Healthy Communities Specialist (Health Department)

Description

This position is open until filled and is a bargaining unit represented position.

A cover letter and resume are required with your online application in order for your application to be considered complete. Uploading your resume to auto-fill portions of the application does not automatically attach it to your application. Incomplete applications will not be considered for this position.

Definition:

This role will perform a variety of activities related to the development and implementation of community-based public health policies and programs through system change strategies in collaboration with a multidisciplinary team. The incumbent will have extensive knowledge in strategic planning, community mobilization, program planning and development, policy development, and building collaborations with community groups, agencies, businesses, and regional partners to address health issues collectively.

Work is performed under general supervision. Program Supervisor, or designee, defines objectives, priorities, and deadlines; and assists incumbent with unusual situations, which may not have clear objectives or precedents. Incumbent plans and carries out assignments and handle problems and deviations in accordance with experienced judgment, instructions, policies, procedures and/or accepted practices. Incumbent is expected to operate with considerable latitude and apply sound judgment and teamwork. Work is evaluated for technical soundness and conformity to practice and policy.

Job Duties

Examples of Work Performed:

• Participates as a member of a team(s) in the development of project planning and implementation. Maintains projects throughout implementation and administers project activities.
• Designs and implements public health prevention projects, training, or presentations based on knowledge and theories of behavior change and best practices or proven research, with the goal of policy development or systems change.
• Reviews and reports on county and city level data resulting in action plans that designate high risk populations and makes recommendations on best practice strategies having the most potential to increase prevention and reduce unhealthy behaviors or environmental impacts.
• Provides resources and technical assistance to communities, organizations, and professionals regarding health promotion activities. Assists in developing resources and structures of support so communities can continue interventions in a coordinated manner.
• Participates in the review and synthesis of existing evaluation data to determine the effectiveness of programs and policies; collaborates with epidemiologists to design evaluation tools as appropriate to accurately measure program and/or project success.
• Recruits and supports targeted community members to participate in community-based prevention efforts, such as youth, elderly, and/or disparate population groups.
• Develops, facilitates, and supports community and regional partnerships.
• Assesses, promotes, and supports the implementation of system, policy, and environmental changes where appropriate.
• Promotes inclusive strategies to engage multiple sectors of the community with an emphasis on equity.
• Collaborates with communications team for media coverage, public service announcements, community information meetings, social marketing, public forums, and special events.
• Tracks and reports activities and challenges to Program Supervisor or designee. Provides required agency, funding source, and contract documentation to Program Supervisor or designee as needed.
• Participates in all staff and team meetings; prepares reports as required/requested.
• Responsible for the coordination and preparation of consultant agreements, supplemental and amendments; ensures compliance with state, federal and local regulations.
• Coordinates with other county staff as necessary on final document for approval as to form when applicable; includes project summary documentation; and identifies potential areas of concern.
• Acts as a liaison with county risk management with applicable projects
• Aids sub-agencies, consultants, subcontractors for federal, state, and local guidelines.
• Informs consultants and appropriate officials of non-compliance with established federal, state, and local guidelines.
• Reviews incoming billing for compliance to terms and conditions of the contract and work authorization prior to submission to supervisor.
• Prepares required reports on project status and maintains related records.
• Writes, manages, and ensures compliance with local, state, federal and foundational grants to fund project work.
• Participates in and supports emergency preparedness and response activities, including preparedness for the division, agency, and community.

Associated Duties:

• Participates in opportunities for professional growth and development.
• Performs other related duties as requested by the Program Supervisor.
• Protects the privacy and security of protected health information as defined in State and Federal law.
• Adhere to OSHA/WISHA guidelines, including timely completion of mandatory trainings.

Healthy Communities Program

• Designs and implements injury prevention and/or chronic disease prevention projects, training, or presentations based on knowledge and theories of behavior change and best practices or proven research, with the goal of policy development or systems change.
• Supports communities, agencies, and community stakeholders to mutually understand and build upon opportunities to reduce chronic disease by increasing opportunities for physical activity as well as enhancements to the built environment and efforts that improve access to healthy foods.
• Promotes wellness and chronic disease prevention efforts to ensure best practices both internally and externally.

Minimum Qualifications

Qualifications: Skills for the position may be gained through education, certification, relevant job experience or a combination, such as:

• A bachelor’s degree in Public Health, Health Education, or a closely related field.
• Three (3) years of work in project management, community engagement/organizing/mobilization, systems change, policy development, or contract administration.

Licenses, Certifications, and Other Information:

• A master’s degree in public health, health education, or a closely related field, preferred
• One (1) year experience in community organizing, system change work and/or policy development in a public health agency of the three years required, preferred
• Paid or volunteer work in public health, preferred
• Valid Washington State Driver’s license or ability to obtain one within 30 days of hire and a driving record which meets the requirements of Snohomish County’s insurance carrier
• Successful completion of a background check pursuant to RCW 43.43.830.