Sr. Public Health Specialist - Mental Wellbeing

Position Description

This position will work across the Minneapolis Health Department (MHD) to identify and implement population based mental wellbeing strategies using an equity lens. The position will collaborate with MHD divisions and teams to coordinate mental wellbeing efforts with a focus on youth. In summary, the position will serve as the mental well-being point person for the Department. A secondary focus of this position is to advance efforts to become a trauma informed health department.

This position is part of the Policy and Healthy Communities Division and will report to the Division Director. This position is grant-funded with funding secured

through end of 2027; additional funding upon expiration of the grant will be

sought but is not guaranteed..

Work Location – This position may be eligible for flexible work arrangements, including hybrid work with some days working remotely and some days working in the office.

The City of Minneapolis does not sponsor applicants for work visas.

Job Duties And Responsibilities

• Research and analyze population based mental well-being issues and strategies referred for study by department staff, City leaders, other units of government and community partners.
• Collect and analyze information to identify current and future public health mental wellbeing concerns and approaches for specific populations.
• Based on assessment data and department goals, develop, coordinate, and manage mental wellbeing initiatives.
• Regularly convene internal mental wellbeing work group to ensure cross department networking and collaboration.
• Regularly participate in the Community Health Improvement (CHIP) Community Mental Wellbeing Action Team, and other community advisory committees focused on wellbeing as assigned.
• Represent the department in community settings by providing technical and advisory assistance to improve mental wellbeing at the community level, collaborating with identified groups and organizations.
• Assist in developing and overseeing the process for requests for proposals relevant to area of expertise, including reviewing and analyzing vendor proposals and making recommendations for funding.
• Negotiate, write, and manage contract services and budgets. Monitor performance, including site visits to contractors, to ensure compliance with statistical, programmatic and financial reporting requirements. Provide technical assistance and training as needed.
• Staff MHD’s Trauma informed leadership team to transform MHD into a trauma informed public health agency. Coordinate staff training as needed.
• Identify and secure grants and other funding for department use and take a lead role in the preparation of grant proposals for specific health initiatives.
• Supervise undergraduate and graduate level interns, as needed.
• Prepare reports and presentations regarding program activities for grantors, management, elected officials, community and other stakeholders.
• Participate in Public Health Emergency Preparedness planning, training, and response as needed and assigned.
  
  

Working Conditions: Hybrid working environment including in-office and community settings

Required Qualifications

Minimum Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Public Health, Nursing, Social Work, Psychology, or equivalent degree in a closely related field

Master’s Degree preferred in public health, nursing, Social Work and Psychology or equivalent degree in a closely related field preferred.

Minimum Experience

Three years direct service experience working on population focused mental wellbeing with community partners.

Selection Process

The selection process will consist of one or more of the following steps: a rating of relevant education and experience (100%). It is important that your application show all the relevant education and experience you possess. This information will be used to determine which candidates will proceed in the selection process. A submitted application is also used to verify the answers to any supplemental questions. Only those candidates who attain a passing score (70%) on each step in the selection process will be placed on the eligible list. The City of Minneapolis Human Resources Department reserves the right to limit the number in any phase of the selection process.

Background Check

The City has determined that a criminal background check and/or qualifications check may be necessary for certain positions with this job title. Applicants may be required to sign an informed consent form allowing the City to obtain their criminal history and/or verify their qualifications in connection with the position sought. Applicants who do not sign the informed consent form will not be further considered for the position.

Union Representation

This position is represented by a collective bargaining agreement between the City of Minneapolis and the Minneapolis Professional Employee Association (MPEA). For more information on the terms and conditions of this agreement please visit: https://www.minneapolismn.gov/government/departments/hr/labor-agreements/professional-employees/

Eligible List Statement

The names of applicants who meet minimum qualification and who pass the screening process shall be placed on the eligible list for employment consideration. This list will be certified to the hiring manager who may use the list to fill a vacancy of the same job title. This eligible list will expire one month after it has been established.

Interview Selection

The hiring authority reserves the right to determine the maximum number of candidates to interview from the established eligible list. If the hiring authority decides to interview other than by exam score order, they may select additional people to interview based on a candidate’s education or experience related to the field, work history, or skills uniquely related to the operational needs of the position.

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in an urban, racially and culturally diverse environment using cultural agility skills.
• Ability to develop partnerships with community and work effectively with broad range of internal city and external community stakeholders.
• Experience in mental well-being program/community initiative leadership and management, including community needs assessment, development and leading significant community-based efforts, budgeting, implementation, monitoring and assisting with evaluation.
• Knowledge of trauma informed organizational change and experience helping organizations become trauma informed.
• Experience in gathering and interpreting/analyzing research and program reports to identify best practices and responding to information requests, especially using web-based information to produce a rapid response.
• Experience in successfully convening internal and external groups to achieve collection action.
• Skilled in project management.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; experienced in public speaking. Ability to present information and ideas accurately, effectively, and concisely.
• Experience developing and managing contracts.
• Good knowledge of computer operations, software, and applications.
  
  

As the largest and most vibrant city in the state, Minneapolis depends on purposeful, dedicated and innovative employees. Minneapolis has a large variety of careers for people of all experiences and backgrounds who come together for a singular purpose—serving the residents, businesses and visitors of Minneapolis.

The City of Minneapolis is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer.