Public Health Education Specialist

Hendricks County Job Descriptions

Title: Public Health Education Specialist

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Department: Health Department

Supervisor: Outreach Team Leader

PURPOSE OF POSITION:

Responsible for health education programs for the public and Health Department staff. The position reflects the concern for a healthy life style and environmental choices and the appropriate knowledge base needed to make those choices. This position will focus on tobacco prevention/cessation and other core public health services

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Assesses needs, resources and capacity for health education/promotion.

• Coordinates activities for planning, developing, implementing, and evaluating the Hendricks County Community Health Assessment and Community Health Improvement Plan.

• Implements and evaluates health education/promotion activities.

• Serves as a health education/promotion resource person.

• Communicates, promotes, and advocates for health and health education activities.

• Identifies high-risk groups and formulates health education/promotion activities or plans to reach these populations.

• Represents Health Department on coalitions, taskforces and committees.

• Represents Health Department at health fairs, conferences and other events.

• Coordinates health education/promotion activities with local, state, and national partners.

• Coordinates public and media communications during public health emergency events or disease outbreaks as the Public Information Officer and as part of the Health Department's daily communications with the general public.

• Provide public education on Health Department ordinances.

• Prepares reports and correspondence and maintain public records on Health Education activities.

• Prepares grant applications and seeks external funding for Health Department programs and health education/promotion activities.

• Participates in departmental emergency and public health preparedness plans, drills and exercises.

EDUCATION AND QUALIFICIATIONS REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor degree in Health Education, Health Science, Health Promotion, Public Health, or School Health Education

• Knowledge of the core functions and the essential services of public health.

• National Incident Management System (NIMS)/Incident Command Systems IS 100-400, IS 700, 702, and IS 800 certifications within one (1) year of employment

• Knowledge of emergency preparedness plans and the ability to perform the assigned functions

• Ability to communicate well, both verbally and in writing

• Attention to detail

• Background knowledge of health issues or microbiological science sufficient to education the public on disease prevention and environmental health issues

• Ability to make presentations in front of large groups

• Ability to effectively organize workload and work independently

• Ability to work in groups and with individuals of varied backgrounds

• Ability to perform basic computer functions

• Ability to maintain a valid Indiana Drivers License

• Ability to work outside of normal business hours to accomplish departmental goals

NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Coordinates and arranges Health Department public health displays

• Other duties as assigned

RESPONSIBILITY:

The incumbent is responsible for assessing public health needs; planning, implementing, evaluating, and researching health education programs, services, and activities; serving as a public health resource person; communicating, advocating for, and promoting public health practices; acquiring and managing funds for health education programs, services, and activities; coordinating community health improvement activities through the Hendricks County Health Partnership. Errors in work can result in unsuccessful public health initiatives and substantial cost.

WORKING RELATIONSHIPS:

Working relationships are with supervisors, associates in the same department, other county departments, state and federal agencies, ISDH, IDEM, county and town planning and building departments, coalitions, media and boards as well as community members such as school nurses, teachers, town managers and hospital staff

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The administrative work is performed in a standard office environment, however due to the nature of public health, environmental or home visits may be needed. There may be exposure to potential health hazards, such as communicable diseases, blood borne pathogens, pests, and environmental hazards. Acting as the Public Health Information Officer, this person may be called upon for extraordinary service in case of public health emergencies. On call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

APPLICANT/EMPLOYEE ACKNOWLEDGEMENT:

The job description for the position of Public Health Education Specialist in the Health Department describes the duties and responsibilities in this position. I acknowledge that I have received this job description, and understand that it is not a contract of employment. I am responsible for reading this job description and complying with all job duties, requirements and responsibilities contained herein, and any subsequent revisions.

Is there anything that would keep you from meeting the job duties and requirements as outlined?

Yes______ No_______

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