Program Specialist Jobs in California
Program Specialist jobs in California are among the most active in the country, concentrated in state and local government agencies, large healthcare systems, higher education, and nonprofits, with openings at every level from entry-level coordinators to senior program leads. The biggest hiring volume is in Sacramento, Los Angeles, and the San Francisco Bay Area, where organizations like Kaiser Permanente, the University of California system, and the California Department of Social Services maintain consistent program specialist headcount. The most in-demand specialties include workforce development, public health program administration, and grant-funded social services. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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Showing 5 of 160+ Program Specialist jobs
As a private, non-profit, multi-specialty outpatient clinic, VCC provides more than healthcare, we provide opportunity. Here your skills are celebrated, your growth is supported and your work makes a difference. We know that our success is a direct result of the exceptional talents and dedication of our employees.
✨For eligible employees, benefits include:
✅ Competitive compensation & benefits
✅ Medical, dental, vision
✅ Company-paid life insurance
✅ Flexible spending accounts
✅ 403(b) retirement plan
Why VCC?
- Winner of the 2025 HRSA Gold Medal for Outstanding Care, placing VCC among the top 10% of Federally Qualified Health Centers in the U.S.
- Recognized by HRSA as a National Quality Leader in Behavioral Health and Diabetes and for excellence in Preventive Health and Health IT.
- A robust training & development culture to help you grow and advance your career.
- A workplace built on respect, collaboration and passion for care.
- Perform quality-assurance activities, including audits and review of program documentation.
- Conduct routine reviews of program tracking systems to monitor completeness, accuracy, and compliance with program requirements.
- Maintain program databases, tracking tools, and other administrative systems to ensure information is current, complete, and accurate.
- Provide administrative follow-up and technical support to program staff related to documentation and other program and VCC requirements.
- Assist with the development, maintenance, and organization of program forms, procedures, resource materials, and other program documentation.
- Maintain familiarity with VCC programs and services, and community resources to support referrals, and linkages for participants.
- Coordinate participant screening, intake, enrollment, and referral tracking.
- Conduct outreach, engagement, and follow-up activities with youth, families, referral partners, and other stakeholders to support participant enrollment, engagement, and retention.
- Utilize youth development, peer support, trauma-informed, and strengths-based approaches when engaging participants and supporting program activities.
- Participate in program meetings and other activities necessary to support effective program operations.
- Perform other duties as assigned
- Associate degree in health education, social services, human services, behavioral sciences, education, youth development, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
- Experience with Microsoft Excel, electronic records, databases, and/or other program data-tracking systems.
- Demonstrated ability to organize and maintain accurate records, manage multiple priorities, track deadlines, and follow through on assigned responsibilities with attention to detail.
- Ability to review information for completeness and accuracy, identify discrepancies or missing information, and appropriately follow up to resolve outstanding items.
- Experience working with youth, families, underserved communities, and/or populations served by the program.
- Bachelor's degree in health education, public health, social work, psychology, sociology, education, human services, or a related field.
- Experience working in youth mentoring, juvenile justice, violence prevention, behavioral health, community health, or youth development programs.
- Experience training, coaching, or providing technical guidance to direct service staff or volunteers.
- Knowledge of community resources and services available to youth and families.
- Bilingual English/Spanish
- Ability to present information effectively both orally and in writing to individuals and groups from various cultural, ethnic and educational backgrounds
- Ability to interact with all VCC personnel and the public in a professional manner
- Experience/familiarity with computers, business e-mail, communication systems, data entry skills and internet search capabilities; basic knowledge in Microsoft Office products, specifically Word and Excel
- Ability to work independently, take initiative and be proactive
- Ability to analyze, prioritize and meet deadlines
- Ability to track and manage time effectively
- Ability to plan and facilitate internal and community meetings
- Ability and willingness to meet the organization’s attendance and dress code policies
- Ability to handle confidential materials and information in a professional manner
- Excellent customer service skills and commitment to providing the highest level of customer satisfaction
- Good verbal and written skills necessary for communication with patients/clients, clinicians and other staff
- $24.00 - $26.00 Depending On Experience
As a private, non-profit, multi-specialty outpatient clinic, VCC provides more than healthcare, we provide opportunity. Here your skills are celebrated, your growth is supported and your work makes a difference. We know that our success is a direct result of the exceptional talents and dedication of our employees.
✨For eligible employees, benefits include:
✅ Competitive compensation & benefits
✅ Medical, dental, vision
✅ Company-paid life insurance
✅ Flexible spending accounts
✅ 403(b) retirement plan
Why VCC?
- Winner of the 2025 HRSA Gold Medal for Outstanding Care, placing VCC among the top 10% of Federally Qualified Health Centers in the U.S.
- Recognized by HRSA as a National Quality Leader in Behavioral Health and Diabetes and for excellence in Preventive Health and Health IT.
- A robust training & development culture to help you grow and advance your career.
- A workplace built on respect, collaboration and passion for care.
- Perform quality-assurance activities, including audits and review of program documentation.
- Conduct routine reviews of program tracking systems to monitor completeness, accuracy, and compliance with program requirements.
- Maintain program databases, tracking tools, and other administrative systems to ensure information is current, complete, and accurate.
