Community Engagement Specialist

Job Responsibilities Careers at DPH: Work that makes a difference! Embracing Service, Inspiring Innovation, Promoting Teamwork, Pursuing Excellence, and Advancing Equity Under direct supervision of the Senior Health Educator (Community Engagement Manager), the health education specialist: (1) assures the coordination of community health assessments and development of community health improvement plans/activities in the assigned counties; (2) plans and implements community- based Chronic Disease Risk Reduction interventions which address the health risk factors of physical inactivity, poor nutrition, tobacco use, obesity, cancer, diabetes , arthritis and other related chronic diseases; and (3) supports health behavior change at the individual, community, institutional and public policy levels in assigned counties. Provides leadership in the assessment of state regional, county health data, community resources and processes to determine at-risk populations and risk factors to be addressed. Facilitates the development of community health assessments and community planning to identify strategic issues and priority health problems. Implements evidenced-based policy, systems, and environmental (PSE) change strategies directed toward community health improvement. Provides consultation, and technical assistance to health department staff, community organizations, health care systems, programs and local coalitions/task forces addressing population health and chronic disease risk reduction for at-risk populations. Establishes and maintains strong working relationships with stakeholders, including other programs, government agencies, and non-governmental lay and professional groups to build support for chronic disease prevention and control. Uses effective community engagement strategies to facilitate coordination/collaboration and address chronic disease issues. Leverage resources to impact prevention and create partnerships. Evaluates the implementation and effectiveness of programmatic and community-based interventions through the collection/analysis of process and outcome variables. Maintains and submits required reports to region leadership and program management as required in a timely manner. Participates in required state, regional and program meetings/courses/trainings. Participates in training to improve health education skills, maintains or develops content specific proficiency, and keeps abreast of changes in program standards, policies, and procedures including CHES/MCHES credentialing. Minimum And Additional Requirements State Minimum Requirements: A bachelor’s degree in health education, health promotion, or a closely related field such as psychology, biology, sociology, education, or physical education and health education experience. Some positions require a valid driver's license. Any equivalent combination of education and/or experience that demonstrates the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered in meeting the minimum qualifications, subject to approval by the DPH Chief Human Resources Officer, or their delegate. Applicants indicating college credit or degree(s) on the application may upload an unofficial copy of the transcript as an attachment to the application. Please note that the agency will require an official, certified copy of the transcript or diploma prior to hiring. Institutions of Higher Learning must be recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. Preferred Qualifications Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) or Master Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES) through the National Commission of Health Education Credentialing, Inc. or CHES/MCHES-eligible. Additional Comments EEO: The Department of Public Health is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions including, but not limited, to lactation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability, or genetic information. REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION: Applicants needing accommodation for medical reasons or a sincerely held religious belief may submit a request for accommodation. A reasonable accommodation may be granted if it doesn't impose an undue hardship or pose a direct threat to the health and safety of others. STATE DISASTER PLAN: In accordance with the State's Disaster Plan, which includes hazardous weather, Department of Public Health employees may be required to work in times of an emergency or disaster. DRIVING RECORD: If this position requires the applicant to possess a valid driver's license to operate a state vehicle or personal vehicle, any applicant being considered in the final stages of selection for the position will be required to provide a certified copy of a 10-year driving record. The South Carolina Department of Public Health offers an exceptional benefits package for FTE positions that includes: 15 days Annual (Vacation) Leave per year 15 days Sick Leave per year 13 Paid Holidays Paid Parental Leave Health, dental, vision, long-term disability, and life insurance for employees, spouse, and children. Click here for additional information. S.C. Deferred Compensation Program available (S.C. Deferred Compensation) Retirement benefit choices * State Retirement Plan (SCRS) State Optional Retirement Program (State ORP) Enrollment in one of the listed plans is required for all FTE employees; please refer to the contribution section of hyperlinked retirement sites for the current contribution rate of gross pay. HYBRID WORK: The option to work partially remote or adjusted work hours may be available after 12 months of employment for approved positions. Benefits For State Employees The state of South Carolina offers eligible employees generous benefits, including health and dental insurance; retirement and savings plan options; and paid vacation and sick leave. Plus, work-life balance programs such as telecommuting and flexible work schedules are available to employees of some state agencies. Insurance Benefits Eligible employees may enroll in health insurance, which includes prescription coverage and wellness benefits. Other available insurance benefits include dental, vision, term life insurance, long term disability and flexible spending accounts for health and child care expenses. Retirement Benefits State employees are also offered retirement plan options, including defined benefit and defined contribution plans. Additionally, eligible employees may elect to participate in the South Carolina Deferred Compensation Program, which is a voluntary, supplemental