Community Health Strategist

JOB SUMMARY

The Community Health Strategist mobilizes the community to action to strengthen infrastructure and form strategic partnerships. The Strategist facilitates community engagement and consensus building and brings people together to do the work for the community. This position selects the methodology; designing, coordinating, and implementing content of programs; evaluating all phases of the process; establishing objectives; and managing budgetary requirements. 

The Community Health Strategist also assumes the role of the Statewide Health Improvement Partnership (SHIP) Coordinator and plans, implements, and evaluates community health promotion efforts in Kandiyohi and Renville counties. SHIP focuses on increasing physical activity, improving nutrition and well-being, and reducing the number of people who use tobacco or are exposed to it. The coordinators in Kandiyohi and Renville counties work together to connect and collaborate with partner sites to develop community engagement while providing technical assistance through policy, systems, and environmental change.

Functions are completed independently under the limited supervision of the Community Health Supervisor and through guidance from the Minnesota Department of Health’s (MDH) SHIP staff.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Community Health Strategist Duties and Responsibilities:

·         Lead the development and implementation of Policy, System and Environmental (PSE) strategies to improve health equity, reduce health risks, and promote access to health services across diverse populations.

·         Collect, analyze, and use health data to guide decision-making, support community health assessments, and report outcomes to stakeholders, including the MN State Legislature.

·         Guide evaluation processes for the agency and assure measurements and outcomes are consistent.

·         Collaborate with local public health and multi-sector partners to identify priority populations and health needs, plan strategies, and coordinate efforts to address community health needs.

·         Develop and deliver a variety of materials including, but not limited to, educational materials, reports, presentations, and engagement tools, to inform and mobilize stakeholders.

·         Support, organize and help to lead coalitions, committees, and leadership teams to examine health data, set priorities, and develop plans to improve community health.

·         Provide support to local and regional coalitions and committees, coordinate with public health programs, and serve as a liaison to ensure efficient service delivery and program alignment.

·         Foster a positive and professional work environment by working both independently and as part of a team to continuously improve outcomes.

SHIP Coordinator Duties and Responsibilities:

·         Serve as the primary liaison with MDH for the SHIP program, overseeing grant writing, budget management (up to $200,000 annually), and distributing funds to projects and partner sites.

·         Develop, manage, and report work plan activities, including monthly, quarterly, and annual reports, ensuring compliance with grant deliverables and timelines.

·         Collect, analyze, and evaluate data through community health assessments to guide planning, assess program impact, and report findings to MDH and other stakeholders.

·         Develop assessment tools and conduct evaluations of grant-funded activities to measure effectiveness and support continuous improvement.

·         Lead the development and implementation of PSE strategies to improve access to healthy food, physical activity, tobacco-free living, and overall well-being.

·         Collaborate with schools, worksites, childcares, healthcare facilities, and other community partners to implement PSE changes and promote sustainable health improvements.

·         Organize and support community leaders, champions, and volunteers to build public support for healthy behaviors and environments.

·         Provide technical assistance to over 50 community organizations and groups, providing information and sharing professional knowledge and grant dollars with respect to specific programs and services, and fostering partnerships and collaboration to achieve SHIP goals.

·         Use a health equity lens to assess the needs of target populations and integrate equity into all planning, implementation, and evaluation efforts.

Other Key Responsibilities:

·         Assume leadership roles and complete assigned duties related to public health emergency response; assume assigned NIMS roles and duties during emergencies and drills.   

·         Perform other related work assignments as directed or as it becomes apparent.

JOB RELATONSHIPS

Internal interactions in Renville County with: County departments and staff, County Board of Commissioners, County Administration, Kandiyohi-Renville Community Health Board 

External interactions with: Public, Minnesota Department of Health, City Administrations/ Leaders, Health Care Agencies, Schools, Community Groups, Organizations and Business, Local Public Health Departments and SHIP Coordinators

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty and responsibility satisfactorily (see above). The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties and responsibilities.

Education and Experience:

·         Bachelor’s degree in Community Health, Health Education, Public Health, Nutrition, or closely related field.

·         Minimum of two (2) years of related experience.

·         Valid driver’s license.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge in public health concepts including program development, community and health behavior change theories, health literacy, and health assessment methods. Proficiency in epidemiology, social determinants of health, health equity, disease prevention, and behavioral change science. Knowledge of health promotion and education principles, disease prevention, community resources and systems. Data and policy expertise, including performance management, quality improvement, goal setting, and outcome evaluation; and quantitative and qualitative data analysis methods. Knowledge of Federal, State, and local laws and regulations, including HIPAA and privacy practices.

Skill in health communication, media relations, and marketing for diverse audiences; oral and written communication, including public speaking, facilitation, and group communication; and strong writing, proofreading, and interpersonal communication. Experience in planning, implementing, and evaluating health programs, as well as developing and improving processes, procedures, and policies. Competency in defining problems, collecting data, and drawing valid conclusions. Computer skills including use of related software (e.g., Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint). Skill in building partnerships, organizing meetings, and forming coalitions.

Requires strong motivation, initiative, and individual work ethic, coupled with effective time management, organizational, and decision-making skills. Capable of managing multiple complex projects concurrently. Mediating and defusing tense situations involving community members or stakeholders. Proficient in reading and interpreting technical, medical, or legal documents; and presenting information to management, advisory boards, and public groups.

Physical Demands:  

This role occasionally involves exerting up to 25 pounds of force. It typically involves sitting, speaking or hearing, using hands to finger, handle or feel and repetitive motions and occasionally requires standing, walking, stooping, kneeling, crouching or crawling, reaching with hands and arms, pushing or pulling and lifting. Standard vision and vocal communication are necessary for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word, as is hearing at normal levels. Exposure to environmental conditions is infrequent. Work locations might have moderate noise levels (e.g., business office, light traffic). Regular driving is required between two counties, regionally, and statewide. Flexibility in hours, including evenings and occasional weekends, may be required. Reasonable accommodations can be provided for individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Renville County Benefits Information:

https://www.renvillecountymn.gov/employment/benefits/

Selection Process: 

Applications will be accepted until filled.

Salary : $200,000