County program regulations and standards
• Possess strong writing and communication skills
• Ability to initiate and coordinate the planning and programmatic activities
• Ability to plan, coordinate, and initiate actions and implement decisions and recommendations

Click here to view the complete job description for Health Planning and Program Specialist.

HIRING TIMELINE AND DATES

The timeline for this recruitment is outlined below.

• Job Offer and Background Process begins week of July 28, 2025.
• 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

1. 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,
2. 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 "skilled professional medical personnel" 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.

As an employer of over 19,000 employees, the County of San Diego is an organization committed to veteran hiring, retention, and professional development. We recognize the contributions and sacrifices made by our veterans and value the unique expertise and leadership qualities they bring to our workforce. We strive to provide veterans with the resources and tools necessary to maximize their employment opportunities, and to assist veterans with their transition into civilian life by applying the valuable skills, knowledge and training acquired in service to positions and career paths at all levels within our large organization. Click on the resource links below to learn more about how the County of San Diego supports its veterans.

Veteran’s Preference Policy The County of San Diego offers preferential credits for military service to assist qualified applicants in transitioning from military to civilian careers with the County of San Diego.

Military Skills Translator Do you need assistance translating your military experience into civilian experience? This tool can help!

The County of San Diego and its employees embrace the vision of: a just, sustainable, and resilient future for all. Our values include: integrity, equity, access, belonging, excellence, and sustainability. Each of which are infused throughout our operations. While also embracing a mission of strengthening our communities with innovative, inclusive, and data driven services through a skilled and supported workforce. Click here for more information on our Strategic Plan (sandiegocounty.gov) (Download PDF reader) as well as our commitment to serve everyone, to build a Framework for the Future that will create a County that works for all.

Under California Government Code Sections 3100 - 3109, public employees are designated as disaster service workers. The term "public employees" includes all persons employed by the state or any county, city, state agency, or public district. Disaster service workers are required to participate in such disaster service activities as may be assigned to them by their employer or by law.

The County of San Diego is committed to valuing diversity and practicing inclusion because our diverse workforce is our greatest asset and our customers are our number one priority.

Click here to see the Management Benefits Summary (MGT) (Download PDF reader)