Public Health Jobs in Minnesota

DESCRIPTION

Under direct supervision of the Human Services Supervisor – Public Health, the Public Health Specialist supports the mission of Blue Earth County Human Services by effectively and efficiently delivering essential services to families and individuals so they can achieve their potential through active community participation. This position focuses on community engagement, assessment, planning, and implementation of strategies that support long-term population health.

The Public Health Specialist – SHIP works collaboratively with community partners to identify health needs; develop and evaluate health promotion programs; advance policy, systems, and environmental (PSE) changes; secure and manage grant funding; and provide technical assistance and resources to organizations promoting wellness. Primary areas of focus include nutrition and healthy eating, physical activity, and tobacco use prevention. The position also supports public information efforts and media relations, performs administrative duties, and supervises community health interns.

DUTIES / RESPONSIBILITIES

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Conducts community health assessments and plans, implements, and evaluates strategies to improve community health outcomes. Assesses and prioritizes community and preventative health care needs using county health profiles, survey data and other demographic statistics related to the health and wellness of county residents. Establishes goals, objectives, methods, and outcomes based on the analysis of data gathered. Develops and implements work plans to accomplish goals and objectives. Conducts ongoing evaluations of outcomes and strategies to determine effectiveness and the need for program adjustments. Participates in statewide planning process.

• Performs program planning, implementation, and evaluation. Identifies existing health promotion programs, unmet community needs, and service gaps. Develops and implements plans to address identified needs. Translates complex health information into clear, accessible messages for diverse audiences. Delivers programming through appropriate methods, including individual outreach, group education, classes, presentations, materials, and promotional campaigns. Coordinates with professionals and community groups to ensure effective program delivery. Evaluates program outcomes and integrates feedback to strengthen program design and presenter effectiveness.

• Provides leadership and collaborates with Health Promotion Providers. Gathers data on existing programs and compares with requests and needs identified in health profiles. Determines needs and works with community partners and existing groups to develop services or provides the desired information. Partners and works with existing groups to address community health issues and provides information and expertise. Assumes a leadership role in the community to enhance programs. Provides support for the development of new programs and services. Serves on committees, workgroups, and boards to build collaborations and strengthen skills.

• Researches funding opportunities and prepares grant applications, reports, and required documentation. Develops clear and well-organized written plans describing community health issues, unmet needs, and proposed solutions. Maintains program data for internal use and external reporting. Coordinates evaluation methods and monitors program activities and objectives. Analyzes data for continuous program improvement. Serves as liaison with grant funders and maintains program files to ensure compliance and quality assurance.

• Assists with public information and media relations, including preparation of public service announcements, news releases, reports, and correspondence. Designs educational materials such as brochures, handouts, and visual displays. Participates in radio, television, and community presentations as appropriate. Represents Blue Earth County on committees and community forums. Serves as a resource for organizations seeking health data and information and maintains knowledge of community resources.

• Responds to emergencies as directed by the Human Services Supervisor. Participates in disaster support, communicable disease outbreaks, and investigations in whatever role designated. Works with communities to provide support in areas of need. Assists with planning, consulting, investigating, and providing technical assistance.

• Promotes a diverse, culturally competent, and respectful workplace.

• Engages positively with both internal and external customers. Communicates and interacts effectively and respectfully with colleagues, supervisors, representatives from other organizations, and the public.

• Performs the physical and mental demands of the position.

• Attends work during regularly scheduled hours.

ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS:

• Supervises and evaluates Community Health Interns. Interviews potential interns with supervisors. Determines areas of interest and plans projects for interns. Provides daily supervision and serves as a mentor. Provides performance evaluations and submits to appropriate community health faculty.

• Participates in professional staff development. Participates in training and education opportunities to maintain and improve proficiency. Attends and participates in professional organizations. Associates with employees and departments from other counties and states for collaboration.

• Performs other related functions as apparent or assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in community health, environmental health, public administration, international administration, business, marketing, social work or related field; and
• A minimum of two (2) years of experience working with community health, program administration, or similar functions.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master's degree in community health, environmental health, public administration, international administration, business, marketing, social work or related field
• A minimum of one (1) year of experience working with policy, systems, and environmental change in a local public health setting
• Experience in organizing community collaboration
• Experience in developing and implementing community assessments
• Proficient in understanding and speaking languages other than English, such as Spanish, Somali, Chinese, Sudanese, and Arabic, among others.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

• Must successfully pass a background check
• Must possess a valid driver's license and be able to drive in the state of Minnesota.
• Must comply with all state and federal laws organizational and departmental policies and regulations.
• Must adhere to data practices policies and standards regarding non-public data. Access to non-public data should be strictly limited to what is necessary to fulfill job responsibilities. While accessing these data, the employee should take reasonable steps to prevent unauthorized access by individuals without a work-related reason. Once the work-related purpose is complete, non-public data must be securely stored in accordance with county policies and Minnesota Statutes.

HOURS OF WORK

Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. This position allows for flexible work schedule. Position will require some evening and weekend hours.