State Education Representative

State of Maine•Augusta, ME

23h

About The Position

Are you passionate about helping students thrive and shaping healthier school communities across Maine? Join us as a Health Education and Health Promotion Specialist! In this statewide leadership role, you’ll empower PreK–12 schools with expert guidance, innovative resources, and high-quality professional development that elevate health education and wellness. You’ll drive programs and policies that strengthen instruction, support staff and student well-being, and bring the Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child vision to life. If you’re ready to make a meaningful impact on the health, safety, and success of every Maine learner, this is your opportunity to lead that change. PURPOSE: The position of Health Education and Health Promotion Specialist is to serve PreK-12 school units and the people of Maine within the Coordinated School Health team, Office of School and Student Supports. The position serves within a team of resource experts that provide statewide leadership, consultation, and direction for coordinated school health programs. This position works to synthesize and disseminate information regarding comprehensive health education that includes the Maine Learning Results for Health Education and health promotion that includes school site wellness programs. Responsibilities include ongoing professional development with and for school personnel and community representatives throughout the State of Maine and assisting with the implementation of comprehensive health education as part of the Maine Learning Results, and other Department initiatives. The position oversees the coordination, planning, development, implementation and supervision of statewide education, laws, policies and programs that I) guide and enhance the teaching of health education to ensure students have opportunities to demonstrate proficiency in the health education standards outlined in the Maine Learning Results; 2) assist in the establishment, implementation and maintenance of school site health promotion and wellness programs for staff and students; and 3) improve the school learning environment for staff and students through policies and programs related to health, prevention and academic achievement. All these efforts support the success of the whole school, whole community, and whole child.

Requirements

Knowledge of skills-based health education curriculum, instruction, and assessment design process
Knowledge of Maine Learning Results: implementing and assessing these standards
Knowledge of alternative assessment, developmental education, differentiated instruction and experiential learning as it relates to comprehensive health education
Knowledge of current learning research and effective educational practices including cross-curriculum integration.
Knowledge and understanding of most current practices and comprehensive evidence-based health education and health promotion models.
Knowledge of laws, rules, and regulations related to comprehensive health education, coordinated school health and student health.
Organization and responsiveness to the field and communities in a timely manner.
Ability to manage multiple projects, duties, and timelines simultaneously.
Ability to solve problems, provide leadership, and recognize limitations in the absence of direct authority.
Communication skills to develop and deliver presentations to individual and professional groups.
Ability to demonstrate and maintain a working knowledge of the health issues confronting students across the state of Maine.
Ability to provide leadership and direction in the creation and implementation of professional development initiatives within the Coordinated School Health team.
Ability to plan, organize, implement, evaluate, and document impact of professional development activities.
Ability to interpret and explain statutory requirements to schools and the public
Ability to successfully facilitate groups and assist with systemic change models/organizational development.
Ability to use exemplary interpersonal skills.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, colleagues, and schools, as well as representatives from local, state, and national agencies, organizations, and schools.
Working knowledge and skills of current technologies
Ability to professionally represent the Maine Department of Education and State of Maine.
Ability to write and manage successful funding applications and contracts.
Ability to work independently with limited supervision as well as with a team.
Advanced education, training, and/or experience in Education, Human Resource Development, Psychology, Business Administration, or a related field with demonstrated experience in staffing, training, multimedia promotions, and/or business planning.

Nice To Haves

Preference will be given to candidates with experience in K-12 health education, public health, or strong skills in health education as well as health promotion and wellness.

Responsibilities

ongoing professional development with and for school personnel and community representatives throughout the State of Maine
assisting with the implementation of comprehensive health education as part of the Maine Learning Results, and other Department initiatives
oversees the coordination, planning, development, implementation and supervision of statewide education, laws, policies and programs that I) guide and enhance the teaching of health education to ensure students have opportunities to demonstrate proficiency in the health education standards outlined in the Maine Learning Results; 2) assist in the establishment, implementation and maintenance of school site health promotion and wellness programs for staff and students; and 3) improve the school learning environment for staff and students through policies and programs related to health, prevention and academic achievement.

Benefits

Work-Life Balance – Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.
Health Insurance Coverage – The State of Maine pays 85%-100% of employee-only premiums ($11,857.68-$13,950.24 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.
Health Insurance Premium Credit – Participation decreases employee-only premiums by 5%. Visit the Office of Employee Health and Wellness for more information about program requirements.
Dental Insurance – The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($365.28 annual value).
Retirement Plan – The State of Maine contributes 14.11% of pay to the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS), on behalf of the employee.
Gym Membership Reimbursement – Improve overall health with regular exercise and receive up to $40 per month to offset this expense.
Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts – Set aside money pre-tax to help pay for out-of-pocket health care expenses and/or daycare expenses.
Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness – The State of Maine is a qualified employer for this federal program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid office.
Living Resources Program – Navigate challenging work and life situations with our employee assistance program.
Parental leave is one of the most important benefits for any working parent. All employees who are welcoming a child—including fathers and adoptive parents—receive forty-two (42) consecutive calendar days of fully paid parental leave. Additional, unpaid leave may also be available, under the Family and Medical Leave Act.
Voluntary Deferred Compensation – Save additional pre-tax funds for retirement in a MaineSaves 457(b) account through payroll deductions.
State employees are eligible for an extensive and highly competitive benefits package, covering many aspects of wellness. Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness.