Senior Health Educator (DOH / PHD #54897)

New Mexico Department of Health; Santa Fe (NM); On-site; USD 52,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

The New Mexico Department of Health is seeking a Health Promotion Specialist in the Northeast Region to advance health equity and improve population health. The role centers on developing, implementing, and coordinating community-based health initiatives across Santa Fe County and surrounding areas.

You will collaborate with internal departments, tribal and nonprofit partners, and community councils to address health needs, manage grants, and deliver education and training.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Public Health or Education and one year of experience in a health-related field. Any combination totaling five years may substitute for education/experience.

Responsibilities

• Assess community readiness, needs, strengths, and health priorities.
• Collect, interpret, and share health data to inform decisions.
• Identify and engage community, tribal, governmental, nonprofit, and healthcare partners.
• Support planning and implementation of public health initiatives and grants.
• Facilitate communication among communities, the Northeast Region, and state partners.
• Provide health education and training to individuals and groups.
• Support coalitions and health councils in developing strategies to improve health outcomes.
• Promote evidence-based and community-informed approaches to reduce disparities.

Skills

Public health knowledge

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Public Health or Education

Job description

Posting Details

The Health Promotion Program within the Northeast Region of the Public Health Division works collaboratively with internal and external partners to advance health equity and improve population health across the Region. The Program develops, implements, evaluates, and supports community-based health initiatives designed to address local needs and improve health outcomes throughout the lifespan.

Salary

$24.88 - $37.32 Hourly
$51,755 - $77,633 Annually
This position is a Pay Band C6

Posting Details

The Health Promotion Program within the Northeast Region of the Public Health Division works collaboratively with internal and external partners to advance health equity and improve population health across the Region. The Program develops, implements, evaluates, and supports community-based health initiatives designed to address local needs and improve health outcomes throughout the lifespan.
Key internal partners include programs and bureaus within the Department of Health and the Northeast Region. External partners include tribal communities, county and community health councils, nonprofit organizations, managed care organizations, and other community-based partners that support local health priorities and initiatives.

Why does the job exist?

The Health Promotion Specialist supports the Northeast Region and communities within the greater Santa Fe area in identifying and addressing health equity priorities. This position contributes to the development of health policies, implementation of special projects and grants, and coordination of community-based initiatives that address identified health needs.
Responsibilities may include providing individual and group health education, facilitating community meetings and coalitions, developing partnerships, supporting community health councils, and assisting with contract and grant management. The position serves as a key connection between the Department of Health, community partners, and local organizations working to improve population health.

How does it get done?

Health Promotion focuses on improving population health by identifying and addressing factors that influence the health and well‑being of groups and communities where people live, work, learn, play, and age.
The Health Promotion Specialist strengthens local collaboration by providing communities, health councils, and community partners with data, technical assistance, resources, and support based on their identified needs. This position works closely with community partners to assess readiness, identify health priorities, increase awareness of emerging and ongoing health issues, and support the development and implementation of effective strategies.

Key responsibilities include:

• Assessing community readiness, needs, strengths, and health priorities.
• Collecting, interpreting, and sharing health and community data to support informed decision-making.
• Identifying and engaging appropriate community, tribal, governmental, nonprofit, and healthcare partners.
• Supporting the planning and implementation of state and local public health initiatives.
• Facilitating communication and collaboration among local communities, the Northeast Region, and state-level partners.
• Providing technical assistance, health education, and training to individuals, organizations, and community groups.
• Supporting community coalitions and health councils in developing and implementing strategies to improve health outcomes.
• Promoting evidence-based and community-informed approaches to address health disparities and influence policies and systems.
• Supporting grants, contracts, special projects, and other initiatives that advance community health and health equity.

Who are the customers?

The Santa Fe Health Promotion Specialist serves communities throughout Santa Fe County, including Nambe, San Ildefonso, Tesuque, and surrounding communities and pueblos. The position supports a diverse population of more than 155,000 residents and works to ensure that public health strategies are responsive to the unique needs, strengths, cultures, and priorities of the communities served.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is a collaborative, community-focused professional who understands the public health needs and priorities of the Northeast Region and is committed to advancing health equity. The successful candidate will be comfortable building relationships across diverse communities, facilitating collaborative efforts, and working with both governmental and community-based organizations.

The ideal candidate will have knowledge and experience in:

• Community health assessment, planning, and engagement.
• Working collaboratively with tribal communities and organizations.
• Developing and delivering trainings to individuals, organizations, and community groups.
• Community coalition development, facilitation, and partnership building.
• Using and/or teaching evidence-based interventions to address health issues and improve community health outcomes.
• Supporting health initiatives, grants, contracts, or community-based projects.
• Interpreting and communicating health data to diverse audiences.
• Building trusted relationships with community partners and stakeholders.
• Working independently while also contributing effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.

The ideal candidate will have established relationships or familiarity with internal and external partners throughout the Northeast Region and experience participating in or supporting community-based organizations, coalitions, or health councils.

Minimum Qualification

Bachelor's Degree in Public Health or Education and one (1) year of experience in a health-related field. Any combination of education from an accredited college or university in a related field and/or direct experience in this occupation totaling five (5) years may substitute for the required education and experience.

Employment Requirements

Must possess and maintain a valid Driver's License. Must possess and maintain a current Defensive Driving Course Certificate from the State of New Mexico or must pass and receive Defensive Driving Course Certification as a condition of continued employment.

Working Conditions

Work is primarily performed in an office environment and requires frequent use of visual display terminals (VDTs), personal computers, telephones, and other standard office equipment. The position requires the ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds as needed to support program activities, community events, educational sessions, and other job-related responsibilities. Extensive travel throughout the Northeast Region may be required. Travel may include visits to tribal communities, county communities, partner organizations, public health offices, and community events. The geographic area served may include the Eight Northern Pueblos, Jicarilla Apache Nation, and the counties of Santa Fe, Los Alamos, Rio Arriba, Taos, San Miguel, Guadalupe, Mora, Union, Harding, and Colfax. Because this position works directly with diverse communities and community partners, the employee should be comfortable working in a variety of settings and adapting to the needs of local communities and public health initiatives.

Supplemental Information

For information on Statutory Requirements for this position, click the Classification Description link on the job advertisement.

Bargaining Unit Position

This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement and all terms/conditions of that agreement apply and must be adhered to.