Community Outreach Specialist

Salary : $45,228.00 Annually

Location : Nashville, NC

Job Type : Full Time

Job Number : 2024-00122

Department : Health Department

Division : Health Departments

Opening Date : 12 / 23 / 2024

Closing Date : 1 / 16 / 2025 11 : 59 PM Eastern

General Statement of Duties

A. Primary Purpose of Position :

1. To plan, implement, and evaluate the health education component of the department's community health outreach work.

2. Assist in targeted health education programs to prevent the spread of communicable diseases and prevent or mitigate chronic diseases.

3. Assist in all Community Health Assessment and Improvement process phases.

4. To plan and coordinate identified priority health needs and environmental / system / policy changes associated with the Healthy Communities Agreement Addendum.

5. Coordinate health promotion and education activities and participate in community fairs and events to support the department and other agencies.

6. Assist with other health education activities as requested.

B. Work Schedule :

8 : 00 a.m. - 5 : 00 p.m. Monday - Friday. Evening and weekend hours are often necessary to accommodate community needs as programs are planned.

Essential Duties and Tasks

A. DESCRIPTION OF RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES :

30% Coordinates the planning, implementation, and evaluation of the department's community health outreach work.

a. Plans and coordinates events with other agencies and community partners to share important community health information.

b. Plans and organizes evaluation efforts of community health events.

c. Assesses, plans, implements, and evaluates family planning initiatives in the community.

d. Provides consultation to schools, the Boys & Girls Club, and other agencies / organizations regarding the assessment, implementation, and / or evaluation of family planning initiatives.

e. Coordinates with community groups made up of agencies and volunteer organizations. Guides them in planning sound educational campaigns and media events.

f. Assists in preparing grant applications as needed.

25% Coordinates community health education components.

a. Evaluates the need for education programs to promote improved health outcomes.

b. Plans programs / classes based on client / resident needs and cultural values.

c. Assesses and creates health education resources, including written materials and audiovisuals, as needed, reviewing samples for readability.

d. Regularly reviews education materials to ensure they are up to date and relevant.

e. Develops educational campaigns and / or community events, pulling together health care groups (hospitals, physicians, etc.), industries, volunteer health organizations, the media and others to encourage preconception health, healthy pregnancy habits and safety at home.

f. Develops, implements, and evaluates annual clinic programs for the health department.

25% Assists with targeted education and outreach programs to prevent the spread of communicable diseases and prevent or mitigate chronic diseases.

a. Analyzes community education needs using statistics and surveys or focused discussions among patients, resident business leaders and public health staff.

b. Plans, organizes and professionally provides educational programs for community groups, school personnel, day care staff, parents, civic or employee groups.

c. Targets education based on specific needs, culture, values and concerns of the group who needs the information.

d. Researches curriculums or projects and evaluates their appropriateness for use in a given situation and coordinates ordering of materials with the Lead Health Educator.

e. Coordinates volunteer efforts to educate specific communities about communicable diseases.

14% Coordinates environmental / policy / system change initiatives in areas identified as priority health needs.

a. Represents the county and department on identified priority health needs committees.

b. Leads county efforts in environment / policy / system change initiatives related to identified priority health needs.

c. Serves as a subject matter expert for agency on healthy eating and physical activity.

5% Coordinates patient and community efforts to improve the health outcomes for children.

a. Serve as a member on the local School Health Advisory Council.

b. Become certified in Child Passenger Safety, if not already, and assist with child passenger safety programming.

1% Other Responsibilities

a. Assists in other programs as needed.

b. Attends staff training and other continuing education programs.

c. Helps maintain a safe working environment.

d. Participates in disaster services as required.

e. Other duties as assigned.

II. B. OTHER POSITION CHARACTERISTICS :

1. Accuracy Required in Work : This staff member must have considerable knowledge regarding health issues, cultural diversity, and the community. This person will be training individuals and lay persons who will be encouraged to share acquired knowledge with friends, neighbors, relatives, and clients, making accuracy essential for this position.

2. Consequence of Error : Inaccurate or inappropriate information or poor presentation would damage agency credibility and could cause groups of clients to adopt unsafe, possibly dangerous practices.

3. Instructions Provided to Employee : Work is performed per department policies and under the supervision of the Deputy Health Director and Lead Health Educator. Guidance is provided during monthly Health Education meetings. This employee prioritizes work and is held responsible for the quality of their work. This person serves on other agency Quality Assurance committees along with the Nursing Supervisor, other nurses, and management support for these programs. These teams determine policy and procedure, and members may serve as resources for this employee.

