HEALTH EDUCATOR - ANIMAL CARE SERVICES (Grant Funded)

HEALTH EDUCATOR

(Grant Funded )

Salary: $ 39,562.00 per year.

SECTION I-JOB DESCRIPTION

SUMMARY:

Under the supervision of the Community Engagement Director or designee, the Health Educator promotes public health through animal welfare education, responsible pet ownership initiatives, community outreach, and public engagement efforts related to animal health and safety. This position assists in increasing community awareness regarding pet responsibility, bite prevention, adoption initiatives, zoonotic disease prevention, and shelter-related education through outreach activities, educational campaigns, and public health messaging.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Employee will accurately document all time worked.
2. Conducts outreach and educational activities related to responsible pet ownership, animal laws, animal emergency response planning, animal safety, bite prevention, zoonotic diseases, pet vaccination awareness, and shelter initiatives throughout the community.

Assists with community engagement efforts promoting pet adoption, foster opportunities, animal welfare education, and shelter awareness initiatives.

1. Participates in public health outreach events, vaccination clinics, adoption events, community fairs, school presentations, and special initiatives involving animal health and safety.
2. Educates the public on topics including leash laws, pet vaccinations, spay and neuter awareness, responsible pet ownership, animal bite prevention, and proper interaction with animals.
3. Assists with the development, coordination, and dissemination of educational and promotional materials related to public health and animal services initiatives.
4. Creates and assists with engaging public health messaging and social media content focused on animal welfare, pet safety, adoptions, public awareness campaigns, and community outreach efforts.
5. Assists with photography, storytelling, promotional campaigns, and educational initiatives highlighting adoptable animals and animal-related public health services.
6. Uses national observances, trends, and community initiatives as opportunities to promote animal welfare and public health education activities.
7. Collaborates with animal advocates, schools, animal health providers and community organizations to effectively promote animal-related services, educational campaigns, and outreach efforts and goals.
8. Establishes and maintains positive relationships with animal shelters, rescue organizations, veterinary partners, schools, healthcare providers, and community organizations.
9. Serves as a resource and community partner regarding animal safety, responsible pet ownership, zoonotic disease prevention, and public health concerns involving animals.
10. Assists with shelter-related outreach activities, educational presentations, public events, and community engagement efforts.
11. Participates in special initiatives related to animal health, animal emergency response planning efforts involving animals, and emerging public health concerns.
12. Works with Community Engagement team to develop campaigns, outreach strategies, presentations, and communication efforts related to animal topics.
13. Performs other duties as assigned.

SECTION II-JOB REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Bachelor's degree in Biology, Business, Communications, Criminal Justice, English, Journalism, Marketing, Public Health, Sociology along with two (2) years of experience working with the general public. Related work experience may be substituted for education. Every two years of experience directly related to the duties of the job can substitute for every one year of required education.

Must currently possess or obtain within six months of employment the Texas Department of State Health Services Animal Control Officer (TDSHS ACO) Certification. Must maintain an active TDSHS ACO Certification while employed with the Cameron County Public Health.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of communication channels and their uses, digital trends, calendar observances related to public health, and outreach strategies. Proficiency in medical terminology and awareness of public health laws and regulations. Thorough communication skills to communicate with the public (oral, written and Spanish speaking ability). Knowledge of computer programs software (MS, Word, Excel, Power Point, internet). Ability to work with confidential client information. Ability to follow oral and written instructions. Ability to work with public. Ability to work with others as a team member. Knowledge of proper office etiquette in handling telephone and public.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

Must have a valid Texas Driver's License, comply with State of Texas Driving Laws, and maintain an acceptable driving record. Must have reliable transportation. Employees of Cameron County may be required to work during any natural disaster or emergency, extended hours and non-traditional work schedules (i.e., Saturdays and Sundays). Criminal background check is required for employment or continued employment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Good health and physical condition sufficient to permit full performance of the duties of the position. If additional assistance is required, employee must request assistance prior to performing the assignment.

SECTION III-JOB DIMENSIONS

CONTACTS:

EXTERNAL CONTACTS: Occasional contact with other health, social, and educational care agencies, outside organizations. Frequent contact with clinic clientele. Communication is via telephone, written communication and face to face.

INTERNAL CONTACTS: Utilizes tact when dealing with County employees, health, social and educational care providers, and clientele regarding operations issues. Constant contact with County Personnel. Communicating is primarily face-to-face, via telephone and through written communication.

RESPONSIBILITY:

Comply with Cameron County and Department of State Health Services rules/regulations and display a positive public image. As a Cameron County employee, the identity of every client shall be kept confidential except to the extent necessary to carry out the purpose of an investigation, hearing, or judicial proceeding.

DIFFICULTY:

Judgement is required to ensure completion of job activities as assigned by the Immediate Supervisor or designee. Uses discretion to achieve work goals. Initiative is constantly required to achieve work goals.

GUIDANCE:

As assigned by Immediate Supervisor or designee. It is the responsibility of the employee to know and maintain contact with their Immediate Supervisor or designee.

WORKING CONDITION:

Working conditions are primarily in a clinic, office, or community center.

This is not a Civil Service covered position.

Benefits: Cameron County Offers Excellent Fringe Benefits, Including: Health and Life Insurance Protection, Sick and Annual Leave, Retirement System, and Paid Holidays. Cameron County has a mandatory direct deposit payroll program.

AA/EEO/MFD EMPLOYER

Salary : $39,562