JOB
Under general supervision, serves as a media relations consultant responsible for strategically communicating public health information campaigns and materials through multiple media platforms. Plans, prepares, disseminates, and evaluates public health education and outreach programs and related publications for quality and effective communication; serves as staff resource person for health education services.
EXAMPLE OF DUTIES
Serves as primary contact and liaison with representatives of the media/press; responds to requests from the press for official statements with respect to the department’s position on issues/incidents of public interest; develops contacts with the media, community, and business representatives to promote coverage of department issues, activities, and accomplishment and promote community involvement; coordinates and oversees department’s communications on the internet and other electronic media.Develops community education and communication strategies to increase the public’s awareness of public health, preventable disease, disaster preparedness, and Polk County Health Department programs and services.Plans, designs, implements, and evaluates community-wide education efforts on public health and related topics; identifies educational delivery methods best suited to topics/audiences; conducts multi-media presentations; plans and directs workshops, training programs, and seminars; coordinates community training courses; conducts evaluations to measure impact of presentations.Provides in-service training to staff; serves as resource person for staff regarding health education.Analyzes statistical public health information, local demographics, social-cultural trends, and other data to define the need for developing and distributing educational material; collects and maintains program data.Develops and maintains current resource materials regarding health and health education for the use of County staff, other public and private organizations and the general public; prepares promotional and educational materials including pamphlets, brochures, posters, exhibits, fact sheets, and displays; maintains inventory of educational materials; develops and maintains a resource library for educational resources for use by staff.Works in collaboration with Public Health Planners to conduct community health assessments and/or surveys to identify areas of need in community health education.Performs related duties as required.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
Graduation from an accredited four year college or university with major course work in Health Education, Public Health, Health Promotion, Communications, Marketing or related, and Three years of work experience in public health, health education, communications, or related area, or Any equivalent combination of training and experience that will have provided the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.Master’s Degree preferred.Special Requirements: A criminal background check is required.A drug screen is required prior to final offer of employment.A valid State of Iowa driver’s license is required.Candidate must be willing and able to respond to irregular and on call emergency requests on nights, weekends, and holidays. Polk County is committed to providing a diverse work environment that is representative, at all levels, of the citizens we serve. Equal opportunities are available to all applicants and current employees regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, genetic information, military or veteran status, citizenship status, mental or physical disability, or any other applicable characteristics protected by law. Polk County believes that diversity, equity, and inclusion is critical to our success in serving and empowering our community and to our continued commitment to be one of the nation's most innovative public institutions.