Tobacco-Free Community Specialist

Valparaiso University • Valparaiso, IN

12h • $20 - $23 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Tobacco Free Community Specialist is responsible for implementing strategies and tactics to achieve goals, focusing on partnerships with organizations serving populations most impacted by tobacco and on promoting smoke-free air by eliminating secondhand smoke. This position will primarily work on efforts addressing Smoke-Free Communities and will conduct outreach to youth and adults to share prevention programs and cessation resources, and to educate the public on various aspects of tobacco and nicotine use. This position reports to the Program Director of the Tobacco Education and Prevention Coalition for Porter County, affiliated with the Valparaiso University College of Nursing and Health Professions.

Requirements

• A minimum of a Bachelor's degree is preferred in Health Education, Public Health, Communication, or one of the social, behavioral, or medical sciences.
• A minimum of one to two years of related experience in research, tobacco/smoking cessation, vaping prevention, health policy, public health outreach, community engagement, or health education.

Nice To Haves

• Strong leadership skills, especially in the area of community engagement, outreach, and/or coalition building
• Community organization skills; experience recruiting and organizing volunteers
• Marketing and networking skills; experience with developing community relationships
• Adept at the promotion of events and efforts via social media and the use of Canva
• An understanding of public health principles and best practices
• The ability to work independently in the office, hybrid, or remotely as necessary
• Excellent written and oral communication, including public speaking skills
• Excellent organizational skills, ability to meet deadlines
• Ability to multitask while maintaining a professional demeanor
• Experience with Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and WordPress
• Passion for the pursuit of health equity for all
• Commitment to cultural diversity and the ability to work with individuals or groups from diverse backgrounds.

Responsibilities

• Expanding reach by participating in primarily Porter County (with some regional/state) community events, conferences, meetings, and/or fairs within assigned geographic areas to promote events, campaigns, and resources.
• Develop and disseminate materials and messaging necessary to conduct outreach and educate critical individuals, groups, and community organizations.
• Building a grassroots support network of residents and employers to support local smoke-free workplaces and city and county initiatives.
• Supporting the coalition to strategize and collaborate with those who serve marginalized populations, including middle school and high school youth.
• Support the coalition in strategizing action and providing training and programming to reduce youth commercial tobacco use in the county through policies and programs, especially alternative school policies.
• Collaborating with the Program Director of the Tobacco Education & Prevention Coalition for Porter County.
• Submit periodic electronic reports as required.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level