retirement savings plan offering 401(k) and 457 plan options. Workplace Benefits State employees may also be eligible for other benefits, including tuition assistance; holiday, annual and sick leave; and discounts on purchases, travel and more. Note: The benefits above are available to most state employees, with the exception of those in temporary positions. Employees in temporary grant and time-limited positions may be eligible for all, some or none of these benefits as benefits are associated with each position type. For these positions, contact the hiring agency to determine what benefits may be available. Employment Authorization and Visa Sponsorship Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and must maintain valid work authorization throughout the duration of their employment. This agency does not sponsor employment-based visas, including but not limited to H-1B visas, nor does it provide sponsorship for permanent residency or other employment-based immigration benefits now or in the future. Individuals who are authorized to work in the United States under Optional Practical Training (OPT) through a valid F-1 student visa may apply, provided they possess current employment authorization and do not require employer sponsorship to continue working in the United States at any point during employment. All offers of employment are contingent upon verification of identity and eligibility to work in the United States in accordance with federal law. This agency complies with all applicable federal employment eligibility verification requirements. By submitting this application, I certify that I am legally authorized to work in the United States and will not require employer sponsorship for a work visa now or at any time during employment. 01 Employment Authorization and Visa Sponsorship Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and must maintain valid work authorization throughout the duration of their employment. This agency does not sponsor employment-based visas, including but not limited to H-1B visas, nor does it provide sponsorship for permanent residency or other employment-based immigration benefits now or in the future. Individuals who are authorized to work in the United States under Optional Practical Training (OPT) through a valid F-1 student visa may apply, provided they possess current employment authorization and do not require employer sponsorship to continue working in the United States at any point during employment. All offers of employment are contingent upon verification of identity and eligibility to work in the United States in accordance with federal law. This agency complies with all applicable federal employment eligibility verification requirements. By submitting this application, I certify that I am legally authorized to work in the United States and will not require employer sponsorship for a work visa now or at any time during employment. Yes No 02 Do you have a bachelor's degree in health education, public health education, school health education, community health education, health promotion, or a closely related field that confers CHES/MCHES eligibility? Yes No 03 Do you have a bachelor's degree and two (2) years of health education experience? Yes No 04 Do you have a master's degree in health education, public health education, school health education, community health education, health promotion and one (1) year of health education experience? Yes No 05 Are you a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) or Master Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES) through the National Commission of Health Education Credentialing, Inc. or CHES/MCHES-eligible? Yes No 06 Do you have a valid driver's license and reliable transportation, in the event a state automobile is not available? Yes No 07 DPH employees are required to participate in disaster preparedness during hazardous weather or declaration of an emergency. This involves being subject to duty and/or call on a 24-hour basis. Will you be able to meet this requirement? Yes No 08 Are you able to work diverse hours, such as early (before 8:30 am), evenings (after 5:00 pm) or weekends? Yes No 09 Are you able to meet the requirement to stand for long periods of time, if required? Yes No 10 Are you able to meet the requirement to lift 30 pounds, if required? Yes No 11 All new employees who are healthcare providers will be required to provide documentation of immunity or be immunized against measles, mumps, rubella, pertussis, varicella, Hepatitis B prior to beginning employment. Are you willing to receive these vaccines or provide documentation of immunity? Yes No 12 Are you CHES/MCHES certified or CHES/MCHES eligible? Yes No 13 If yes to #12, list certification number: 14 Which of the following best describes your relevant work experience? No relevant experience 1 - 2 Years 3 - 5 Years 5+ Years Equivalent combination of education and experience 15 Would you be willing to accept a salary within the hiring range of $45,900 - $55,900? Yes No 16 Are you currently working for or have ever worked for South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC) or South Carolina Department of Public Health (SCDPH)? Yes No 17 Supplemental questions are considered part of your official application. Any misrepresentation will result in your disqualification from employment. Please complete the state application to include all current and previous work history and education. The application and not an attached resume will be reviewed to determine if an applicant has met the qualifications for the position. I have read and understand this statement. Yes No 18 Applicants indicating college credit or degree(s) on the application may upload an unofficial copy of the transcript as an attachment to the application. Please note that the agency will require an official, certified copy of the transcript or diploma prior to hiring. I have read and understand this statement. Yes No 19 If this position requires the applicant to possess a valid driver’s license to operate a state vehicle or personal vehicle, any applicant being considered in the final stages of selection for the position will be required to provide a certified copy of a 10-year driving record. I have read and understand this statement. Yes No 20 How did you hear about this position? State NEOGOV Website ( LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook Employee Referral/Agency Recruiter College Job Board Job Fair External Job Board (SC Works, Indeed, Association) Other Required Question #J-18808-Ljbffr