Health Educator II, (A266027-2), 204, Healthy Texas Babies

City of Laredo•Laredo, TX

2d•Onsite

About The Position

This position is grant funded and solely dependent on the availability of grant funds. The Health Educator II will work under the Healthy Texas Mothers and Babies (HTMB) program in the Community Health Division, focusing on maternal and infant health outcomes in the community. The position requires strategic planning to coordinate the Health Texas Mothers and Babies Community Coalition (HTMB CC) to increase local capacity through partnerships with stakeholders. The Health Educator II will lead outreach and education efforts, support data-driven strategies to reduce disparities in infant mortality, and promote evidence-based practices, such as safe infant sleep. Additional responsibilities include assisting with grant-related deliverables, maintaining grant compliance, and preparing reports to the Texas Department of State and Health Services (DSHS).

Requirements

Associate's degree or 60 completed college hours from an accredited college/university.
At least three (3) years of experience in health education and health wellness promotions.
Knowledge of English/Spanish grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
Knowledge of principles and practices of health education and promotion.
Knowledge of maternal and infant health topics, including breastfeeding, safe infant sleep, and workplace lactation support.
Knowledge of health behavior theories and models used in public health.
Knowledge of community outreach strategies and coalition-building techniques.
Knowledge of state and federal maternal/child health initiatives (Texas Ten Step).
Knowledge of risk factors and social determinants of health (SDOH) impacting maternal/infant health.
Knowledge of data collection, analysis, and reporting methods.
Knowledge of basics of budgeting and resource allocation for program activities.
Knowledge of confidentiality standards.
Knowledge of social media platforms and digital communication strategies for public health messaging.
Knowledge of virtual meeting platforms (Webex, Teams).
Knowledge of Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
Skilled in excellent verbal and written communication for reporting, grant writing, and public presentations.
Skilled in planning, organizing, and facilitating community trainings and outreach events.
Skilled in developing culturally appropriate educational materials and health communication strategies.
Skilled in analyzing local health trends and using data to guide program strategies.
Skilled in problem-solving and addressing challenges.
Skilled in building and maintaining partnerships with community organizations, healthcare providers, and employers.
Ability to adapt to changing priorities and emerging public health needs.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Ability to display strong interpersonal skills with the ability to maintain professional relationships with staff, city departments, and the public.
Ability to project a positive and professional image of the City of Laredo.
Ability to meet schedules and deadlines for multiple projects and initiatives.
Ability to maintain the confidentiality of information.
Ability to maintain accurate and complete records.
Ability to maintain a valid Texas Driver License and a good driving record.
Ability to comply with all City of Laredo policies and procedures.
Ability to maintain good health and physical condition sufficient to permit the full performance of the duties of the position.
Proof of TB Test/Screening will be required to be presented prior to employment.
Valid Licenses or Certifications: Valid Texas Driver License. If applicant holds an out-of-state license, a State of Texas Driver License must be obtained within 6 months of employment.
Thorough background check and certified school transcripts will be required from all applicants who are offered employment.
Drug and alcohol test prior to employment.
Random drug and alcohol testing for safety-sensitive functions/positions.

Nice To Haves

Phlebotomy training is preferred.

Responsibilities

Coordinate and implement activities that support the Healthy Texas Mothers and Babies (HTMB) program, including safe infant sleep education, breastfeeding promotion, and maternal health initiatives.
Develop and adapt culturally appropriate educational materials and outreach strategies to improve maternal and infant health outcomes in the community.
Facilitate community trainings and classes for parents, caregivers, and partner organizations on topics such as safe infant sleep, breastfeeding support, and continuity of care.
Collaborate with hospitals and clinics to review discharge processes to identify gaps in continuity of care.
Lead partnerships with local coalitions to advance HTMB objectives.
Provide technical assistance to employers seeking the Texas Mother-Friendly Worksite (TMFW) designation and promote workplace lactation support.
Conduct informational sessions for community groups, organizations, and employers on TMFW designation.
Collect, analyze, and report program data, including attendance, surveys, and performance metrics, to evaluate program effectiveness.
Monitor local maternal and infant health trends to inform strategic planning and program objectives.
Use local maternal/infant health data (e.g., birth outcomes, breastfeeding rates, safe sleep practices) to identify high-need neighborhoods and prioritize outreach efforts.
Create dashboards or reports summarizing outreach outcomes and share with stakeholders to demonstrate progress towards HTMB objectives.
Communicate effectively with diverse populations in English and Spanish.
Respond to inquiries from community members and partner organizations regarding HTMB resources.
Prepare and deliver presentations to stakeholders, community groups, and professional networks on HTMB initiatives.
Utilize technology and software for documentation, presentations, virtual meetings, and social media engagement aligned with HTMB messaging.
Develop communication campaigns that promote HTMB goals through social media, advertisement, and print materials.
Monitor and evaluate progress of the Healthy Texas Mothers and Babies (HTMB) Program.
Participate in professional development and training to stay current on best practices.
Apply knowledge of public health principles and maternal/infant best practices.
Assist in grant reporting and documentation to ensure compliance with funding requirements.
Ensure all activities adhere to state and local health department compliance policies.
Performs other duties as assigned.