PUBLIC HEALTH PROMOTION SPECIALIST
About The Position
The Public Health Promotion Specialist performs technical work implementing statewide public health promotion programs designed to improve health-related attitudes, knowledge, and behaviors and reduce illness and injury. The position contributes to program development and implementation, prepares and presents multimedia materials, supports community and professional outreach, and gathers and interprets information related to health promotion and health-risk behaviors. Work is performed under general supervision, with some latitude for initiative and independent judgment. The role may review the work of technical and clerical staff assisting with the program. This position is located in the Vaccine Equity and Confidence Unit within the Rhode Island Department of Health’s Office of Immunization. It serves as a liaison among immunization programs, public health and community partners, and other stakeholders to expand equitable access to routine vaccinations, including COVID-19 vaccination. The work includes outreach focused on infants, older adults, K-12 communities, and other populations. Seasonal activities include supporting school-located vaccine clinics and related school outreach in fall and winter, coordinating catch-up clinics and community vaccination events in spring, and participating in community events and back-to-school planning during summer. The role works with community organizations, municipalities, vaccinators, canvassers, public programs, and Medicare and Medicaid offices to build vaccine confidence and access. It also supports outreach to uninsured adults, education and media activities, translation of vaccine materials, and promotion of local clinics. The position requires staying current on vaccination guidance and using public health data to guide outreach priorities. Regular in-state travel is required, with evening, Saturday, and occasional Sunday work during busy periods.
Requirements
- Thorough knowledge of the principles, practices, and techniques of public health.
- Working knowledge and skill in developing and implementing public health promotion programs that change knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors related to major chronic and infectious diseases.
- Familiarity with chronic and/or communicable disease epidemiology.
- Ability to make written and oral presentations concerning a statewide public health promotion program.
- Ability to supervise and review the work of assistants and clerical staff supporting the program.
- Ability to assist with conducting and reporting public health promotion research and demonstration projects using accepted scientific methodology.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, colleagues, subordinates, public groups, and public and private agencies.
- Graduation from a recognized college with specialization in Public Health, Public Administration, or a closely related field, and employment in a responsible position at a public or private agency engaged in public health promotion programs; or substantially equivalent education and experience.
- Proficiency in the Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, Teams, Word, and PowerPoint.
- Regular in-state travel.
Nice To Haves
- English and Spanish proficiency, or proficiency in another prominent Rhode Island community language such as Portuguese, Cape Verdean Creole, French Creoles, or Khmer.
- Previous experience in multicultural settings, health equity, and health disparities.
- Understanding of Rhode Island communities, community-based organizations, immigrant and refugee populations, and Health Equity Zones.
- Community health worker (CHW) experience and certification.
- Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, public speaking experience, and the ability to prioritize and adapt to changing demands.
- Flexibility to work evenings, Saturdays, and occasional Sundays during the busy season.
Responsibilities
- Implement statewide public health promotion programs intended to reduce mortality and morbidity from chronic and infectious diseases and injury.
- Assist in developing health promotion programs addressing health risks such as smoking, substance abuse, nutrition, physical activity, seatbelt use, immunizations, and infectious and sexually transmitted diseases.
- Collaborate on statewide public health promotion efforts using exhibits, multimedia presentations, lectures, community discussions, seminars, and professional symposia.
- Assist with preparing, selecting, assembling, and distributing public health promotion materials and campaign materials.
- Help community agencies, professional and consumer groups, and the public understand department programs and implement local public health promotion activities.
- Obtain, analyze, and interpret information and data related to public health promotion and health-risk behaviors.
- Prepare reports and make presentations at professional conferences and meetings as required.
- Serve as a liaison between the Office of Immunization, other public health programs, community partners, vaccinators, canvassers, municipalities, and other stakeholders.
- Coordinate with partners to build vaccine confidence and improve access to routine vaccinations across populations, including infants, older adults, K-12 communities, and uninsured adults.
- Support seasonal vaccination outreach, including school-located vaccine clinics, catch-up clinics, community and family vaccination clinics, health fairs, and back-to-school planning.
- Work with Medicare and Medicaid offices to strengthen partnerships and identify opportunities to improve access and vaccine confidence.
- Coordinate with the RIDOH Communications team on translation of vaccine materials and coordinate education, presentations, abstracts, and media campaigns with Office of Immunization staff.
- Stay current on vaccination guidelines and updates, including guidance and training materials referenced in the posting.
- Use public health data to guide outreach priorities and assist community partners in promoting localized vaccination clinics.
- Attend team and coordination meetings and community events as requested.
- May review the work of subordinate technical and clerical personnel assisting with the program.
Benefits
- Benefits are available to State of Rhode Island employees; details are provided through the Office of Employee Benefits.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
