Public Relations Specialist

Senior Public Health Promotion SpecialistTo perform advanced technical work involving the implementation of a statewide program of public health promotion; to assist in planning and supervising the work of a staff engaged in carrying out a public health promotion program; and to do related work as required.Works under the general supervision of a superior with considerable latitude for the exercise of independent judgement and initiative; work is assigned in general outline and checked upon completion for results obtained and conformance with program objectives, laws, policies and accepted professional standards.Assists in training, supervising and reviewing the work of a staff of technical and clerical personnel engaged in a statewide public health promotion program.Illustrative examples of work performed:To perform advanced technical work involving the implementation of a statewide program of public health promotion to reduce mortality and morbidity from major chronic and/or infectious diseases and injury through changes in attitudes, knowledge and behavior.To assist in the instruction, supervision and review of staff members engaged in performing various activities associated with a program of public health promotion.To develop and monitor a continuous and effective statewide public health promotion program utilizing, but not limited to the following: exhibit material, multi-media presentations, lectures and community grouped discussions; seminars; and professional symposia.To provide research and coordination in the preparation, selection, assembly and distribution of public health promotion materials, both separately and as part of a major multi-media public health promotion campaign.To promote and provide assistance and coordination to community agencies, professional and consumer groups and the public in familiarizing and understanding public health promotion programs of the department and in developing local public health promotion programs.To assist in coordinating and supervising the development of public health promotion programs addressing smoking, substance abuse, nutrition, fitness and exercise, seatbelt use, immunizations, infectious and sexually transmitted diseases and other major health risk behaviors, particularly those associated with heart disease, cancer, stroke, injury and other preventable communicable and/or chronic diseases.To plan, attend and give oral presentations at conferences, meetings, institutions and special promotional campaigns, as well as professional symposiums.To coordinate the gathering, preparation, analysis and interpretation of data and reports related to public health promotion programs, functions, activities and health risk behaviors in the population.To do related work as required.Required qualifications for appointment:Knowledges, skills and capacities: A thorough knowledge of principles, practices and techniques of public health; a thorough knowledge of public relation techniques and the ability to apply such knowledge in the performance of advanced technical work associated with the development, implementation and evaluation of public health promotion programs; a working knowledge of chronic and/or communicable diseases epidemiology; the ability to make written and oral presentations concerning a statewide program of public health promotion; the ability to assist in the instruction, supervision and review of a subordinate staff engaged in the development and implementation of a statewide public health promotion program; the ability to propose, conduct and report public health promotion research and demonstration projects in accordance with accepted principles of scientific methodology; the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with superiors, associates, subordinates, public groups and private and public agencies; and related capacities and abilities.Education and experience: Such as may have been gained through: graduation from a college of recognized standing with specialization in Public Health, Public Administration or a closely related field; and considerable employment in a responsible position in a public or private agency involving the application of health promotion and public relations for public health programs. Or, any combination of education and experience that shall be substantially equivalent to the above education and experience. State of Rhode Island