- Provide administrative follow-up and technical support to program staff related to documentation and other program and VCC requirements.
- Assist with the development, maintenance, and organization of program forms, procedures, resource materials, and other program documentation.
- Maintain familiarity with VCC programs and services, and community resources to support referrals, and linkages for participants.
- Coordinate participant screening, intake, enrollment, and referral tracking.
- Conduct outreach, engagement, and follow-up activities with youth, families, referral partners, and other stakeholders to support participant enrollment, engagement, and retention.
- Utilize youth development, peer support, trauma-informed, and strengths-based approaches when engaging participants and supporting program activities.
- Participate in program meetings and other activities necessary to support effective program operations.
- Perform other duties as assigned
- Associate degree in health education, social services, human services, behavioral sciences, education, youth development, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
- Experience with Microsoft Excel, electronic records, databases, and/or other program data-tracking systems.
- Demonstrated ability to organize and maintain accurate records, manage multiple priorities, track deadlines, and follow through on assigned responsibilities with attention to detail.
- Ability to review information for completeness and accuracy, identify discrepancies or missing information, and appropriately follow up to resolve outstanding items.
- Experience working with youth, families, underserved communities, and/or populations served by the program.
- Bachelor's degree in health education, public health, social work, psychology, sociology, education, human services, or a related field.
- Experience working in youth mentoring, juvenile justice, violence prevention, behavioral health, community health, or youth development programs.
- Experience training, coaching, or providing technical guidance to direct service staff or volunteers.
- Knowledge of community resources and services available to youth and families.
- Bilingual English/Spanish
- Ability to present information effectively both orally and in writing to individuals and groups from various cultural, ethnic and educational backgrounds
- Ability to interact with all VCC personnel and the public in a professional manner
- Experience/familiarity with computers, business e-mail, communication systems, data entry skills and internet search capabilities; basic knowledge in Microsoft Office products, specifically Word and Excel
- Ability to work independently, take initiative and be proactive
- Ability to analyze, prioritize and meet deadlines
- Ability to track and manage time effectively
- Ability to plan and facilitate internal and community meetings
- Ability and willingness to meet the organization’s attendance and dress code policies
- Ability to handle confidential materials and information in a professional manner
- Excellent customer service skills and commitment to providing the highest level of customer satisfaction
- Good verbal and written skills necessary for communication with patients/clients, clinicians and other staff
- $24.00 - $26.00 Depending On Experience
See All 160+ Program Specialist Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Program Specialist JobsProgram Specialist Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Program Specialist Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Education
- Medical Devices
- Science & Research
- Staffing & Recruiting
- Technology & Software
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in program specialist jobs across California.
- Bachelor's degree in public administration, social work, or a related field required
- Experience managing or coordinating government or nonprofit program operations in California
- Familiarity with California state reporting requirements and compliance documentation processes
- Proficiency with case management systems and database tools used in California agencies
- Strong written communication skills for grant reports, policy briefs, and stakeholder updates
- Ability to work across multiple California county or regional offices and partner agencies
Program Specialist Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a program specialist in California?
Most program specialist roles in California require a bachelor's degree in public administration, social work, public health, or a related field, though many state agency positions accept equivalent experience. California state government positions are filled through the California Department of Human Resources exam and certification process, and candidates must pass the relevant civil service exam before being placed on an eligibility list. Roles in healthcare or behavioral health may also require licensure from the California Board of Behavioral Sciences or a comparable body.
Which companies hire program specialists in California?
Companies currently hiring program specialists in California include SVS, L3Harris, and Booz Allen Hamilton, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of October 2026. California's large public sector, UC and CSU campuses, and major nonprofit and managed care organizations also account for a significant share of consistent statewide hiring.
Which California cities have the most program specialist jobs?
The California cities with the most program specialist openings are San Diego, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. Sacramento leads because of its concentration of state government agencies and regulatory bodies, Los Angeles draws volume from its large county health and social services departments and nonprofit sector, and the Bay Area reflects demand from public health agencies, tech-adjacent nonprofits, and the University of California system.
Are there remote program specialist jobs in California?
Yes, and more than many comparable roles. About 52% of program specialist openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of October 2026, reflecting how much of the work centers on reporting, coordination, and stakeholder communication rather than in-person service delivery. Grant administration, data reporting, and policy coordination roles tend to offer the most remote flexibility, while positions tied to direct client services or field program oversight are more likely to require on-site presence.
How can I get hired as a program specialist in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is through California's civil service system, where junior or associate-level program titles like Program Technician or Staff Services Analyst are specifically designed for candidates without direct program specialist experience. Large county health and social services departments in Los Angeles and Sacramento regularly hire entry-level coordinators, and UC and CSU campuses run coordinator and program assistant roles that feed into specialist tracks. A relevant bachelor's degree, volunteer work with California nonprofits, or experience in adjacent roles like case manager or grants coordinator strengthens an application significantly.
Where can I find and apply to program specialist jobs in California?
You can find and apply to program specialist jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings across state agencies, healthcare systems, nonprofits, and private employers. Search the listings, find the roles that match your background and location, and apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 160+ Program Specialist Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Program Specialist Jobs