4. Guides, Regulations, Policies and References Used by Employee :

a. State Standards and Guidelines for Health Education and program directives from

NCDPH.

b. Local health department policies and procedures, including health education

policies - approved by the Human Services Board.

c. Local administrative memoranda, county-wide policies, and the Nash County

personnel manual.

d. Nash County Health Department Health Education work plan.

e. The Health Director, Deputy Health Director, Nursing Supervisor, Lead Health Educator, and other lead staff may act as resources.

5. Supervision Received by Employee : Health Education program planning is directly supervised by the Deputy Health Director. Work plans, monthly Health Education and Personal Care meetings, daily interaction, and occasional observation by the Health Educator II offer opportunities for discussion and guidance. Health Department Quality Assurance teams (on which this person serves) evaluate total program efforts and develop policies and procedures to improve services. Written performance appraisals are done per agency policy.

6. Variety and Purpose of Personal Contacts : This employee develops and provides health education programs for clients / residents of all social, racial, and economic groups, schools, churches, and health care providers. He / she works with other disciplines within the agency, program planners from other organizations (hospitals, schools, cooperative extension service, civic groups, and community organizations), physicians, businessmen, media contacts, and NCDPH consultants to plan programs that meet the needs of targeted communities. This employee must project a positive image for the department, showing tact with sensitive issues while assertively addressing agency goals.

7. Physical Effort : This employee must be able to drive a car, transport and manage audiovisual equipment, and install car seats.

8. Work Environment and Conditions : This employee's office is located in the health department; however, hospitals, churches, schools, businesses, community buildings, and even homes in higher-crime areas of the county may be sites for planning, interviewing volunteers, and providing educational programs.

9. Machines, Tools, Instruments, Equipment and Materials Used :

Audiovisual equipment

Telephone

Copier

Computer - Microsoft Office

Fax machine

Cameras

Laminating machine

10. Visual Attention, Mental Concentration, and Manipulative Skills : Visual attention is critical to the layout, design, and assessment of the readability of educational materials. Visual attention is also necessary in evaluating client and group reactions to programs and meeting space needs. Mental concentration is essential when developing marketing campaigns and programs, analyzing needs assessments, statistics, and evaluations, or doing research. Manipulative skills are required in operating audio-visual equipment, designing educational materials, or using the computer.

11. Safety for Others : There are no particular safety hazards as a result of educational programs, but incorrectly presented information could be harmful, even dangerous for clients or others adopting the incorrectly suggested habits. Immunized per agency policy.

12. Dynamics of Work : This employee's work routine varies daily depending upon which stage of planning any number of projects he / she is involved in and upon the number and kinds of requests for programs received.

Knowledges, Skills and Abilities

This position requires a thorough knowledge of the principles of health education, including knowledge of community organization and development, health behavior change, and program evaluation. To represent the agency professionally, this person must work effectively with people on all educational levels and manage all project aspects, including planning, provision, and evaluation. Required skills include needs assessment, community involvement, and organization, program planning, program organization, decision-making, professional writing, professional presentation to clients or community decision-makers, and program evaluation.

Desirable Education and Experience

Required Minimum Training :

Graduation from a four-year college or university with a Major in public health education and one year experience in public health education or related field, or graduation from a four-year college or university with two years' experience in public health education or a related field.

License or Certification Required by Statute / Regulation / Agency :

Valid North Carolina Driver's License with good driving record. Proof of rubella vaccine or immunity. Must have reliable personal vehicle for use at work. (Will be reimbursed mileage at the county rate)

INSURANCE PROGRAMS

Group Health Insurance

Nash County provides full time and part-time benefit eligible employees working 30 plus hours per week with Health Insurance coverage with the North Carolina State Health Plan

Included in each selection is :

• Preventative Care Coverage
• Prescription Coverage
• Chiropractic Coverage

Health Insurance may become effective for employees the first day of the month following employment.

Group Dental Insurance

Nash County provides full-time and part-time regular employees working 30 plus hours per week. Dental Insurance becomes effective for employees the first day of the month following the 30th day of employment.

Group Life Insurance

Nash County provides term Life Insurance for full-time and part-time regular employees working 30 or more hours per week.

Life insurance is paid for you by Nash County and pays your beneficiary one time your annual salary not to exceed $200,000 in the event of your death. Accidental death and dismemberment coverage is also provided.

Life Insurance becomes effective the first day of the month following 30 days of employment. Voluntary supplemental term life insurance coverage for you, your spouse or your dependent children is also available - please see the Human Resources Department for more details.

Short Term Disability Insurance

Nash County provides active full-time regular employees working 30 plus hours per week the option to purchase Short Term Disability Insurance.

Short Term Disability Insurance may cover up to 70% of an employee's monthly salary with a maximum of $2,000 per month, in the event of an injury or illness, for up to 13 weeks.

