Health Department: Health Educator/Media Coordinator (INTERNAL ONLY)

Vigo County, Indiana•Terre Haute, IN

About The Position

The Health Educator/Media Coordinator for the Vigo County Health Department plans, implements, and evaluates health education programs for Vigo County. The role assesses community health needs, coordinates prevention services and educational activities with community and social agencies, and provides health information and research resources to the community, schools, and the public. The incumbent prepares educational materials and communications, including reports, public service announcements, press releases, newsletters, and meeting agendas. The position also supports health fairs and educational events, maintains activity records, develops relationships with local media, and participates in interviews and committees to promote health awareness. The role involves independent judgment in evaluating programs and services, and the incumbent reports directly to the Administrator. Work is primarily performed in a standard office environment and in classrooms or other educational settings. The role includes frequent contact with coworkers, county departments, state health officials, community organizations, schools, hospitals, and the public. Extended hours and evenings are regular; weekend work and out-of-town travel are occasional.

Requirements

Baccalaureate degree in public health, education, or a related field.
One to two years of relevant work experience.
Possession of, or ability to obtain, required certifications and training, including CPR Instructor certification, Hepatitis Information Instructor certification, National Incident Management System (NIMS) certification, and Public Information Officer training.
Ability to meet department hiring requirements, including passing a drug test.
Knowledge of and ability to apply Vigo County Health Department policies and practices.
Working knowledge of health program education and ability to prepare and conduct environmental and wellness awareness educational activities and materials for diverse target groups.
Knowledge of standard English grammar, spelling, and punctuation, and ability to prepare brochures, pamphlets, press releases, and detailed written reports.
Knowledge of database, spreadsheet, PowerPoint, and word-processing software.
Ability to operate standard office equipment, including a computer, telephone, copier, fax machine, projector, iPad, and laminator.
Strong oral and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate with coworkers, county departments, the Indiana State Department of Health, community organizations, hospitals, schools, and the public while respecting professional ethics, gender and cultural diversity, and disabilities.
Ability to provide public access to department information or maintain confidentiality of records in accordance with state requirements.
Ability to comply with employer and department policies and work rules, including attendance, safety, drug-free workplace, and personal conduct requirements.
Ability to serve the public diplomatically and respectfully, including in occasional encounters with difficult persons.
Ability to understand, retain, and carry out oral and written instructions and present findings orally or in writing.
Ability to compile, compare, classify, analyze, and evaluate data and make determinations based on data analysis.
Ability to perform basic arithmetic, including calculating decimals and percentages.
Ability to work independently with minimum supervision and collaboratively in a team environment, including while managing distractions, interruptions, and multiple tasks.
Ability to plan and lay out assigned projects and manage time and resources effectively.
Ability to maintain positive public relations and plan and present public-speaking presentations and special events.
Ability to regularly work extended hours and evenings, occasionally work weekends, and occasionally travel out of town for meetings or conferences, sometimes overnight.
Valid driver's license and demonstrated safe driving record.

Responsibilities

Maintain current knowledge of health-related topics and plan, develop, and implement health education programs and services in accordance with community needs and department goals.
Participate in assessing community health needs and coordinate prevention services and educational activities with community health and social agencies.
Provide educational information to the community and serve as a resource for schools and the public, responding to health-related questions and providing research information and statistics.
Prepare materials, reports, public service announcements, press releases, newsletters, and meeting agendas.
Participate in special events, including health fairs and health education programs at schools, workplaces, and community or social organizations.
Maintain files and records of activities, statistics, classes, and engagements.
Develop and maintain local media relationships and participate in television, radio, and newspaper interviews on health-related topics.
Serve on health-awareness committees and participate in staff and professional training opportunities.
Ensure community health education programs and services are implemented in compliance with departmental policies and procedures.
Provide information or referrals as requested and perform related duties as assigned.