Community Health and Safety Specialist

Inside Higher Ed; Athens (GA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits Eligible

Job summary

A leading educational institution seeks a Community Health and Safety Specialist to provide support for Georgia Cooperative Extension. This full-time position involves coordinating multi-disciplinary projects, securing funding, and implementing community health initiatives. Ideal candidates will possess a Master's degree in Public Health and strong skills in grant writing and project management. The role will require travel within Georgia and engagement with various stakeholders to enhance community health outcomes.

Qualifications

• Candidates must have a master’s degree in an appropriate discipline.
• Experience in community health and safety programming is preferred.
• Valid driver's license and personal vehicle for official duty travel are required.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and support multi-disciplinary grant projects focused on community health.
• Search for funding to support Cooperative Extension programming.
• Implement assessments to guide community health efforts across Georgia.
• Train Extension professionals in community health initiatives.
• Develop needs assessments to guide educational efforts.
• Collaborate with Extension faculty to publish research findings.
• Quantify impact and disseminate results with Marketing and Communications.

Skills

Grant writing

Project management

Collaboration

Team building

Public relations

Communication skills

Education

Master’s degree in Public Health or related field

Ph.D. or terminal degree in relevant discipline

Job description

Community Health and Safety Specialist

Posting Number: F2275P

Department: CAES-OLOD

Posting Type: External

Employment Type: Employee

Benefits Eligibility: Benefits Eligible

Underutilization: None

Advertised Salary: Commensurate with Experience

Anticipated Start Date: 03/01/2025

Job Posting Date: 01/23/2025

Open Until Filled: Yes

Location of Vacancy: Athens Area

Retirement Plan: TRS or ORP

EEO Statement: The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR ([e-mail]).

USG Core Values Statement: The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning, as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.218_personnel_conduct. Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.

Classification Title: Public Service Professional AC

Faculty Rank: Public Service Assistant

Contract Type: Fiscal (12 mo.)

Tenure Status: Non-Tenure Track

Minimum Qualifications: Candidates must have a master’s degree in an appropriate discipline in or closely related to Public Health, Family & Consumer Sciences, Agriculture, Emergency Preparedness, Public Safety, or another applicable field.

Position Summary: The University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) seeks a dynamic and innovative professional to provide statewide support and coordination for Georgia Cooperative Extension in managing collaborative multi‑disciplinary projects and grant applications and teams, specifically in the areas of Community Health and Safety. This is a full‑time Public Service Faculty appointment. The preferred home‑base is in Athens, Georgia, however there is potential to house the position at one of the district Extension offices in either Statesboro, Tifton or Griffin, Georgia. This position will work closely with Extension County Operations, Office of Learning and Organizational Development, other schools and colleges at UGA as well as external agencies and partners.

Responsibilities:

• Provide coordination and support for multi‑disciplinary grant projects with an emphasis on community health and safety and represent the Office of the Associate Dean for Extension and the College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences, and the College of Family and Consumer Sciences on multidisciplinary teams.
• Search for extramural funding to support programming priorities of Cooperative Extension, coordinate with the Extension Behavioral Health Team, and build teams to develop the projects.
• Coordinate special projects to include investigating community health, policy, programs, gathering data and presenting solutions and recommendations.
• Serve as the liaison for the Associate Dean of Extension on state and national emergency preparedness committees and projects. Candidate would also assist with disaster response efforts across program areas, such as Agriculture and Natural Resources, Family and Consumer Sciences, and 4‑H Youth Development.
• Implement a planned needs assessment that will guide educational efforts in community health and safety needs across the state of Georgia.
• Program emphasis will include rural farm stress and mental health related issues.
• Inform, develop and implement training for Extension professionals in coordination with State Program Leaders for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Family and Consumer Sciences, and 4‑H Youth Development.
• Collaborate with Extension faculty to publish research findings and program impacts in appropriate scholarly outlets.
• Work closely with the Extension Evaluation Specialist, Office of Learning and Organizational Development and the CAES Office of Marketing and Communications, to quantify the impact of and disseminate the findings of research projects and educational efforts.
• Serve as an overall resource and support to UGA Extension and be available to take on other duties as assigned.

Additional Requirements: Candidates must qualify for appointment in the Public Service Faculty Ranks as defined in the Guidelines for Appointments and Promotion (https://outreach.uga.edu/resources/promotions/). Excellent interpersonal and public relations skills are required along with good oral and written communication skills. A valid driver’s license and a personal vehicle for official duty travel are required. Frequent evening and weekend duties are required.

Relevant/Preferred Education, Experience, Licensure, And/or Certification: A Ph.D. or other terminal degree in an appropriate discipline.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, Abilities And/or Competencies: Candidates should demonstrate expertise in grant writing, project management, collaborations and team building and conducting research through design, implementation, evaluation and publishing. Candidates should also have an appreciation and understanding of Extension programs, and understand the diverse programming offered by Extension. Candidates should have excellent organizational skills, be able to work independently and be able to manage multiple programs and projects in a fast‑paced environment.

Is this a Position of Trust?: No

Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources?: No

Does this position require a P‑Card? : No

Is having a P‑Card an essential function of this position? : No

Is driving a responsibility of this position?: Yes

Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care?: No

Does This Position Have Security Access (e.g., Public Safety, IT Security, Personnel Records, Patient Records, Or Access To Chemicals And Medications) No

Credit And P‑Card Policy: Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website.

Background Investigation Policy: Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre‑employment drug test for positions with high‑risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website.

Seniority level: Entry level