Public Health Educator I - Preparedness

PUBLIC HEALTH EDUCATOR I

HEALTH DEPARTMENT

General Statement of Duties

The primary purpose of the Caldwell County Health Department is to deliver public health services in Caldwell County.

The Public Health Educator at the Caldwell County Health Department is responsible for assessing individual and community needs for health education as well as planning, implementing, and evaluating effective health education programs, and participating in community health education programs. The primary purpose of this position is Public Health Preparedness Coordinator, which develops the public health disease surveillance infrastructure and ensures that the Caldwell County Health Department is prepared to respond to disease outbreaks and biological threats to our community. This leadership role will enable the Health Department to develop competence and expertise to protect our citizens’ health and well-being.

Public Health is a first responder agency for natural disasters (e.g. hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, winter storms), naturally occurring infectious disease outbreaks (e.g. influenza, SARS), technological hazards (hazardous materials releases, critical infrastructure disruptions), and terrorist incidents. This position, like all other positions within the Department may be required to participate in any emergency response activities as deemed necessary by the Health Director or his/her designee. This position reports directly to the Incident Commander as an additional Public Information Officer (PIO). Availability during emergencies and exercises is required.

Examples of Duties Performed

• Develops and maintains preparedness plans, including the Medical Counter Measures Plan, the Pandemic Flu Plan and the Continuation of Operations Plan (COOP). Along with a staff member from Emergency Management serves as the administrator for a web based program that maintains the county COOP plan.
• Will be point person on all safety education and procedures as well as serve on the safety committees and coordinate safety related trainings determined by the committees.
• Will work closely with the Health education/promotion team.
• Chair of Caldwell County Health Department’s Epi team. Serves as Chair of the Respiratory Protection subcommittee.
• Develops Risk Communication Plan which includes community education and coordination with the media and other PIO’s to ensure timely and accurate information is released to the community
• Assures staff education and competency assessment and training in preparedness areas.
• Serves as community liaison related to disaster, bioterrorism and disease threats. Upon request of the Health Director serves as liaison with regional, state and national partners.
• During a disaster, bioterrorism or disease threat this position serves as a member of the health department management team for dissemination of information and planning purposes.
• Responsible for the assessment and development of resources (through MOUs, contracts, partnerships and other funding/grant sources) needed to ensure adequate response to disaster and bioterrorism events and disease outbreaks
• Identifies regional and state resources and develops/plans to utilize these resources when local resources are exhausted
• Develops budgets, works with health department accounting staff in ordering, maintains assess inventory and assist in the completion of require reporting requirements for money received for any preparedness event.
• Serve as back-up Public Information Officer (PIO) when directed
• Become a certified in child passenger safety, along with Safe Kids
• Assist Health Education team with the community health assessment for long range planning and submit to DHHS, Board of Health, county commissioners, etc.
• Seeks out funding sources and submits grant requests
• Advises and assists other public health personnel in planning and carrying out the educational components of agency programs.
• Prepares, selects, assembles, and distributes health educational and informational materials to local agencies, organizations, and other individuals and groups interested in health programs and problems.
• Visits schools, community organizations, professional groups, and local health departments to advise on methods of developing interest and participation in public health programs.
• Assists in planning, developing, and conducting workshops, conferences, and training opportunities for professional and lay groups.
• Performs related work as required

Recruitment Standards

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

General knowledge of display techniques and skill in the arrangement of exhibits. The ability to work effectively with people on all educational levels and to maintain effective working relationships with local health departments, community agencies, and the public. Considerable knowledge of community assessment, health education program planning and evaluation procedures. Good communication and public speaking skills, ability to motivate others, good physical health and a valid NC state driver’s license.

Minimum Education and Experience

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.