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, healthcare systems, and large nonprofits, with openings at every level from entry-level coordinator through senior program manager. The deepest hiring is in Sacramento, Los Angeles, and the San Francisco Bay Area, where employers like the California Department of Public Health, Kaiser Permanente, and the University of California system maintain consistent program specialist headcount. The most in-demand specializations are public health program administration, workforce development, and social services program management. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 376+ Program Specialist jobs
JOB SUMMARY:
Under the direct supervision of a licensed nurse, the Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA)/Program Specialist provides and documents clinical care and associated tasks, as assigned. Collaborates with interdisciplinary team to ensure optimal care is provided in a quality environment to patients and families. Utilizes appropriate age and developmental approach in application of care.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
- High School diploma, GED or foreign equivalent
- Six months of experience
- Current BLS for Healthcare Providers, issued by American Heart Association
- Certified Nursing Assistant
- The Bernardy Center requires a current Certified Nursing Assistant certification
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- One year of experience
- Pediatric experience in an inpatient, outpatient, or long term care setting
- Advanced knowledge of medical terminology, experience with data entry and knowledge of clinical computer systems
- Bilingual English/Spanish
The current salary range for this position is $23.00 to $28.88
Rady Children’s Hospital is committed to compensation that is externally competitive and internally equitable. We demonstrate this commitment by conducting regular market reviews to remain competitive with organizations of similar size in the nonprofit, healthcare sector. The range listed above does not represent the full salary range for the position but is the expected hiring range for qualified candidates. Compensation decisions consider a variety of factors including experience, education, licensure, unique skillsets, organizational need, and internal equity. This posting will remain open from the “date posted” until the hiring manager has determined there is a sufficient applicant pool or until the position is filled.
JOB SUMMARY:
Under the direct supervision of a licensed nurse, the Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA)/Program Specialist provides and documents clinical care and associated tasks, as assigned. Collaborates with interdisciplinary team to ensure optimal care is provided in a quality environment to patients and families. Utilizes appropriate age and developmental approach in application of care.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
- High School diploma, GED or foreign equivalent
- Six months of experience
- Current BLS for Healthcare Providers, issued by American Heart Association
- Certified Nursing Assistant
- The Bernardy Center requires a current Certified Nursing Assistant certification
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- One year of experience
- Pediatric experience in an inpatient, outpatient, or long term care setting
- Advanced knowledge of medical terminology, experience with data entry and knowledge of clinical computer systems
- Bilingual English/Spanish
The current salary range for this position is $23.00 to $28.88
Rady Children’s Hospital is committed to compensation that is externally competitive and internally equitable. We demonstrate this commitment by conducting regular market reviews to remain competitive with organizations of similar size in the nonprofit, healthcare sector. The range listed above does not represent the full salary range for the position but is the expected hiring range for qualified candidates. Compensation decisions consider a variety of factors including experience, education, licensure, unique skillsets, organizational need, and internal equity. This posting will remain open from the “date posted” until the hiring manager has determined there is a sufficient applicant pool or until the position is filled.
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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
- Apple10
- Google8
- Pacific Gas and Electric7
- TikTok7
- DoorDash6
Top Industries Hiring
- Technology & Software88
- Consulting & Professional Services40
- Electronics & Hardware30
- Education29
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals22
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 closely related field
- Experience administering or coordinating government or nonprofit programs in California
- Familiarity with California state agency reporting, compliance, and grant management requirements
- Strong written communication skills for program documentation, reports, and stakeholder correspondence
- Proficiency with data tracking systems and case management software used by California agencies
- Ability to coordinate across multiple departments, contractors, or community partners in California
Program Specialist Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a program specialist in California?
Most program specialist roles in California require at minimum a bachelor's degree in a field related to the program area, such as public health, social work, public administration, or education. State agency positions often require passing a California civil service examination through the California Department of Human Resources, with some roles requiring additional subject-matter credentials such as a California Social Work license or a public health credential. Building experience in program coordination, grants management, or community services strengthens any application.
Which companies hire program specialists in California?
Employers hiring program specialists in California right now include Apple, Google, and Pacific Gas and Electric, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 2026. California's large public-sector footprint means state departments, county agencies, and UC or CSU campuses also post consistently throughout the year.
Which California cities have the most program specialist jobs?
San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego have the most program specialist openings in California. Sacramento dominates because it is the seat of state government, where dozens of departments continuously hire program staff, while Los Angeles and the Bay Area draw volume from large county health and human services agencies, major hospital systems, and the dense concentration of federally funded nonprofits in those metro areas.
Are there remote program specialist jobs in California?
Yes, and more than many fields, because program specialists in California often work in policy coordination, data reporting, and grant administration that translates well to remote settings. About 20% of program specialist openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of June 2026, reflecting how broadly state agencies and nonprofits adopted flexible arrangements. Roles tied to direct client services or on-site program delivery remain largely in-person.
How can I get hired as a program specialist in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is through an associate or program technician classification at a California state or county agency, where candidates can qualify with a bachelor's degree and no direct program experience. The California Department of Social Services, California Department of Public Health, and county behavioral health departments regularly post entry-level program positions and run graduate student internship pipelines. Lateral moves from roles like case manager, eligibility worker, or AmeriCorps service placement are common stepping stones, and a California civil service exam score or a relevant subject credential gives candidates a measurable edge.
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 updated regularly. Find roles that match your background and apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 376+ Program Specialist Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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