Public Health Program Specialist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $43,509.31 - $65,329.23 Annually
Location : 45 - MADISON COUNTY, MS
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 9597-0301-20260722M
Department: 0301 - HEALTH BOARD
Opening Date: 07/23/2026
Closing Date: 8/12/2026 11:59 PM Central
Agency Minimum Salary: $43,509.31
Agency Maximum Salary: $65,329.23
Preferred Qualifications: Typically requires a bachelor's degree and 6+ years of experience.
About the Agency: The Mississippi State Department of Health's mission is to protect and advance the health, well-being, and safety of everyone in Mississippi. Questions about this position can be directed to recruitment@msdh.ms.gov.
About the Position: Performs leadership and professional oversight in the management and implementation of Cessation Treatment Services within the Systems Change Division. Oversee Cessation Treatment Services via the development, implementation, and evaluation of programmatic activities related to the MS Quitline vendor and other cessation treatment providers. Provide administrative oversight for Cessation Programs and its sub-grantees to include, but not limited to, contract and scope of work development and routing, conduct quarterly reviews, ensure programmatic and fiscal monitoring, perform evaluation, provide troubleshooting for any barriers encountered, and provide routine technical assistance. Develop, maintain, and submit reports regarding Cessation Programs to support the CDC's Cooperative Agreement (DP20-2001) - includes monthly comprehensive reporting, new applications for funding, renewal of funding, bi-annual and annual progress reporting (state and federal). Monitor Sub-Grantee performance in routinely (once monthly at a minimum). Participate in standing check-in meetings with supervisor and assigned staff and other meetings as required. Facilitation Cessation/Quitline referral training(s).
What you'll need to be Successful: The candidate should possess strong leadership, project management, and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and oversee complex public health programs. They should have experience with contract and grant management, data analysis, program evaluation, and compliance monitoring. Excellent communication, training, and relationship-building skills are essential for working with vendors, sub-grantees, and stakeholders. The ideal candidate is self-motivated, detail-oriented, proficient in reporting and problem-solving, and capable of using data and critical thinking to drive program success and improve outcomes.
Characteristics of Work
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Health/Prescription InsuranceEligible employees have the opportunity to participate in the state's health and prescription insurance program. Employees may select either single or family coverage with affordable co-payments. More detail can be found at Know Your Benefits.
Wellness Benefits
Employees are eligible for a wellness and health promotion program. This plan provides annual benefits for certain services with first-dollar coverage with no deductible.
Life Insurance
All eligible employees receive an actual term life insurance policy upon employment. The policy coverage is two times the employee's annual salary to a maximum of $100,000. More detail can be found at Life Insurance Choices.
Optional Insurances
Many agencies offer discounted premiums for dental, vision, and cancer insurance.
Flexible Spending Accounts
Many state agencies provide opportunity for employees to participate in pre-tax spending accounts. These accounts allow employees to withhold childcare expenses and unreimbursed medical expenses prior to application of state and federal taxes.
Paid Personal Leave and Sick LeaveFull-time employees receive paid time off for personal needs and for sick leave. Leave begins accruing after one month of employment and may be used as it is accrued. Employees earn approximately 18 days of personal leave annually and 12 days of sick leave annually.
Military Leave
In accordance with federal law, all employees serving in the armed forces or the military reserves are entitled to 15 days per year for military training.
Holidays
Employees receive up to 10 paid holidays to enjoy many of our nation's celebrations with family and friends.
Retirement Programs
The State of Mississippi provides all its employees a Defined Benefit/Defined Contribution Retirement Program. Employees become vested in the State's retirement system after 8 years of employment. Both you and your employing agency contribute toward your retirement. More detailed information regarding the State's retirement program can be found at http://www.pers.state.ms.us
Deferred Compensation
State agencies offer several opportunities for their employees to participate in a deferred compensation voluntary retirement savings plan. More information can be found at Deferred Compensation.
State Credit Union
All state employees are eligible to participate in the Mississippi Public Employees' Credit Union. This organization offers state employees special savings and borrowing plans. For more information about this program, call 601.948.8191.
Tuition Reimbursement
Many state agencies provide opportunities for their employees to achieve higher education through tuition reimbursement. Common programs include medical and nursing fields, accounting, and business/administrative fields.
Career Development and Training
The Mississippi State Personnel Board offers several management and administrative certification programs, as well as professional development courses to enhance employee value to the agency. Individual agencies also offer technical training and allow membership in professional organizations to employees in their specific fields of employment.
Promotional Opportunities
Employees who have completed 6 or more months of service are eligible for promotional opportunities within state government employment. Minimum qualifications must be met.
Career Ladders
Many job classifications provide career-ladder opportunities based upon attainment of competencies. These career ladders can increase an individual's salary, provided funds are available within the agency.
01
How many years of relevant experience do you have? (Refer to the job posting for an explanation of relevant experience.)

• No experience
• 1 year of experience
• 2 years of experience
• 3 years of experience
• 4 years of experience
• 5 years of experience
• 6 years of experience
• 7 years of experience
• 8 years of experience
• 9 years of experience
• 10 years of experience
• More than 10 years

02
What is the highest level of education (or semester hours of college) you have completed?

• None
• GED or High School Equivalency Diploma / High School Diploma
• 1 year / 30 semester hours
• Associate's Degree / 2 yrs / 60 semester hours
• 3 years / 90 semester hours
• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree
• Specialist Degree
• Doctorate Degree

Required Question