SENIOR HEALTH EDUCATION SPECIALIST

About the role: Leads the development and implementation of Linn County's Community Health Assessment (CHA) and Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP). The position uses data-driven strategies and evidence-based practices to recommend and guide policy, systems, and environmental changes, while ensuring inclusive community engagement and effective communication across diverse populations and sectors.

Essential Functions: Applies evidence-based research and data-driven decision making to plan, development, and implement the CHA and CHIP based on relevant measurable, practical outcomes for disease prevent and improved health outcomes. Evaluates activities and outreach for community health in order to determine the efficiency and effectiveness of the services; initiates quality improvement processes when necessary. Monitors, tracks, and reports on progress for community projects, including health initiatives supporting defined populations and systems designed to improve community health outcomes. Participates in project improvement teams focusing on community integration, health strategies, and care coordination. Plans, designs, and facilities meetings, workshops, and team-building events that support project goals. Acts as an impartial guide to help community groups set goals, address local issues, and reach consensus. Fosters communications, builds inclusive, cross-sector community relationships, and encourages participation in community programs or initiatives. Recommends policy, systems, and environmental (PSE) changes based on evaluation findings. Communicates public health information via various formats including social media. Writes and manages grants aligned with CHA/CHIP.Conducts literature reviews and applies best practices to programming. Represents Linn County Public Health at community, state, and national coalitions, work groups, and policy discussions. Promotes Health in All Policies across departments and sectors. Delivers accessible, culturally responsive health education initiatives.

Minimum Qualifications & Requirements: Master's degree in Public Health, Community Health, Community Development, Health Promotion, Health Education, or related field required. A minimum of three (3) years of experience in public health or related field required. Experience in planning, development, and implementation of Community Health Assessments/Community Health Improvement Plans is highly preferred. Must be able to obtain a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) credential within one year of hire.