NICOTINE PREVENTION SPECIALIST

City-of-West-Have; West Haven (CT); On-site; USD 25,000 - 28,000; Part time

Job summary

The City of West Haven is hiring a Nicotine Prevention Specialist to support the regional Underage Nicotine Prevention Program. This part-time role (19 hours/week) focuses on outreach to retailers and youth communities to raise awareness of nicotine risks and connect people with cessation resources.

The grant-funded position runs through June 30, 2027, and continues through October 2027. The schedule is flexible and includes some night and weekend work; a valid driver's license is required.

Qualifications

• Interest or background in public health, health education, or related field.
• Experience with youth or community programs preferred.
• Ability to collaborate with partners and public health orgs.
• Comfort using social media and communication tools.
• Strong listening, problem-solving, and critical thinking.
• Capable of coordinating and facilitating group discussions.
• Experience with data collection tools (Excel, Google Forms, SurveyMonkey).
• Strong community engagement and outreach planning skills.
• Excellent oral, interpersonal, and written communication.
• Ability to analyze information and identify patterns.
• Familiarity with West Haven community is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Disseminate nicotine prevention and health education materials via social channels and events.
• Promote Connecticut cessation resources such as VapeFreeCT and Quit programs.
• Develop and distribute nicotine quit kits and wellness kits.
• Use local data to tailor campaigns and positive community norms.
• Consult with stakeholders on current nicotine trends.
• Conduct environmental scans to inform best practices.
• Participate in regional vaping workgroup meetings with partners.
• Collaborate with local partners to address challenges like retail proximity to schools.

Skills

Public health

Youth engagement

Community outreach

Social media

Data collection

Excel

Google Forms

SurveyMonkey

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Analysis

Problem solving

Group facilitation

West Haven familiarity

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Public Health or related field

Two years of public health experience

Tools

Canva

Word

Excel

Google Forms

SurveyMonkey

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

NICOTINE PREVENTION SPECIALIST

Salary Range: $19.00 To $19.00 Annually

TITLE: NICOTINE PREVENTION SPECIALIST

This is a grant funded position expected to run through October of 2027.

The hours for this position are not to exceed 19 hours per week.

The pay rate for this position is $19 per hour.

DEPARTMENT: HUMAN RESOURCES, HEALTH

GENERAL SUMMARY OF DUTIES This is a part-time, 19-hour-per-week position responsible for supporting the regional Underage Nicotine Prevention Program. The role focuses on outreach and engagement with local retailers and the youth community to increase awareness of nicotine risks, promote cessation resources, and deliver evidence‑based prevention strategies. This position is grant‑funded at a rate of $20 per hour and is funded through June 30, 2027. The schedule is flexible and will include some normal business hours as well as night and weekend work depending on departmental and program needs.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Community Education

• Disseminate nicotine prevention and health education materials, including infographics, fact sheets, brochures, and posters through social media, health fairs, community events, schools, and healthcare settings.
• Promote and raise awareness of Connecticut-based nicotine cessation resources such as VapeFreeCT, Commit to Quit, and My Life My Quit.
• Develop and distribute nicotine quit kits and wellness kits to support individuals seeking to quit nicotine use.
• Utilize town-level data to customize and promote positive community norms campaigns developed through the Underage Nicotine Prevention Program.
• Consult with stakeholders to gather and review current local data related to nicotine and vaping trends.
• Conduct environmental scans to deliver education, compile data, and inform best practices for preventing underage sales.
• Participate in regional vaping workgroup meetings to collaborate with community partners and public health professionals.
• Work with local partners to identify and address community challenges related to nicotine prevention, including:
  • Retail density and proximity to schools
  • Unregulated products
  • Storefront point‑of‑sale practices and advertising
  • Enforcement challenges

Youth Engagement

• Plan and host substance‑free community events for youth, such as game nights and wellness activities, to promote healthy lifestyles and reduce nicotine use.
• Conduct focus groups with parents of students under age 21 to gather qualitative data and better understand community needs related to nicotine prevention.

Participate in other health department activities as needed.

SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS

• Interest or background in public health, health education, community health, or a related field.
• Experience working with youth or community-based programs preferred.
• Ability to collaborate with community partners and public health organizations.
• Comfort using social media platforms and communication tools (e.g., Facebook, Instagram, Canva, Word).
• Strong skills in active listening, problem-solving, and critical thinking.
• Confidence in coordinating and facilitating group discussions.
• Experience with data collection protocols and tools (e.g., Excel, Google Forms, SurveyMonkey).
• Strong community engagement and outreach planning skills.
• Strong oral, interpersonal, and written communication abilities.
• Ability to analyze information, identify patterns, and make well‑informed decisions.
• Familiarity with the West Haven community is a plus

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE

Currently pursuing or holding a Bachelor’s degree in Public Health, Health Sciences, or a closely related field; or at least two years of professional experience in a public health setting, community health program, or similar environment.

Must possess a valid driver’s license.

The City of West Haven is an Affrightive Action/ Equal Opportunity Employer