Health Educator (Spartanburg)

State of South Carolina•Spartanburg County, SC

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Health Educator plans, markets, implements, and evaluates primary prevention substance use services aimed at reducing or eliminating risks for substance misuse and improving health outcomes for citizens of Union County. The position is based at the SC Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities’ Office of Mental Health, Spartanburg Area Mental Health Center, 250 Dewey Ave., Spartanburg, SC 29303. The role uses the Strategic Prevention Framework to assess local needs and develop prevention plans. It involves designing and evaluating evidence-based initiatives, managing grants and related compliance, maintaining program records and reports, and building relationships with community organizations and agencies. The employee also attends required meetings and training to obtain and maintain a prevention specialist certification credential, and may perform other duties related to prevention and intervention services as assigned. Occasional overnight travel is required. Evening or weekend work may be required. The position is considered essential and may be called back during crises, disasters, or emergencies.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in health education, health promotion, or a closely related field such as psychology, biology, sociology, education, or physical education.
Health education experience.
Master's degree in public health education or a prevention-related field from an accredited institution of higher learning.
Knowledge of the substance use prevention field.
Ability to work independently, maintain program priorities under pressure, and exercise sound judgment and discretion.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with teams and coordinating agencies.
Strong word-processing skills and basic spreadsheet and PowerPoint skills.
Competence in public speaking and strong communication and writing skills.
Ability to participate in local or state meetings and maintain a working relationship with treatment personnel at the local program site.
Overnight travel may be required occasionally; evening or weekend work may be required.
May be called back during crises, disasters, or emergencies.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual abilities in English and Spanish, or another language.
Experience with grant writing and strategic plan development.
Self-motivation, creativity, attention to detail, and the ability to work effectively with others.

Responsibilities

Conduct yearly needs assessments to gather data about alcohol, tobacco, and other substance use in Union County, and use the Strategic Prevention Framework to plan and coordinate a strategic plan.
Design, implement, and evaluate comprehensive prevention initiatives using evidence-based strategies, including community engagement, education, information dissemination, substance-free alternatives, early identification and referral, and environmental approaches.
Prepare and monitor grants related to primary prevention.
Comply with federal, state, and local funding requirements, including documentation, reporting, and grant conditions.
Prepare, maintain, and submit reports and records related to prevention activities and programs.
Build and maintain working relationships with agencies, civic groups, churches, parent groups, and other organizations providing services in the county.
Attend required meetings and training sessions to obtain and maintain the prevention specialist certification credential.
Perform other assigned duties related to prevention and intervention services.

Benefits

Health insurance
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
Long-term disability insurance
Life insurance for employees, spouses, and children
15 days of annual vacation leave per year
15 days of sick leave per year
13 paid holidays
Paid parental leave
S.C. Deferred Compensation Program
Retirement benefit choices: State Retirement Plan (SCRS) or State Optional Retirement Program (State ORP)