SENIOR HEALTH EDUCATION SPECIALIST

Linn County; Cedar Rapids (IA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 76,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

IPERS retirement

Wellness program

Paid holidays

On-site fitness centers

Job summary

Linn County Public Health seeks a qualified professional to lead the development and implementation of the Community Health Assessment (CHA) and Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP). This role uses data-driven strategies to guide policy and environmental changes, ensuring inclusive engagement across diverse populations.

Responsibilities include monitoring progress, facilitating cross-sector collaboration, and communicating health information to the public.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree required or in related field.
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience in public health.
• CHES credential must be obtained within one year of hire.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of CHA/CHIP.
• Monitor, track, and report progress of community health projects.
• Represent Linn County Public Health at coalitions and policy discussions.
• Plan and facilitate meetings, workshops, and cross-sector events.
• Communicate public health information via multiple formats, including social media.

Skills

Public health

Data analysis

Policy development

Community engagement

Grant writing

Education

Master's degree in Public Health/related field

Job description

Description

Description Linn County is committed to creating a Customer-Center Culture placing our internal & external customers at the center of everything we do! Why do we do this? We get that question a lot. The answer is simple: We want our customers to have a positive experience. Our co-workers are customers too. Exceptional internal customer satisfaction leads to exceptional customer satisfaction for the public!

Why work at Linn County?

• Competitive wages with annual pay increases & annual cost of living increase (depending on budget)
• Medical, dental, vision, short & long term disability, and supplemental life insurance
• Iowa Public Employee's Retirement Pension Plan (IPERS)
• Wellness program offering credit on insurance premiums to eligible employees
• Free on-site fitness centers
• 100% County paid basic life insurance
• 12 paid holidays per year
• Training & professional development opportunities

Hourly Wage: $34.56

About The Role

Leads the development and implementation of Linn County’s Community Health Assessment (CHA) and Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP). The position uses data-driven strategies and evidence-based practices to recommend and guide policy, systems, and environmental changes, while ensuring inclusive community engagement and effective communication across diverse populations and sectors.

Essential Functions

• Applies evidence-based research and data-driven decision making to plan, development, and implement the CHA and CHIP based on relevant measurable, practical outcomes for disease prevent and improved health outcomes.
• Evaluates activities and outreach for community health in order to determine the efficiency and effectiveness of the services; initiates quality improvement processes when necessary.
• Monitors, tracks, and reports on progress for community projects, including health initiatives supporting defined populations and systems designed to improve community health outcomes.
• Participates in project improvement teams focusing on community integration, health strategies, and care coordination.
• Plans, designs, and facilities meetings, workshops, and team-building events that support project goals.
• Acts as an impartial guide to help community groups set goals, address local issues, and reach consensus.
• Fosters communications, builds inclusive, cross-sector community relationships, and encourages participation in community programs or initiatives.
• Recommends policy, systems, and environmental (PSE) changes based on evaluation findings.
• Communicates public health information via various formats including social media.
• Writes and manages grants aligned with CHA/CHIP.
• Conducts literature reviews and applies best practices to programming.
• Represents Linn County Public Health at community, state, and national coalitions, work groups, and policy discussions.
• Promotes Health in All Policies across departments and sectors.
• Delivers accessible, culturally responsive health education initiatives.

Minimum Qualifications & Requirements

• Master’s degree in Public Health, Community Health, Community Development, Health Promotion, Health Education, or related field required.
• A minimum of three (3) years of experience in public health or related field required.
• Experience in planning, development, and implementation of Community Health Assessments/Community Health Improvement Plans is highly preferred.
• Must be able to obtain a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) credential within one year of hire.

Shift

Monday - Friday

8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Linn County offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday and sick leave as well as medical, dental, life, long-term disability (LTD) insurance and wellness incentives.