School Health Promoter - Public Health

Nova Scotia Health and IWK Health•Sydney, NS

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

Reporting to the Manager, Healthy Communities, the Health Promoter, works in collaboration with the Regional Centre for Education and Public Health Healthy Communities to address local population health needs and to take action to improve population health and reduce health inequities focused on the school environments. The Health Promoter is responsible to support the implementation of Healthy School Communities/Health Promoting Schools (HSC/HPS) models and plans with designated Regional Centre for Educations. The Health Promoter is the champion for healthy school communities/health promoting schools work, fosters cooperation, collaboration, and coordination with and between school communities as well as with and between school and health personnel. The position requires a strong background in health promotion, understanding of comprehensive school health, community development, knowledge of the school system and a solid track record in building strategic partnerships. The Health Promoter, using evidence informed strategies, seeks and advocates for policy and system change through community engagement, coalition building and partnership development. The Health Promoter continually assesses understanding of community’s health through ongoing and informal means (gathers local intelligence, seeks out experiences and stories) and conducts formal community health assessment processes. The Health Promoter uses persuasive communication techniques and strong facilitation skills to bring others along in the work to create system/culture change. Evidence is translated on an ongoing basis throughout the planning cycle (assessment, development, implementation and evaluation) to build understanding and to motivate and inspire action, among colleagues and with community partners. For direction and guidance the position is accountable to the HSC/HPS governance structure within their respective Regional Centre for Education.

Requirements

Bachelor of Health Promotion (or equivalent degree) and 3 years of relevant experience required, or an equivalent combination of education and experience as determined by the employer
Recent experience in advocating for healthy public policies at a local or provincial level
Initiating, establishing, and mobilizing multi-sector partnerships
Gathering and analyzing information to identify public health issues
Demonstrated success in building strategic partnerships, networks, coalitions, and collaborative working relationships with a variety of internal and external partners to support healthy community work
Understanding of a population-based approach, community development, and health equity
Demonstrates the core competencies for public health
Knowledge of Health Protection Act and other relevant regulations, legislation, and acts
Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, including team building, negotiation, and conflict management
Demonstrated ability to work cooperatively and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary setting with a strong focus on citizen/community engagement
Commitment to promoting a culture of respect that supports safety, ethical practices, cultural safety, and organizational health
Commitment to continuous improvement and innovation
Travel will be required so a valid driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle is needed

Nice To Haves

Competencies in other languages an asset

Responsibilities

Support the implementation of Healthy School Communities/Health Promoting Schools (HSC/HPS) models and plans with designated Regional Centre for Educations.
Champion healthy school communities/health promoting schools work.
Foster cooperation, collaboration, and coordination with and between school communities as well as with and between school and health personnel.
Seek and advocate for policy and system change through community engagement, coalition building and partnership development.
Continually assess understanding of community’s health through ongoing and informal means (gathers local intelligence, seeks out experiences and stories).
Conduct formal community health assessment processes.
Use persuasive communication techniques and strong facilitation skills to bring others along in the work to create system/culture change.
Translate evidence on an ongoing basis throughout the planning cycle (assessment, development, implementation and evaluation) to build understanding and to motivate and inspire action, among colleagues and with community partners.