Public Health Education Specialist

The primary purpose of this position is to promote, maintain and improve public health by implementing evidence based strategies into programs in the community, schools and other healthcare settings with a strong focus on prevention and reduction of health risk behaviors. Chronic Disease Prevention, Research, and Grant Writing:
The Health Education Specialist II will plan, organize, and implement activities to promote the Craven County Health Department’s public health education programs.  The Health Education Specialist will collaborate with other division managers to identify/support ongoing educational needs, along with supporting external and internal health events and initiatives.  The Health Education Specialist will identify possible grants and/or other possible sources of program funding, resource development, and present suggestions/recommendations to the Health Director to support efforts for program sustainability.  The Health Education Specialist will continually evaluate all evidence-based programs and curriculum utilized by the Health Education Division, assuring that programs are delivered with fidelity and that all necessary outcomes are met.  The Health Education Specialist will document detailed program plans, curricula, activities, and statistics for data collection and assessment purposes and assess the ongoing modification needs for additional data collection that would support program activities and sustainability efforts.  The Health Education Specialist will evaluate program effectiveness through measurable outcomes and data collection analysis.  

Coordination of Adult Primary Care Health Education:

• Collaborate with Adult Primary Care Coordinator to define health education needs designed to promote and stimulate client awareness of and interest in adult health and chronic disease issues.  
• Coordinates with Adult Primary Care Coordinator to develop, conduct, and evaluate adult health education activities to promote and stimulate community awareness of chronic diseases (i.e., cancer, heart disease, stroke, diabetes).  
• Research and review current data concerning Adult Health issues, relevant studies, and statistics to maximize the Adult Primary Care program to provide needed services to the community.  Interventions are to focus on populations at greatest risk, including racial/ethnic populations and those living in under-resourced and low-income communities.  

Coordination of Training for Staff and Community Partners:

•  Advises and assists other health personnel and coordinators in assessing, planning, coordinating, implementing, and evaluating educational needs. 
• Assesses community organizations, churches, schools, professional groups, corporations, and local agencies to identify and recommend methods of developing interest, awareness, and participation in public health programs. 
• Develops, selects, assembles, and distributes health education information to local agencies, organizations, corporations, individuals, and groups interested in health programs to promote awareness and interest in public health issues and their involvement. 
• Plans, develops, implements, and evaluates community health education programs according to interest, need, and education level. 
• Continue to design and implement a worksite wellness program based on CDC guidelines, to reduce the health risks and improve the quality of life for Craven County employees.

Serves as a Community Resource:

• Utilizes local media through the preparation of requested news releases and feature stories, and other sponsored meetings and activities. 
• Participates in local boards and community committees, community councils, relevant advisory councils, and task forces as required.  
• Prepares exhibits and displays for the health department at community events, malls, and targeted high-risk populations.

Coordination of Maternal Health Prenatal Education: 

• Conduct one-on-one counseling to maternal health patients on smoking cessation, which includes assessing current level, advising, and educating on the benefits of quitting, and assisting with strategies to quit smoking.  
• Consults with Maternal Health Clinic Coordinator to develop a plan of action to reduce infant mortality rates related to smoking during pregnancy.  
• Researches, interprets, selects, develops, distributes, and evaluates health education printed materials, brochures, and information to schools, churches, worksites, laundromats, community grocery stores, community grocery stores, community hairdressers, and community health agencies and organizations in recognition of specific education levels and needs.  
• Provides consultation, technical assistance, and training to other staff designated to conduct patient education sessions on preterm labor prevention for high-risk maternity patients. 
• Plans, organizes, and conducts outreach and community health programs at schools, churches, and community groups to encourage early prenatal care and appropriate parenting skills. 
• Provides consultation to the Family Planning Clinic Coordinator to develop a plan of action to reduce repeat pregnancy rates.  

Coordination of Child Health Education:

• Collaborates with Child Health Clinic Coordinator to define health education needs designed to promote and stimulate client awareness of and interest in child health issues.  
• Coordinated with Child Health Clinic Coordinator to develop, conduct, and evaluate child health education activities to promote and stimulate community awareness of child health issues.  
• Researches and reviews current data concerning Child Health issues, relevant studies, and statistics to maximize the Child Health program's ability to provide needed services in the community.  

 
Additional Duties/Responsibilities: 

• Meetings and other duties added/re-adjusted to meet the needs of the program.  
• Other duties assigned by the Deputy Director and/or Health Director. 
• In the event of a disaster, may be assigned to assist as needed.

A master's degree in public health education or in public health with a with a major in public health education; or graduation from a four-year college or university with a major in health education and two years' experience in public health education or a related field; or graduation from a four-year college or university and three years' experience in public health education or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

Special Requirements
G.S. 153A-94.2(b) Subject to SBI criminal history record check prior to hire.