Community Engagement Specialist

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 evidence-based policy, systems, and environmental 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 social determinants of health, population health and chronic disease risk reduction for at-risk populations.

Establishes/maintains strong working relationships with stakeholders, including other programs, government agencies, community-based organizations, 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 in a timely manner.

Participates in required state, regional and program meetings/courses. Participates in training to improve health education skills, to maintain or develop content specific proficiency, and keeps abreast of changes in program standards, policies, and procedures including Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) / Master Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES) credentialing.

Performs other related duties as assigned, including community outreach for special projects and/or public health emergencies.

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.

Institutions of Higher Learning must be recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.

Agency Additional Requirements: 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 eligibility and two (2) years of health education experience; or a Master's Degree in the above and one (1) year of health education experience.

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 SCDPH 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.

Preferred Qualifications

Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) or Master Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES) or CHES/MCHES-eligible is preferred.

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.

IMMUNIZATION: All new employees who are healthcare providers are required to provide documentation of immunity or be immunized against Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Pertussis, Varicella, and Hepatitis B prior to beginning employment.

The South Carolina Department of Public Health offers an exceptional benefits package for Full Time Employees (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 *

*Enrollment in one of the listed plans is required for all Full Time Employees (FTE); 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

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.