Public Health Specialist I - Suicide Prevention

La Plata County; Durango (CO); On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

La Plata County is seeking a Public Health Specialist I to implement health education and outreach activities, collect and protect program data, and support prevention programs across diverse settings. You will work with the public and community partners to promote wellness and monitor program outcomes.

Responsibilities include preparing materials, assisting in evaluations, and representing the department at community events while maintaining confidentiality and HIPAA compliance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a physical, biological, sanitary, or environmental science with one year of related experience.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience may qualify.
• Valid Driver's License preferred.
• HIPAA confidentiality requirements related to protected information.

Responsibilities

• Delivers health education and outreach activities to the public and partners.
• Collects and maintains program data for monitoring and reporting.
• Supports behavioral health promotion and suicide prevention programs.
• Coordinates health education activities and distribution of approved materials.
• Represents the department at meetings and community events.

Skills

Coordinating assignments

Clear communication

Data collection methods

HIPAA awareness

Public health principles

Education

Bachelor’s degree in physical, biological, sanitary, or environmental science

Job description

The Public Health Specialist I is responsible for implementing public health promotion and disease prevention (or wellness) programs and activities that support community and population health. Operating within established program plans, guidance, and materials, this position works directly with the public and community partners to deliver health education and outreach activities, collect and maintain program data, and support public health initiatives across a variety of settings.

Duties may include implementation of public health promotion and disease prevention evidence-based programs within the assigned unit or program; implementation of activities using established programmatic plans and guidance; preparing and distributing approved educational and outreach materials; supporting community outreach events and presentations; conducting routine data collection and entry to support program monitoring and reporting; performing basic data analysis.

Essential functions may include any of the following tasks, knowledge, skills and other characteristics. The list that follows is not intended as a comprehensive list; it is intended to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed, and may be required to perform additional, position-specific tasks. Reasonable accommodations, as defined under the American with Disabilities Act, will be made when possible.

Participates in meetings of the assigned unit/program including (if applicable): one-on-ones with supervisor, staff huddles, unit/program/division/funder meetings, department All Staff meetings, and other meetings and trainings as required or applicable.

May serve as a subject matter expert for assigned unit/program; participates in ongoing development of subject matter expertise for assigned unit/program.

Represents the department; serves on committees; and presents on public health concerns, services, and programs at public meetings, community forums, and/or other related events.

Supports funding applications and ensures compliance with program guidelines, objectives, and contract deliverables and requirements by collecting documentation and supporting required reporting.

Coordinates health education activities including the preparation and distribution of approved materials, assistance with outreach and presentations, response to routine inquiries, and maintenance of program records.

Maintains awareness of relevant services in the region andprovides resources, referrals andnavigationto other public health programs and services, and to outside agencies as appropriate.

Establishes and maintains effective relationships with La Plata County Public Health (LPCPHD) and other county department’s staff, representatives of other agencies and organizations, partners/stakeholders and members of the community.

Completes administrative tasks related to program needs (i.e. inventory, supply management, financial coding, record maintenance, meeting notes), including expense tracking, database use and maintaining sensitive and confidential client information according to the HIPAA policy and program confidentiality requirements.

Assists in developing and implementing behavioral health promotion and suicide prevention programs under the guidance of the Behavioral Health Supervisor or the division manager, ensuring programs consider community needs and barriers to accessing services.

Supports multi-sector partnerships and networks and provides technical assistance to members and partners for program evaluation and strategic planning.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Regular and predictable attendance is required.

MATERIAL AND EQUIPMENT USED:

General Office Equipment

Non-Discrimination and EEO Statement

La Plata County prohibits discrimination against or harassment of any person employed or seeking employment with La Plata County on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, national origin, disability, veteran status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status or genetic information.

La Plata County is an equal opportunity employer and assures equal employment opportunities for protected classes, persons with disabilities and for covered veterans. Covered veterans include: special disabled veterans, recently separated veterans, Vietnam era veterans, or any other veterans who served on active duty during a war or in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge was authorized.

Inquiries regarding La Plata County's equal employment opportunity policies may be directed to:

Director of Human Resources

1101 E 2nd Avenue

Durango, CO 81301

Tel: [phone]

Fax: [phone]

Email: [e-mail]

Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge, skills and abilities for this position would be:

Education and Experience:

Bachelor’s degree in a physical, biological, sanitary, or environmental science and one year of related experience.

OR

An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above, unless otherwise subject to any other requirements set forth in law or regulation.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Valid Driver's License preferred

Knowledge of:

• Basic public health principles, health education practices, and community outreach methods relevant to the assigned program area.
• Techniques and methods for organizing, prioritizing, and monitoring work activities to meet program goals and deadlines.
• Basic project coordination principles used to support program implementation, outreach activities, and reporting requirements.
• Quality assurance and documentation standards used to maintain program records and support reporting and evaluation activities.
• Survey research and qualitative and quantitative data collection methods used in public health program activities.
• Applicable public health laws, regulations, policies, and program guidelines relevant to the assigned program area.
• Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and other confidentiality requirements related to the protection of sensitive and protected information.
• Basic principles of suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention.
• Behavioral health promotion and primary prevention approaches.
• Partnership and community engagement strategies.
• Local mental health, treatment, recovery, and social service resources.

Skill in:

• Coordinating multiple assignments and deadlines while prioritizing work activities and maintaining accuracy and organization.
• Communicating clearly and effectively in both oral and written formats when responding to routine inquiries, preparing materials, and assisting with outreach and presentations.
• Applying applicable program guidelines, laws, policies, and standards within established procedures and supervisory direction.
• Maintaining organized program records, documentation, and databases with attention to detail and accuracy.
• Using tact, discretion, initiative, and sound judgment within established policies and guidelines.
• Supporting outreach, health education, and community engagement activities through preparation and distribution of approved materials and coordination of logistics.
• Assisting in implementing suicide prevention programs and trainings.
• Supporting coordination of suicide responses and community plans.
• Public health program evaluation.
• Documenting program activities and monitoring outcomes.

Ability to:

• Manage multiple assignments and changing priorities while maintaining accuracy, organization, and attention to detail.
• Work independently within established guidance and collaboratively as part of multidisciplinary teams.
• Research and analyze program information, policies, and procedures to support reporting, program improvement, and documentation needs.
• Communicate effectively and interact respectfully with individuals from diverse economic, cultural, racial, ethnic, and social backgrounds.
• Provide appropriate, non-judgmental assistance and referrals to individuals seeking public health services and community resources.
• Establish and maintain positive, professional relationships with coworkers, partners, community organizations, and members of the public.
• Maintain accurate and complete records and serve as a responsible steward of data, including sensitive and confidential information.
• Support suicide prevention programs in a trauma-informed and participant-centered manner.
• Work collaboratively under supervision to complete program objectives.
• Follow established protocols for program implementation, reporting, and documentation.