Health and Wellness Specialist

Location:

Hamilton County is one of Indiana’s fastest growing, highest educated and wealthiest counties in the state and the Midwest. Two-thirds of the workforce lives and works in the county - a percent that has remained constant since 2010. Hamilton County is continually recognized in rankings ranging from “Best Cities to Relocate To” and “Best City to Raise a Family” to “Healthiest County in Indiana” and “Happiest Suburbs in the Nation”. Come be a part of all Hamilton County has to offer as we work together to serve the citizens of Hamilton County.

Job Description:

POSITION DESCRIPTION

COUNTY OF HAMILTON, INDIANA

POSITION: Health and Wellness Specialist

DEPARTMENT: Health

WORK SCHEDULE: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., M-F

STATUS: Full-time

FLSA STATUS: Non-exempt

HOURLY RATE: $35.1336 per hour

To perform this position successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function of the position satisfactorily. The requirements listed in this document are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Hamilton County provides reasonable accommodations to qualified employees and applicants with known disabilities who require accommodation to complete the application process or perform essential functions of the job unless the accommodation would present an undue hardship.

Incumbent serves as Health and Wellness Specialist for the Hamilton County Health Department, responsible for providing health and wellness education, coordination, screening, consultation for chronic disease education topics and risk reduction programs.

DUTIES:

Designs, implements, and evaluates programs that promote healthy eating habits and physical activity within Hamilton County, focusing on strategies to reduce the prevalence of chronic diseases, and targeting specific populations, such as children, adults, or vulnerable populations.

Develops comprehensive obesity prevention programs tailored to specific demographics and needs. Uses population health data to target outreach to specific patients/sub-populations that could benefit from nutrition-based interventions.

Creates curriculum materials for nutrition education and physical activity promotion. Conducts workshops, cooking demonstrations and presentations on healthy eating and active lifestyles.

Establishes partnerships, not limited to County and municipal entities, food pantries, community organizations, schools, healthcare providers, and businesses to implement chronic disease reduction programs.

Works with behavioral health organizations to develop and implement interdisciplinary approaches addressing the intersection of mental health conditions and exposure to trauma and food-related behaviors.

Educates individuals on SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, Time-Bound), focused on weight loss, nutrition, and healthy behaviors through balanced diets, portion control, and nutrient-rich food choices.

Coordinates with partners to develop system approaches within communities for developing safe environments, using evidence-based physical activity programs for schools and communities.

Establishes and maintains partnerships with State and local agencies for implementing policy, systems, and environmental change strategies for increased physical activity among Hamilton County residents.

Develops and implements physical activity programs for different age groups encouraging active wellness and reducing sedentary behaviors.

Collaborates with policymakers to implement policies that support healthy eating and physical activity. Advocates for changes in food and meal programs, food labeling, and community infrastructure to raise awareness about obesity prevention.

Tracks program progress through data collection and analysis, including evaluating the effectiveness of intervention strategies, including making adjustments as needed.

Assists County safety group, implementing safety procedures in the workplace.

Follows and adheres to Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) guidelines for protected health information (PHI).

Attends conferences, seminars, and meetings to receive information and/or discuss health issues as required.

Performs related duties as assigned.

I. JOB REQUIREMENTS:

Baccalaureate Degree in health education or nutrition, dietary health and wellness, or other closely related field preferred.

Possession of and/or ability to obtain and maintain applicable nutritional and dietary health or health education certifications within time specified by department.

Practical knowledge of and ability to provide health and wellness education, healthy eating and physical activities in County.

Practical knowledge of and ability to educate individuals and groups on SMART goals, focused on weight loss, nutrition, and healthy behaviors.

Working knowledge of standard office policies and procedures with computer skills, including word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, email, internet, and Department-specific software systems, and ability to apply such knowledge to a variety of interrelated processes, tasks, and operations.

Working knowledge of standard filing systems and ability to create and maintain accurate and organized files and records.

Working knowledge of standard English grammar, spelling and punctuation, and ability to prepare correspondence and reports as required.

Ability to develop and present comprehensive obesity prevention programs.

Ability to design, implement, present and evaluate effective health and wellness programs and curriculum materials for target specific populations such as children, adults, and vulnerable populations.

Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing with co-workers, other County personnel, community health care providers, behavior health organizations, municipal entities, food pantry’s, community organizations, schools, businesses, and the public, including being sensitive to professional ethics, gender, cultural diversities and disabilities.

Shall comply with all employer and Department personnel policies and work rules, including, but not limited to, attendance, safety, drug-free workplace, and personal conduct.

Ability to provide public access to or maintain confidentiality of Department information/records according to State requirements and HIPAA.

Ability to understand, memorize, retain, and carry out written and oral instructions, present findings in oral or written form, and appropriately respond to constructive criticism.

Ability to properly use standard office equipment, including computer, printer, telephone, copier, fax machine and scanner.

Ability to work alone and with others in a team environment, work on several tasks at the same time, complete assignments effectively amidst frequent distractions and interruptions, and maintain appropriate, respectful interrelationships with co-workers.

Ability to occasionally work extended, weekend and/or evening hours, and occasionally travel out of town for home visits and conferences.

Possession of a valid driver’s license and demonstrated safe driving record.

As a result of the duties associated with this job, there is the potential of becoming exposed to bloodborne pathogens and other potentially infectious diseases. To safeguard employees and eliminate the liability placed on Hamilton County, employees working in this position shall begin the three shot Hepatitis B vaccination and subsequent training within 10 days of their initial job assignment per OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1030(f)(2)(i). The initial and two subsequent vaccinations shall be administered by the Hamilton County Health Department and free of charge to the employee. If the employee has previously received the three shot Hepatitis B vaccination, official documentation must be provided to the supervisor identifying the dates in which each shot was appropriately administered. A Temporary Medical Declination may be made for a period of up to six months.

A Declination form must be completed, outlining the medical reasons for the temporary declination and forwarded to the Safety & Risk Manager. Employees temporarily declining the vaccine are prohibited from performing any duties in which they may be exposed to a blood borne pathogen or other potentially infectious disease until they are able to begin/continue the series of vaccinations. Failure to comply will result in termination of employment.

II. DIFFICULTY OF WORK:

Incumbent's duties are broad in scope, involving many variables or considerations. Incumbent performs according to state guidelines and department policies and procedures, exercising independent judgment in adapting to varying work environments, and determining/creating appropriate materials for various groups.

III. RESPONSIBILITY:

Incumbent performs a wide variety of administrative duties, exercising judgment to effectively develop and maintain Department accreditation, and prepare and administer quality improvement initiatives. Incumbent applies standardized practices to specific audiences, referring to supervisor unusual and/or unprecedented situations as needed. Incumbent receives indirect or occasional supervision, with work periodically reviewed for technical accuracy and effect on department goals and objectives. General objectives and desired results are known. Work is reviewed for soundness of judgment, continuing quality of assigned operations, and compliance with all Department policies and legal requirements.

IV. PERSONAL WORK RELATIONSHIPS:

Incumbent maintains frequent contact with co-workers, other County personnel, community health care providers, behavior health organizations, municipal entities, food pantry’s, community organizations, schools, businesses, and the public for purposes of exchanging information, and providing health education.

Incumbent reports directly to Health Educator and Outreach Coordinator.

V. PHYSICAL EFFORT AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Incumbent performs duties in office environment, clinic, at residential homes, and in classroom settings at various community locations, such as schools, work sites, hospitals, and community centers, involving standing/walking/sitting for long periods, sitting/walking at will, keyboarding, driving, hearing sounds/communication, speaking clearly, and carrying/lifting objects weighing less than 50 pounds. Incumbent may be exposed to noise, odors, and potentially hostile/violent persons. Incumbent is exposed to normal hazards associated with driving, and with public health, such as communicable diseases and bloodborne pathogens, for which universal health precautions must be followed to ensure safety of self and others.

Incumbent is occasionally work extended, weekend and/or evening hours, and occasionally travel out of town for home visits and conferences.

APPLICANT/EMPLOYEE ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The job description for the position of Health and Wellness Specialist for the Hamilton County Health Department describes the duties and responsibilities for employment in this position. I acknowledge that I have received this job description and understand that it is not a contract of employment. I am responsible for reading this job description and complying with all job duties, requirements and responsibilities contained herein, and any subsequent revisions.

Hamilton County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We participate in E-Verify.