Public Health Educator I

This is a professional class responsible for developing and conducting community education programs with well-developed priorities, objectives, and procedures.  Implements strategic planning efforts to build community awareness, education, and outreach activities.

Work is performed under the general supervision of the Public Health Educator III.

Accountable to the Public Health Manager.

 

1. Analyzes and interprets technical information and assists in developing new programs targeted to effectively reach appropriate audiences. Uses social marketing and behavior change theory to develop specific strategies to identify and reach groups to promote participation and awareness.
2. Develops, updates, revises informational and educational materials. May oversee graphic design and production of materials. Develops materials for and assembles components of media campaigns targeted toward appropriate audiences. Evaluates the effectiveness of materials and methods and makes suggestions for modification.
3. Provides consultation to Department personnel and other professionals to plan, develop, evaluate, and implement health education programs and projects.
4. Contributes to the preparation of grant proposals.
5. Gathers, cataloges, and tracks program-supporting information.
6. Works collaboratively as a team member to ensure program effectiveness. Coordinates activities and efforts to maximize program success in the community.
7. Participates in short- and long-range planning of health education programs.
8. Maintains education equipment and resource library for health education materials.
9. Performs related work as required.
   
   Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
   Knowledge of
   • The role of the governmental public health system in disease control and prevention.
   • Basic medical terminology
   • Basic principles of epidemiology of infectious disease
   • Social determinants of health
   • Community health care resources.
   • Confidentiality laws applying to protected health information. Skilled in
   • Organization, prioritization, and time management
   • Verbal and written communications (i.e. interviewing cases and contacts, documenting investigation and case management activities, participating in team planning and debriefing).
   • The use of electronic devices to use web-based tools, participate in video meetings, interact via text message, etc.
   • The use of word processing, spreadsheet, email, and internet software.
   • Data management and analysis
   
   Ability to
   • Provide accurate and efficient data entry into electronic systems.
   • Manage multiple priorities and prioritize tasks in order to ensure timeliness, quality and quantity of work.
   • Exercise skill and judgment in engaging effectively and empathetically with individuals who may be experiencing distress.
   • Work respectfully with individuals of diverse age, disability, religious culture, ethnicity, sexual orientation, social class, indigenous background, national origin and gender.
   • Function in a teamwork environment and coordinate work with other employees, supervisors, and managers as appropriate.
   • Exercise discretion and strict adherence to confidentiality requirements.
   • Think critically to determine the level of public health risk based on information received in case investigation and contact tracing.
   • Properly utilize personal protective equipment (PPE) such as masks and gloves.
   • Maintain a respectful demeanor, interact effectively with others, and recognize and attend to self-care when job stress, heavy workload and stressful situations occur.
    

1. High school Diploma or GED.
2. Graduated from an accredited college or university with a major in health education, education or a closely related field.
3. A valid Washington State driver's license.
   
    

Physical Requirements
This position may require Balancing Pulling Finger dexterity Climbing Pushing Repetitive motion Stooping Standing Hearing Kneeling Sitting Seeing Crouching Reaching Feeling Talking Grasping Duties are typically performed in an office setting with visits to other departments and work sites. Will require travel within and outside the County.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this position. They are not intended to be interpreted as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills, required of personnel assigned to this position.

GRAYS HARBOR COUNTY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER