Community Health Educator I (Grant Funded)

Incumbent works under the direction of the assigned Supervisor/designee planning, implementing and evaluating health promotion activities; and providing training, information and consultation to improve the health status of the community.

 Essential Functions:

• Respond to requests from the community for health education information and refer requests outside of expertise to related agencies.
• Analyze community health education needs, determine target areas and develop health promotion/service strategies.
• Establish and maintain effective work relationships with clients, supervisors, County employees, elected officials, attorneys, law enforcement, judges, other agencies, community organizations, and the public.
• Comply with Civil Service policies and regulations, collective bargaining agreements, County policies, department policies and laws to create a cooperative, safe, respectful and quality work environment.
• Gather materials (e.g. information, brochures) relating to presentation topic, reviewing and evaluating material for cultural sensitivity and health literacy.
• Conduct lectures, presentations,  workshops, health fairs, and seminars distributing health information, increasing community health issue awareness, and facilitating behavioral change toward a healthier lifestyle.
• Prepare communication materials (e.g. reports, press releases, public service announcements, newsletters, newspaper releases) distributing information on community health education services and programs.
• Collaborate with various stakeholders (e.g. area community agencies/groups, public agencies, schools, health care, and volunteer organizations) developing health education strategies and coordinating available resources and information referral requests.
• Develop knowledge of other Health Department services/programs providing information to the public.
• Prepare an evaluation plan for each program with guidance from a Supervisor, Community Health Educator II or designee, and develop surveys and track statistical data to determine program effectiveness.
• Assist with grant proposal development (e.g. work plans, goals, objectives) related to specific projects linked to state and national health goals.
• Coordinate with community agencies (e.g. educational institutions, employers, area hospitals) developing grant programs or health education programs.
• Participate in various committees, coalitions and community alliances exchanging information.
• Utilize a variety of specialized software programs.
• Prepare and maintain various records, reports, correspondence and other department documents (e.g. mileage reports, timesheets, inspection reports).
• Maintain knowledge (e.g. reading, research, webinars, seminars, training, conferences) of current trends and developments supporting job skills and techniques.
• Perform receptionist and other clerical duties ensuring continuity of services.
• Collaborate with internal sources and community agencies regarding public health emergency preparedness. Respond to inquiries from the public.
• Safely operate a motor vehicle when required to travel on County business.
• Perform other duties as assigned or directed.

 Education and Work Experience and Other Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or college in Health Education, Community Health Education, School of Health Education required.*
• Two (2) years of experience using MSOffice Suite and Adobe Illustrator required.
• Applicants with internship or work experience in public health, community health, health promotion or related field preferred.
• A valid driver’s license and own mode of transportation at the time of hire, and maintained throughout employment required.
• Completion of a pre-employment criminal records check and conditional offer drug screen required.
• *Equivalent work experience may be substituted for up to two (2) years of education experience on a year-for-year basis.

 Physical Requirements & Working Conditions:

• The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Work is performed in an office setting and occasionally outdoors. Noise level is usually moderate. Work hours are standard day-shift hours; however, schedule may vary (e.g. days, hours, weekends, holidays, overtime, emergency call-in).  Work involves potential exposure to biohazards. Work may be stressful when dealing with time constraints, multiple/changing priorities, limited resources and uncooperative/irate individuals.
• Work requires some physical activity including extended periods of sitting, standing, frequent walking, and occasional kneeling bending, crouching, reaching, stooping, and climbing. Work also requires the ability to frequently lift and/or carry objects weighing up to 10 pounds and occasionally up to 25 pounds.
• Required sensory abilities include vision, hearing, and touch. Visual abilities, correctable to normal ranges, include close, distance, color, and peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus. Communication abilities include the ability to talk and hear within normal ranges. An incumbent must also possess the hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity necessary to operate computers and other equipment.

Douglas County is an EOE - Disability/Veterans