SENIOR HEALTH EDUCATION SPECIALIST

Linn County; Iowa (LA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive wages

IPERS retirement plan

Wellness program

On-site fitness center

12 paid holidays

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Linn County Public Health in Iowa is seeking a Senior Health Education Specialist to lead the Community Health Assessment (CHA) and Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP), using data-driven methods and engaging diverse communities.

The role involves coordinating policy changes, monitoring progress, grant writing, and representing the department in coalitions. Requires a Master’s in public health and CHES within one year of hire.

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• Leads the development and implementation of Linn County’s Community Health Assessment (CHA) and Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP).
• Uses data-driven strategies and evidence-based practices to guide policy, systems, and environmental changes, while ensuring inclusive community engagement and effective communication across diverse populations and sectors.
• Evaluates activities and outreach for community health to determine efficiency and effectiveness; 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.
• 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.
• Writes and manages grants aligned with CHA/CHIP.

Skills

Data-driven decision making

Community engagement

Policy development

Cross-sector collaboration

Written communication

Education

Master’s degree in Public Health or related field

CHES credential within 1 year

3+ years public health experience

Job 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.

• 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.

• 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.

Monday - Friday

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

Read the full job description here: Senior Health Education Specialist Job Description

Learn more about Linn County Public Health here: Linn County Public Health Website