Public Health Educator Specialist

CLOSES: 5/21/2026

Interview Date: TBD 

Location: Carlton County Public Health and Human Services Building 14 N 11th Street, Cloquet, MN 55720. Interviews will be held in the Ojibway Room located on the first floor.  

Why join Carlton County? The Public Health & Human Services department is committed to providing a welcoming environment. We offer:

• 41 hours personal paid time off and 12 paid holidays
• Flexible scheduling and opportunity for part-time remote work
• Comprehensive insurance including medical, dental, vision
• Advancement/professional development opportunities
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee well-being valued and culture of self-care
• PERA pension plan
• Limited evening and weekend hours may be worked for some positions.
• The Minnesota Rural Public Health Nurse Loan Forgiveness program may be applied for if meet criteria(competitive)
• https://www.health.state.mn.us/facilities/ruralhealth/funding/loans/publichealth.html

Healthcare Benefits:

Family Health Insurance - Monthly Premium of $350.58

Single Health Insurance - Paid in Full by Employer

**HEALTH INSURANCE DEDUCTIBLES COVERED IN FULL WITH A VEBA ACCOUNT FUNDED BY EMPLOYER

BASIC FUNCTIONS: 

• Under limited supervision, perform professional Public Health Specialist duties to ensure proper administration and coordination of public health programs by providing a full range of public health educator skills within the six (6) areas of Public Health Responsibility per MN State Statute 145A, including participation in the local health assessment and planning process and assisting with the development and evaluation of staff core competencies in the area of specialty. Assist the supervisor with assigning and directing the work of other staff working in area of specialty, grant or project and help develop, implement, coordinate and evaluate interventions to meet grant, policy and program objectives. Collect and analyze data to identify community needs prior to planning, implementing, monitoring, overseeing, and evaluating programs designed to encourage healthy lifestyles, policies, systems, and environments. Collaborate closely with health systems, governmental systems, and other agencies to develop interdependent programs. Administer fiscal resources for health education programs with direction from the Public Health Supervisor.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 
Specific Public Health Intervention: Public Health Education

• Exercise independent decision-making to advance program objectives, ensure compliance with grant requirements, and provide accurate reporting across multiple public health programs.
• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with individuals, organizations, and community partners to assess community health needs and guide equitable health education and promotion strategies.
• Lead the development, implementation, and evaluation of Community Health Assessments and Community Health Improvement Plans, including survey development, prioritization processes, action planning, and community mobilization.
• Participate in local, regional, and state public health survey design, data collection, and data analysis processes to inform public health planning and decision-making.
• Mobilize and engage community members, organizations, and stakeholders around public health priorities through outreach, coordination, and facilitation activities.
• Integrate health equity principles into all program areas by identifying and addressing health disparities and social determinants of health to improve population health outcomes.
• Coordinate services and activities with partner agencies to protect community health, ensure efficient service delivery, and avoid duplication of effort.
• Develop and support operational plans, policies, and systems within schools, worksites, healthcare facilities, and other community settings to advance health education and population health goals.
• Create, distribute, and maintain health education materials, resources, and referrals that support public health programming and community needs.
• Apply social marketing principles and manage program-specific communication and marketing efforts, including maintaining accurate and up-to-date website content.
• Evaluate the quality, effectiveness, and performance of health education and public health initiatives in alignment with program or grant requirements.
• Contribute to quality improvement, performance management, workforce development, and policy development efforts within the Public Health Unit.
• Serve as a key resource for health education programs by maintaining program databases, responding to health education inquiries, and supporting the operational functioning of assigned programs.
• Develop, write, and manage grant applications and related activities, including program oversight, required reporting, evaluation, and support for audits conducted by local, state, or federal entities.
• Provide emergency preparedness and response support by working with partners to plan, train, and respond to emergencies; maintaining emergency plans and equipment; serving in on-call roles; and fulfilling assigned duties within the incident command structure, including acting as Public Information Officer when needed.Carry out duties within the six areas of Public Health Responsibility, to include: assure an adequate local public health infrastructure; promote healthy communities and healthy behavior; prevent the spread of communicable diseases; protect against environmental health hazards; prepare and respond to emergencies; and assure health services, per the Local Public Health Act, 145A. Manage program related coordination, communication, education and response within the foundational public health responsibility framework.
• Respond to public or environmental health nuisances or outbreaks as outlined in state statute and local policy.

General Public Health Intervention

• Monitor interpret, and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local public health laws, policies, regulations, and program requirements.
• Lead and support policy development, program operations, and documentation practices, including maintaining accurate and confidential records and training staff on documentation standards.
• Provide program leadership by serving as the primary contact for designated program areas, delegating tasks, managing workflow, and communicating program status and needs to the Public Health Supervisor.
• Represent the agency through participation and leadership in local, regional, and statewide committees, work groups, and collaborative efforts related to assigned program areas.
• Maintain professional and ethical standards by using best practices such as peer review, reflective practice, goal setting and self-evaluation and ensuring HIPAA and data privacy compliance, sustaining ongoing competency, and fulfilling mandated reporter responsibilities, including appropriate intervention in emergencies.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: 
Education: 

• A Bachelor's degree in public health education, community health education or a related field; 

Experience: 

• Three (3) years of experience in Family & Community Unit Public Health Education, or similar experience.

Training Required: 

• National Incident Management System training to include ICS 100, 200, 700, 800 (minimum) and 300, 400 (advanced).

Certificates/Licenses Required: 

• Valid driver’s license and proof of insurance required. 
• Accredited BLS/CPR with AED certification.
• Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) or Master CHES desirable but not required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Knowledge of MN Statute 145A, the Local Public Health Act.
• Knowledge of the principles of Public Health Practice and factors that influence individual and community health.
• Considerable knowledge of health care issues and trends specific to the work specialty to which assigned.
• Knowledge of emergency procedures. 
• Knowledge of Public Health and Human Services functions and responsibilities and ability to refer appropriately. 
• Knowledge of a full range of community resources.
• Knowledge of federal, state and county health-related laws and regulations of the various program areas. Ability to understand and interpret public health laws and regulations and departmental policy.
• Skill in positive psychology and strengths-based facilitation.
• Skill in community organizing and building partnerships in local communities.
• Skill in written and oral communication.
• Ability to convene community groups and facilitate meetings and decision making.
• Ability to prepare accurate records and reports.
• Ability to use software programs as necessary.
• Ability to access and identify current public health information and data.
• Ability to demonstrate flexibility, including providing back-up to others, and willingness to create, implement, and adapt to new ways of doing things.
• Ability to make decisions and exercise independent judgment often in crisis, emergency or dangerous situations.
• Ability to handle contentious issues appropriately.
• Ability to instruct and coordinate staff.

Salary : $69,089 - $82,251