Health Educator
About The Position
Consider joining the Virginia Department of Health as we foster healthy and resilient communities. This is your opportunity to serve the public in the Population Health Department as a Health Educator focused on overdose prevention and recovery support for those affected by substance use disorder. Central Virginia Health District (CVHD) is seeking to hire a Peer Recovery Specialist (PRS) to support participants with substance use disorders/mental health illness through their recovery journey. We are interested in self-motivated individuals who have a desire to make a positive impact in the community. The PRS will function as a role model to participants, exhibit competency in the use of coping skills, serve as an advocate, connect participants to needed resources and provide support. It will be essential that the PRS develop their own unique, friendly, welcoming, and respectful way of approaching participants that conveys an attitude of understanding and fosters hope. The role will require leading 1:1 and group sessions in a variety of settings, naloxone training and education, collaboration with community partners and our local substance use prevention coalition, presentations on the PRS role and importance of lived experience and representing CVHD at local events. The PRS will be expected to travel to all localities in the district. Must have valid VA driver's license and pass VDH background check to secure employment. Part-time, wage position, up to 1500 hours per year (workday/times may vary to cover after hours and weekends when needed).
Requirements
- Knowledge of common community health problems
- Knowledge of public/private health care practices
- Knowledge of community organizing
- Knowledge of survey methods and the use of data
- Knowledge of health education principles
- Skills in program planning, implementation, and evaluation
- Skills in community assessment and organization
- Skills in writing reports and program plans
- Skills in public speaking
- Skills in managing group dynamics
- Skills in providing consultation with other professionals and the general public
- Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing
- Ability to utilize excellent interpersonal skills
- Ability to maintain good working relationships
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
- Ability to execute problem-solving skills
- Ability to make appropriate decisions
- Ability to develop program goals and objectives
- Ability to evaluate program outcomes, impacts, and processes
- Valid VA driver's license
- Pass VDH background check
Nice To Haves
- Certified peer recovery specialist or completion of the 72-hour peer recovery specialist training with a desire to become certified
- Experience collaborating with community-based organizations
- Knowledge of local community resources and navigating referrals
Responsibilities
- Lead 1:1 and group sessions in a variety of settings
- Provide naloxone training and education
- Collaborate with community partners and the local substance use prevention coalition
- Give presentations on the PRS role and the importance of lived experience
- Represent CVHD at local events
- Travel to all localities in the district
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Part-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