FINANCIAL PROGRAMS

Retirement

Membership in the North Carolina Local Government Employees Retirement System is a requirement for all regular full-time and regular part-time employees. Employees contribute 6% of their annual compensation before it is taxed. If you leave County service before retirement, you may withdraw your retirement contributions or elect to freeze your contributions in anticipation of future local government employment. If you have 5 years of service, you are 100% vested in the NCLGERS.

NC401(k)

The NC401(k) supplemental retirement program is available to regular full-time and regular part-time employees. The County establishes this 401(k) account for each eligible employee and makes a 5% contribution based on monthly earnings. Employees may elect to make voluntary contributions through payroll deduction.

457 Deferred Compensation

The 457 Deferred Compensation program is available to regular full-time and regular part-time employees through payroll deduction. Deferred compensation is a voluntary investment plan to supplement retirement income and to defer taxable income.

Special Separation Allowance

The Separation Allowance is available to law enforcement officers between the ages of 55 and 62 years that are eligible and retire under the provisions of the NC Local Government Employees Retirement System.

125 Flexible Benefit Plan

Flexible Spending Account options are available to regular full-time and regular part-time employees who wish to use pre-tax dollars for eligible medical, pharmacy, dental, vision, and daycare expenses. The Flex Convenience Card program gives you instant access to your account funds.

Direct Deposit

Direct Deposit is a condition of employment for all employees. Deposit of your paycheck will be made to checking or savings accounts in a bank of your choice.

Credit Union

Local Government Federal Credit Union membership is available to all employees. Once you join, you can remain a member for as long as you choose. Immediate family members such as spouse, children, stepchildren, brothers, sisters, and parents can all become members.

Employees of both the Departments of Social Services and Public Health are eligible to join the State Employees Credit Union.

LEAVE PROGRAMS

Vacation Leave

For regular full-time County employees, vacation leave accrues based on length of service. Regular part-time employees accrue prorated vacation leave based on a percentage of the full-time benefit.

Sick Leave

For regular full-time County employees, sick leave accrues at 8.0 hours per month. Regular part-time employees accrue prorated sick leave based on a percentage of the full-time benefit. Your unused sick leave balance can be applied as creditable service toward a service retirement under the guidelines of the NCLGERS.

Holidays

The policy of the County is to follow the holiday schedule as published by the State of North Carolina each year.

The following holidays are observed :

Military Leave

Annual Training - Reserves and National Guard -Ten paid workdays per fiscal year.

Active Duty - Reserves and National Guard - Ten paid workdays upon activation.

Civil Leave

Paid leave is provided to full-time or regular part-time County employees called for jury duty or as a witness of the court for the federal or state government, or a subdivision thereof.

Family Medical Leave Act

Federal law provides job protection and continuation of existing paid health insurance during 12 weeks of leave, paid or unpaid, to an eligible employee for qualifying events. These events can include birth or adoption, and serious illness of an immediate family member, or of the employee.

OTHER PROGRAMS

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

The Employee Assistance Program is open to all employees and their dependents. It is a confidential service provided at no cost to the employees of the County. EAP provides certified counselors who administer assessment and brief therapy to employees who want help with a variety of personal and work-related issues such as stress, parenting concerns, grief, alcohol / drug use, family problems, financial concerns, and work-related problems.

Wellness Center and Telemedicine

We believe that staying healthy is inclusive of exercising regularly and taking care of your physical body. Nash County has a Wellness Center, which consists of various exercise equipment and videos, open to all full and part-time employees.

All full-time employees also have access to telemedicine through Teladoc. Teladoc treats conditions like allergies, sore throats, asthma, and more. Doctors are available by phone or video 24 / 7 from wherever you are. They are available to diagnose symptoms and send a prescription if needed.

NOTICE OF PRIVACY PRACTICES

The benefits offered by Nash County are subject to change. In the event there is a conflict between the above contents and Nash County policies and / or a State or Federal statute, the policy / statute shall control. Plan documents will govern benefits plans should there be a conflict with this information. They are not held out to any employee as part of any contractual agreement. Benefits, policies, and procedures are subject to change or termination at any time.

Information provided on this site is for informational purposes only. Actual provisions of each plan will be provided on the certificate of coverage as part of the Summary Plan description.

Nash County is an Equal Opportunity Employer / Provider

In accordance with Federal civil rights law and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family / parental status, income derived from public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs).

Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible Agency or USDA's Target Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.

Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English. To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at filing cust.html and any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form.

To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by :

1. mail : U.S. Department of Agriculture

Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights

1400 Independence Avenue, SW

2. fax : (202) 690-7442; or

3. email : program.intake@usda.gov

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

Salary : $45,228 - $200,000