Community Engagement Specialist; Health Educator

Work that makes a difference! Embracing Service, Inspiring Innovation, Promoting Teamwork, Pursuing Excellence, and Advancing Equity.

Under direct supervision of the Senior Health Educator (Community Engagement Manager), the health education specialist: (1) assures the coordination of community health assessments and development of community health improvement plans/activities in the assigned counties; (2) plans and implements community- based Chronic Disease Risk Reduction interventions which address the health risk factors of physical inactivity, poor nutrition, tobacco use, obesity, cancer, diabetes, arthritis and other related chronic diseases;

and (3) supports health behavior change at the individual, community, institutional and public policy levels in assigned counties.

• Provides leadership in the assessment of state, regional, county health data, community resources and processes to determine at-risk populations and risk factors to be addressed. Facilitates the development of community health assessments and community planning to identify strategic issues and priority health problems.
• Implements evidence-based policy, systems, and environmental change strategies directed toward community health improvement. Provides consultation and technical assistance to health department staff, community organizations, health care systems, programs, and local coalitions/task forces addressing social determinants of health, population health and chronic disease risk reduction for at-risk populations.
• Establishes/maintains strong working relationships with stakeholders, including other programs, government agencies, community-based organizations, and non-governmental lay and professional groups to build support for chronic disease prevention and control. Uses effective community engagement strategies to facilitate coordination/collaboration and address chronic disease issues. Leverage resources to impact prevention and create partnerships.
• Evaluates the implementation and effectiveness of programmatic and community-based interventions through the collection/analysis of process and outcome variables. Maintains and submits required reports to region leadership and program management in a timely manner.
• Participates in required state, regional and program meetings/courses. Participates in training to improve health education skills, to maintain or develop content specific proficiency, and keeps abreast of changes in program standards, policies, and procedures including Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) / Master Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES) credentialing.
• Performs other related duties as assigned, including community outreach for special projects and/or public health emergencies.

State

Minimum Requirements:

A bachelor's degree in health education, health promotion, or a closely related field such as psychology, biology, sociology, education, or physical education and health education experience.

Institutions of Higher Learning must be recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.

Agency

Additional Requirements:

Bachelor's Degree in Health Education, Public Health Education, School Health Education, Community Health Education, Health Promotion or a closely related field that confers CHES eligibility and two (2) years of health education experience; or a Master's Degree in the above and one (1) year of health education experience.

Any equivalent combination of education and/or experience that demonstrates the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered in meeting the minimum qualifications, subject to approval by the SCDPH Chief Human Resources Officer, or their delegate.

Applicants indicating college credit or degree(s) on the application may upload an unofficial copy of the transcript as an attachment to the application. Please note that the agency will require an official, certified copy of the transcript or diploma prior to hiring.

Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) or Master Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES) or CHES/MCHES-eligible is preferred.

The Department of Public Health is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions including, but not limited, to lactation), national origin, age (40 or older),…