Health Promotion Specialist in Pueblo, Colorado at Pueblo Department of Public Health & Environment

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. We continually strive 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 Health Promotion Specialist works in an assigned, grant-funded public health program by implementing best practice health promotion activities including system, community and policy change as well as health communication strategies to positively influence social/community norms. Work involves researching health issues in communities and determining approaches needed to address the issues; preparing and editing publications and reports; developing and producing various communication materials; monitoring budgets; and developing and supporting grant proposals. Many positions also recruit for and maintain specialized committees, coalitions and workgroups to support program activities.

Essential Job Functions

Program Planning and Evaluation

• Analyze data and research to design, implement, and evaluate evidence-based health promotion strategies.
• Ensure cultural, social, and behavioral factors are considered in program design and delivery.
• Collect, manage, and interpret program data, health indicators, and relevant research to inform program improvements and outcomes using interviews, surveys, focus groups, and other methods.
• Monitor and evaluate the impact of health promotion programs and policy changes.
• Communicate findings effectively to stakeholders and the public.

Partnership and Community Engagement

• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with community leaders, government agencies, schools, healthcare providers, businesses, and coalitions.
• Facilitate authentic community engagement, including forming and leading coalitions.
• Work independently with stakeholders to implement sustainable health initiatives.

Health Communication

• Develop and evaluate health communication materials tailored to diverse populations.
• Prepare and deliver presentations, reports, and media interviews for various audiences.

Program Administration and Strategic Support

• Achieve program goals and objectives through effective planning and execution.
• Manage budgets in alignment with departmental and funder guidelines.
• Respond to community and system needs for policy change and advocacy.
• Support seeking, writing and obtaining funding for program implementation

Additional Duties

• Participate in public health emergency response trainings and drills, and respond to public health emergencies as needed, beyond regular duties and schedule.

• Perform other duties as required to support program and agency goals.
• Assist in on-boarding and training new employees as needed

• Provide guidance and support for interns
• Contribute to strategic planning, performance management, policy development, and quality improvement initiatives.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge

• Basic understanding of public health education, health promotion, and disease prevention principles.
• Strong working knowledge of how social, behavioral and cultural considerations impact health and how to address these considerations.

Skills

• Proficient in software systems such as Microsoft Suite
• Skilled in using in-person and virtual engagement tools, facilitation techniques, group activity management, action planning, and public speaking.
• Verbal and written communication with strong interpersonal and ethical standards.
• Well-organized and efficient in managing multiple responsibilities.
• Skilled at applying logical and scientific thinking to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.

Abilities

• Ability to support, engage, and collaborate with diverse work styles, backgrounds, and personalities.
• Ability to self-motivate and work independently.
• Ability to maintain privacy and confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA and agency policies.

Qualifications | Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in public health, community health, health education, exercise science/health promotion, social sciences, natural sciences, or a related field. One year of work experience in policy, promotion, education, or public health setting preferred.
Must possess and maintain a valid Colorado driver’s license. Must obtain annual flu vaccination and any job specific immunizations. May be required to submit to a TB test.
Fluency in writing, reading, and speaking English. Ability to speak, read, and write fluently in Spanish is preferred.

Work Environment | Physical Demands

Work varies from an office setting to community work, maybe 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 and travel beyond normal work schedule on occasion. Repetitive tasks and reoccurring deadlines are routine and occasional out of town meeting/training may be required. May be called upon to respond to public health emergencies if needed.