Public Health Specialist III - Limited Service

State of Vermont • Saint Albans, VT

9d • Hybrid

About The Position

The role of the St Albans District Office Emergency Preparedness Public Health Specialist is to increase local capacity to effectively plan and respond to public health emergency events in Franklin and Grand Isle counties.

The person selected for this position will:

Train and coach District Office staff on emergency preparedness and response.
Work with our region's hospital and first responders to plan exercises and improve emergency response systems.
Support the Northwestern Vermont Medical Reserve Corps Unit to keep the volunteer program active, relevant and growing.
Promote resilience in systems, communities and individuals during non-emergency times.
Translate state guidance into practical local actions that meet community needs while assessing and addressing regional health disparities.
Build partnerships with community groups and stakeholders to improve local readiness.

As part of the Vermont Department of Health, the St Albans District Office is one of 12 local health offices in Vermont. We are a motivated and hard-working team of community-minded professionals. We believe all Vermonters should have a fair and just opportunity to be healthy and live in healthy communities. Located in downtown St Albans, we strive to offer a supportive, engaging, and healthy workplace to our employees. The schedule for this position allows for up to two days per week of teleworking, involves some evening and weekend activities, and occasional travel to meetings in other parts of Vermont as needed.
Women and individuals from underserved communities are encouraged to apply for the position.DIVISION OF LOCAL HEALTH - WHO WE AREThe Division of Local Health works to preserve and improve the equitable social, economic, and environmental conditions necessary to attain the highest level of health and well-being for all, thus ensuring healthy Vermonters.
The Division of Local Health is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and welcoming environment that respects and celebrates every person's strength, assets, and values.  The Division of Local Health is committed to leading organizational change efforts that address avoidable inequities and injustices as we work towards the elimination of health and health care disparities.

TELEWORK
State of Vermont telework policy requires at least three days a week working in the office. The Department of Health supports a hybrid work environment which combines both in person and remote work.  Upon hire, employees work with their supervisor to create a schedule that aligns with the business needs of the unit and complies with State of Vermont policy. We believe a hybrid work environment promotes autonomy and allows for increased flexibility and greater work/life balance.
MISSION - Promote the physical, mental, and social well-being of people in Vermont by advancing equity, protecting against disease and injury, and preparing for health emergencies.

VISION - All people and communities in Vermont have equitable opportunities to achieve their highest level of health and well-being.

Requirements

• Four (4) years or more of experience in public health, human services, emergency response, community engagement, program administration, human services related fields or health-related fields.
• Associate degree in public health, public administration, business administration, environmental science, emergency response, human services, social work, social sciences related fields or health-related fields and three (3) years or more of experience in public health, human services, emergency response, community engagement, program administration, human services related fields or health-related fields.
• Bachelor’s degree in public health, public administration, business administration, environmental science, emergency response, human services, social sciences related fields or health-related fields and two (2) years or more of experience in public health, human services, emergency response, community engagement, program administration, human services related fields or health-related fields.
• Master’s degree in public health, public administration, business administration, environmental science, emergency response, human services, social sciences related fields or health-related fields and one (1) year or more of experience in public health, human services, emergency response, community engagement, program administration, human services related fields or health-related fields.
• One (1) year or more of experience as Public Health Specialist II.
• Candidates must pass any level of background investigation applicable to the position. In accordance with AHS Policy 4.02, Hiring Standards, Vermont and/or national criminal record checks, as well as DMV and adult and child abuse registry checks, as appropriate to the position under recruitment, will be conducted on candidates, with the exception of those who are current classified state employees seeking transfer, promotion or demotion into an AHS classified position or are persons exercising re-employment (RIF) rights.
• Private means of transportation must be available for required travel.

Nice To Haves

• Strong communicator with group facilitation and training skills.
• Project management skills, including attention to detail and following through on tasks.
• Skilled at building relationships with community partners and volunteers.
• Ability to interpret state-level programmatic guidance into action that meets the needs of the local health office and community.
• Ability to implement public health interventions in an inclusive way.
• Knowledge or ability to learn Incident Command Structure and apply it in emergency situations.
• Skilled at working with volunteers.
• Comfortable prioritizing work and meeting deadlines
• Creative problem solver who can think of practical solutions.

Responsibilities

• Train and coach District Office staff on emergency preparedness and response.
• Work with our region's hospital and first responders to plan exercises and improve emergency response systems.
• Support the Northwestern Vermont Medical Reserve Corps Unit to keep the volunteer program active, relevant and growing.
• Promote resilience in systems, communities and individuals during non-emergency times.
• Translate state guidance into practical local actions that meet community needs while assessing and addressing regional health disparities.
• Build partnerships with community groups and stakeholders to improve local readiness.

Benefits

• 80% State paid medical premium and a dental plan at no cost for employees and their families
• Work/Life balance: 11 paid holidays each year and a generous leave plan
• State Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FMLI)
• Two ways to save for your retirement: A State defined benefit pension plan and a deferred compensation 457(b) plan
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Flexible spending healthcare and childcare reimbursement accounts
• Low cost group life insurance
• Incentive-based Wellness Program
• Qualified Employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Mid Level