PUBLIC HEALTH PROMOTION SPECIALIST

Department Department of Health Division Healthcare Health & Allied Professionals Salary $75,916.00 - $85,405.00 Job Profile JC-02762000-92 - Public Health Promotion Specialist (NEARI PSA DOH) Scheduled Work Days & Work Hours Monday - Friday; 8:30am – 4:00pm Non-Standard/Non-Exempt Job Requisition Number JR104149 PUBLIC HEALTH PROMOTION SPECIALIST (Open) Pay Grade C00329 A Classification Public Health Promotion Specialist Class Definition GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES: To perform responsible technical work in connection with the implementation of a state wide program of public health promotion to improve the public’s attitudes, knowledge and behavior regarding health lifestyle and including the preparation and presentation of multimedia public health promotion materials and programs; and to do related work as required. SUPERVISION RECEIVED: Works under the general supervision of a superior with some latitude for the exercise of initiative and independent judgement; work is reviewed in process and upon completion for results obtained and conformance with program objectives, laws, policies and accepted professional standards. SUPERVISION EXERCISED: May review the work of subordinate technical and clerical personnel assigned to assist in a state wide public health promotion program. ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED: To perform responsible technical work in connection with the implementation of a state wide program of public health promotion designed to reduce mortality and morbidity from major chronic and/or infectious diseases and injury through changes in attitudes, knowledge and behavior. To assist in the development of public health promotion programs addressing smoking, substance abuse, nutrition, fitness and exercise, seatbelt use, immunizations, infectious and sexually transmitted diseases and other major health risk behaviors, particularly those associated with heart disease, cancer, stroke, injury and other preventable communicable and/or chronic diseases. To collaborate in the development of continuous and effective state wide public health promotion programs, utilizing, but not limited to the following; exhibit material, multi-media presentations, lectures and community group discussions and seminars and professional symposia. To assist in the preparation, selection, assembly and distribution of public health promotion materials, both separately and as part of a major multi-media public health promotion campaign. To assist community agencies, professional and consumer groups, and the public in understanding public health promotion programs of the department and in implementing local public health promotion programs. To obtain, analyze and interpret information and data related to public health promotion programs and health risk behaviors in the population. To attend professional conferences and meetings as required and to make presentations at such conferences and meetings. To prepare reports as required. To do related work as required. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS FOR APPOINTMENT: KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS AND CAPACITIES: A thorough knowledge of the principles, practices and techniques of public health; a working knowledge and skill in the development and implementation of public health promotion programs resulting in changes in knowledge, attitudes and behavior related to major chronic and infectious diseases; a familiarity with chronic and/or communicable disease epidemiology; the ability to make written and oral presentations concerning a state wide program in public health promotion; the ability to supervise and review the work of assistants and clerical staff assisting in the implementation of a state wide public health promotion program; the ability to assist in the conduct and reporting of public health promotion research and demonstration projects in accordance with accepted principles of scientific methodology; the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with superiors, associates, subordinates, public groups and private and public agencies; and related capacities and abilities. EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Education: Such as may have been gained through: graduation from a college of recognized standing with specialization in Public Health, Public Administration or a closely related field; and Experience: Such as may have been gained through: employment in a responsible position in a public or private agency engaged in the field of public health promotion programs. Or, any combination of education and experience that shall be substantially equivalent to the above education and experience. Supplemental Information This role is positioned in the Vaccine Equity and Confidence Unit within the Office of Immunization at the RI Department of Health (RIDOH). The Immunization Outreach Coordinator will focus on vaccinations from an equity lens and collaborate across other programs at RIDOH and the community. This role will act as a strong liaison between Immunization and other public health and community partners in their efforts to expand ongoing equity-centered work around administration of routine vaccines, including the COVID-19 vaccine. Special focus and attention to infant, elderly, K-12, and other community immunization. Priorities change seasonally: Fall through Winter respiratory season preparation and response, including 240+ school-located vaccine (SLV) clinics supporting school-nurse teachers and parent-teacher organization outreach for student/family registration; Spring Vaccinate Before You Graduate (VBYG) middle and high school "catch-up" clinics, including evening/weekend community and family vaccination clinics sited at community health fairs; Summer outreach events include extensive community celebrations, health & wellness fairs, local conferences, block parties, and back-to-school planning. The preferred candidate will serve as liaison between the Office of Immunization and other public health partners to integrate and create opportunities to build vaccine confidence and access within their relevant populations, including, Housing authorities; Chronic disease programs; Asthma Control Program; HIV/STD programs; Refugee health program, Tobacco Control among others. Coordinate with other Office of Immunization staff on education, oral presentations, abstracts and media campaigns. Maintain collaborative relationships with community partners, vaccinators, canvassers, municipalities, and other stakeholders. Act as liaison between RIDOH and community partners. Attend team meetings and other coordination meetings, as requested. Work with Medicare and Medicaid offices to enhance relationships and partnerships to navigate policies and create opportunities to increase access and vaccine confidence with their relevant populations and providers. Coordinate with organizations serving uninsured adults to accelerate outreach to and vaccination of uninsured adult populations. The preferred candidate will coordinate with the RIDOH Communications team on the translation of vaccine materials, while staying fully up to date on all vaccination guidelines and updates, including best practices from the CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), "You Call the Shots" and “Vaccinate your Family” training modules. This role requires attending community events to promote vaccination across the lifespan and assisting community partners in the promotion of localized clinic events as requested, using public health data to effectively guide outreach prioritization. Preferred skills include: English and Spanish language proficiency (bilingual verbal and written), or proficiency in another prominent Rhode Island community language such as Portuguese, Cape Verdean Creole, French Creoles, or Khmer. The preferred candidates should possess previous experience working in multicultural settings, health equity, and health disparities, alongside a deep understanding of the unique characteristics of Rhode Island's citizenry, community-based organizations (CBOs), immigrant/refugee populations, and Health Equity Zones. Additionally, applicants must demonstrate excellent organizational skills, sharp attention to detail, public speaking experience, and the ability to prioritize and adapt to shifting demands. Finally, this position requires proficiency in the Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Teams, Word, PowerPoint), regular in-state travel, CHW experience and certification preferred, and flexibility to work evenings, Saturdays, and occasional Sundays during the busy season. Benefits For information regarding the benefits available to State of Rhode Island employees, please visit the Office of Employee Benefits' website at http://www.employeebenefits.ri.gov/ . Also, be advised that a new provision in RI General Law 35-6-1 was enacted requiring direct deposit for all employees. Specific to new hires, the law requires that all employees hired after September 30, 2014 participate in direct deposit. Accordingly, any employee hired after this date will be required to participate in the direct deposit system. At the time the employee is hired, the employee shall identify a financial institution that will serve as a personal depository agency for the employee.