Assessment and Planning Specialist

Department Overview

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) is committed to the Colorado for All philosophy and to building a healthier, more sustainable state where everyone has a fair opportunity to thrive. The department values inclusion, cultural responsiveness, and workforce diversity, and encourages candidates from a wide range of backgrounds to apply.

Important note: This role is limited to Colorado residents at the time of application.

Work Location

This position offers hybrid work options. However, the employee may still need to report to 4300 Cherry Creek Drive South, Denver, CO 80246 whenever the supervisor determines it is necessary based on operational needs.

CDPHE Employee Benefits

The department highlights benefits such as free parking and RTD bus access, flexible work options, retirement coverage through PERA options, medical and dental plans, defined benefit or defined contribution retirement choices with optional 401(k) and 457 plans, paid life insurance, short- and long-term disability coverage, 11 paid holidays, personal time off, tuition support, wellness programs, professional development, and advancement opportunities across state government. Some roles may be eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF).

About the Team

The Office of Public Health Practice, Planning, and Local Partnerships works to strengthen the statewide public health system by building capacity, improving performance, and connecting state and local agencies. The team collaborates with local public health agencies, boards, organizations, and other partners to improve public health infrastructure and support the workforce.

Role Summary

This position supports Colorado’s Public Health Improvement Plan and helps coordinate the state and local community health assessment and improvement planning cycle required under Colorado law and aligned with national Public Health Accreditation Board expectations. The role provides technical guidance, training, and coordination to local public health agencies so they can conduct assessments, set priorities, implement plans, monitor progress, and evaluate outcomes using established best practices.

The specialist also reviews local improvement plans, compares them with the state’s public health improvement plan, and recommends ways to align department programs with gaps or priorities identified locally. In addition, the role helps expand public health accreditation readiness by supporting assessments, strategic planning, quality improvement activities, and related communication efforts.

Another important part of the job is building and maintaining a training portfolio for early-career public health professionals, people transitioning into public health, emerging leaders, new executive directors, and other community stakeholders such as local boards of health and county commissioners. The position works with health equity staff to ensure training is accessible and grounded in health equity principles.

This role is also the primary preceptor contact for OPHP, coordinating intern, AmeriCorps, and student placements with Human Resources and supervising incoming learners throughout the year as staffing levels and assignment lengths vary.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead work connected to Colorado’s statewide public health improvement plan and the Colorado Public Health Assessment and Planning System (CHAPS).
• Provide subject matter support, coordination, and technical assistance for CHAPS and related planning activities.
• Track implementation, measurement, and evaluation across the assessment and planning system.
• Support dashboards, communications, and information-sharing tools for public health systems work.
• Manage projects and coordinate related work streams.

Minimum Qualifications

Applicants can qualify either through experience alone or through a mix of education and experience. The required background is seven years of relevant experience in public health planning and evaluation, including technical assistance to diverse partners and communities. Technical assistance may include training, consultation, resource creation, and quality assurance reviews.

If using education toward qualification, the combination of related education in public health or a closely related discipline plus relevant experience must equal seven years. Part-time experience is prorated, and applicants must document experience in the work history section of the application; “See Resume” is not accepted.

Preferred Background

Strong candidates will have experience working collaboratively with internal teams, external partners, technical and community stakeholders, and medical providers. Experience building long-term relationships with schools and other educational organizations is valued, along with the ability to use communication tactics to share information effectively.

The ideal candidate will have excellent verbal and written communication skills, the ability to tailor messages for different audiences, knowledge of Public Health Accreditation Board requirements, experience helping local public health agencies align with state priorities, and a record of selecting and implementing evidence-based public health strategies with fidelity.

Conditions of Employment

A background check is required before hire.

Application Materials

A complete application package must include a completed State of Colorado application, a resume, and a cover letter. If education is being used to qualify, unofficial transcripts or a diploma must be attached to the colorado.gov/jobs application. Veterans must also attach a DD214, if applicable.

Selection Process

All applications submitted by the closing date will be screened against the minimum qualifications. Candidates who meet those requirements may move to a comparative analysis process, which can include a structured review by subject matter experts against the preferred qualifications. Up to six top candidates may be invited to interview with the hiring manager.

Employment Verification

CDPHE uses E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility for newly hired workers in the United States.

Appeal Rights

Candidates removed from an eligibility list or otherwise affected by the selection process may request review by the State Personnel Director. Appeals must be submitted on the official form within ten calendar days of notice or acknowledgment of the department’s action, in accordance with Colorado Personnel Board rules.

Equal Opportunity

The State of Colorado emphasizes equity, diversity, and inclusion and maintains an equal opportunity hiring environment.