Public Health Planner at Pueblo Department of Public Health & Environment – Pueblo, Colorado

About the Department

The Pueblo Department of Public Health and Environment (PDPHE) promotes and protects the health and environment of Pueblo County through prevention strategies, advocacy, partnerships, and leadership. PDPHE continually strives to ensure a thriving, healthy, and safe community. Each employee contributes to the implementation of the Strategic Plan and is important to the achievement of the mission.

Position Summary

The Public Health Planner will play a pivotal role in planning, implementing, and evaluating public health initiatives aimed at improving community health outcomes. This position requires expertise in public health systems, strategic planning, and data analysis to support evidence-based decision-making. The Public Health Planner serves and works closely with the entire agency to ensure alignment with organizational goals and priorities. The Planner will collaborate with diverse agencies and individuals internal and external to PDPHE to improve and address health outcomes and continuously improve efforts and outcomes.

Benefits

PDPHE offers an exceptional benefits package including PERA, health, dental, vision insurance with an option for a Health Savings Account. Employees enjoy paid vacation, sick leave, 15 holidays and three additional paid, floating personal days and modified work schedules are offered in some instances.

PDPHE is an equal opportunity employer.

Essential Job Functions

Grant Writing

• Lead seeking, development and submission of grant applications.

Facilitation of Department Strategic Initiatives

• Support updates and implementation of strategic Department efforts like strategic plan, quality improvement, professional development and more.
• Facilitate meetings, trainings and processes within the department or public events.

Community Health Assessment & Planning

• Manage health assessment and improvement planning aligned with state requirements (CHAPS).
• Collaborate with local partner organizations to complete assessments and develop action plans.
• Create and oversee implementation of the Community Health Improvement Plan, including reporting and funding alignment.
• Support implementation of activities/efforts internally and externally to address the Improvement Plan priorities. Including planning and securing funding and ensuring alignment of existing efforts.

Data & Performance Management

• Collect, analyze, and share internal and external public health data to identify trends and inform planning.
• Develop and communicate performance measures and tracking documents or visuals for programs and projects.
• Support creation and deployment of data collection for Department and programs

Partnerships & Collaboration

• Build and maintain relationships with internal teams, community members, and external partners.
• Lead engagement efforts with community members, organizations, funders, and stakeholders including community outreach and education.
• Serve on committees and workgroups internally and externally to support department-wide initiatives.

Communication & Reporting

• Prepare and present written and oral reports and updates to various audiences internally and externally.

Program Development and Evaluation

• Research and recommend evidence-based strategies to improve health programs and outcomes for various audiences and customers served.
• Evaluate community needs and recommend service improvements to ensure maximum impact and outcomes.
• Support ongoing program evaluation and quality improvement efforts.

Additional Duties

• Complete tasks for programs as necessary.
• Mentor and work with interns and students.
• On-board new staff members as needed.
• Respond to public health emergencies beyond regular duties.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge

• Grant writing processes and funding strategies for public health systems, and community health planning
• Principles and tools for performance management, strategic planning, and quality improvement
• Data collection, analysis, and interpretation of mixed methods health indicators
• Local, state, and federal public health policies and programs
• Evidence-based approaches for addressing public health issues and how to tailor those to different needs and audiences

Skills

• Strong written and verbal communication for reports, presentations, and training
• Data analysis to support planning and decision-making
• Developing and evaluating public health workplans, policies, and programs
• Project management and collaborative teamwork across diverse groups
• Designing and conducting assessments, surveys, and interviews within target populations
• Effective group facilitation and decision-making tools and techniques
• Proficient in software systems such as Microsoft Suite and excel. Strong skills in other systems like Power BI and automation systems preferred.

Abilities

• Strong analytic and strategic thinking skills
• Lead and coordinate health planning and evaluation initiatives
• Build effective partnerships with internal and external stakeholders
• Translate complex data into clear and actionable insights
• Facilitate quality improvement and performance tracking efforts
• Adapt to changing priorities and respond effectively in public health emergencies
• Work both independently and as part of a cross-functional team

Qualifications | Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in public health, business administration, social/behavioral sciences or related field required.
• Strong work experience in the field of project planning, grant writing/monitoring and/or data analysis/collection is required.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Colorado photo identification card and be able to provide personal transportation for work-related purposes.
• Must obtain annual flu vaccination and any job specific immunizations. May be required to submit to a two-step PPD test.

Qualifications | Preferred Requirements

• Master’s degree in public health preferred.
• Public health work experience is preferred.

Work Environment

Work is varied from an office setting to community work, may be at a computer for several hours at a time (seated or standing). Work schedule is typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. but may be required to work beyond normal work schedule on occasion especially when preparing grant applications for submission. Repetitive tasks and reoccurring deadlines are the norm and occasional out of town meeting/training may be required. May be called upon to respond to public health emergencies if needed.

Please attach the following documents for this position:
1. Cover Letter
2. Resume
3. Unofficial or official transcripts showing degree conferred

An application not completed in its entirety will be considered incomplete and will not move forward in the selection process.

Applicants may redact information from their resumes, certifications, transcripts, or any other additional application materials that identify the applicant’s age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.

**Please Note: PDPHE is not able to provide sponsorship for applicants who do not currently have the legal right to work in the United States or require transfer of a Visa.**