Community Health Consultant

Salary : $61,713.60 - $95,680.00 Annually
Location : Des Moines - 50319 - Polk County, IA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 26-03285
Agency: 400 Health & Human Services - Behavioral Health
Opening Date: 06/10/2026
Closing Date: 6/21/2026 11:59 PM Central
LinkedIn Tag: #LI-POST
Point of Contact: Pam Dolezal - View email address on click.appcast.io


Job Description

Only applicants who meet the Minimum Qualification Requirements and meet all selective requirements (listed below) will be placed on the eligible list.
Project Coordinator - Behavioral Health Division
Make a meaningful impact on behavioral health across Iowa.

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Division of Behavioral Health, is seeking a motivated, collaborative professional to serve as a Project Coordinator supporting key statewide behavioral health initiatives. This is an opportunity to contribute to work that strengthens prevention, treatment, and recovery services and improves outcomes for individuals, families, and communities across Iowa.
Our Mission

To strengthen Iowa's behavioral health system by supporting coordinated, high-quality services that promote well-being, resilience, and recovery.
Our Vision

A responsive, data-informed behavioral health system where Iowans have access to comprehensive, evidence-based care across the full continuum of services.
About the Role

The Project Coordinator plays a central role in supporting the implementation, monitoring, and coordination of behavioral health projects, with a primary focus on the State Opioid Response (SOR) grant. This position works closely with internal program teams, community partners, treatment providers, and leadership to ensure consistent, effective service delivery statewide.
Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate with Project Directors and Coordinators to manage and support behavioral health projects, with emphasis on SOR-funded prevention, treatment, and recovery services.
• Coordinate with programs across the Behavioral Health Division and statewide partners to promote consistent, connected services across the behavioral health continuum.
• Participate in implementing the Behavioral Health Service System state plan, with primary focus on treatment and recovery strategies.
• Organize and support training, technical assistance, and information sharing efforts related to grant activities.
• Lead coordination of annual and follow up site visits for SOR and other discretionary grants.
• Assist in developing performance standards for contracted agencies; support ongoing agency monitoring and evaluation.
• Support program data processes including collection, accuracy review, analysis, and fiscal tracking.
• Work with leadership and evaluators to implement systems for data collection and results dissemination.
• Prepare required reports for federal partners, departmental leadership, and project stakeholders.

Ideal Candidate Qualifications

• Experience in behavioral health, public health, social services, or related fields
• Strong project coordination or project management experience
• Understanding of behavioral health prevention, treatment, and recovery systems
• Experience working with federally funded or discretionary grants
• Skilled in data collection, accurate review, analysis, and reporting
• Ability to collaborate effectively with diverse partners and stakeholders
• Strong communication, organization, and multitasking skills
• Experience supporting program monitoring, evaluation, or site visits
• Familiarity with fiscal processes including expenditure review or budget tracking
• Commitment to supporting Iowans through effective, data-informed behavioral health services

Benefits

Working for the State of Iowa comes with its perks. In addition to a competitive salary, you'll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being and professional growth:

• Health, Dental, and Vision Coverage: Health and dental insurance packages to keep you and your family healthy at a low cost with outstanding coverage!
• Paid Time Off: Take time to recharge with paid time off, including vacation (96 hours/year to begin, increasing with years of service), sick leave (144 hours/year), and paid holidays (9 days/year).
• Retirement Plans: Participate in retirement plans such as IPERS (employees contribute 6.29% and the State of Iowa contributes 9.44%) as well as our Retirement Investors Club (RIC), Employer Sponsored Retirement Plan (the State of Iowa matches dollar for dollar up to $75/month).
• Flexible Spending Accounts: Take advantage of flexible spending accounts for medical and dependent care expenses.
• Insurance Coverage: Benefit from life insurance and free long-term disability insurance for added peace of mind.
• Employee Assistance Program: Access resources and support through our Employee Assistance Program for personal and professional challenges.
• Employee Discount Programs: Enjoy discounts on a variety of goods and services through our employee discount programs.

For additional information on benefits


to see how we compare with other employers or offers by using our Total Compensation Calculator.

Background Checks

Applicants will be required to complete a background check to be considered for this position.


The State of Iowa is an EEO/AA Employer

HHS values those with "lived experience" and encourages adults who were fostered as youth, foster parents, and/or parents who were in the DHS system to apply. Minorities, women, persons with disabilities and veterans are encouraged to apply (Hearing and Speech Impaired - Relay Iowa View phone number on click.appcast.io TDD).

E-Verify and Right to Work

The State of Iowa participates in E-Verify, a federal program that helps employers confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. Within the required timeframe, new hires will be verified through the E-Verify system to ensure authorization to work in the United States. The State of Iowa also complies with the federal Right to Work laws, which protect employees' rights to work without being required to join a labor organization. For more information, please visit
Selectives
535 Public Health
6 months' experience, 12 semester hours, or a combination of both related to improving, maintaining, and protecting the general condition of health within society, either on a personal, institutional, organizational, or community basis. Experience may be gained from direct provision of health care or from other ancillary programs and support mechanisms such as government public health departments.

OR

663 Substance Abuse Programs 6 months' experience, 12 semester hours, or a combination of both in prevention programs, clinical substance abuse, or preventative abuse (counselors, treatment workers) that includes: • Applicants who develop and/or present programs designed to inform a population on the use, abuse, and dependency of alcohol or other drugs. • Initiation, design and/or review of education curriculums, which include alcohol/drug, related information (pharmacology, reasons for use, chemical dependency, etc.). • Presentations to professionals, community organizations, youth in school, on chemical dependency. • Preparation of media campaigns, including newspaper articles and public service announcements on prevention of substance abuse. • Training of youth, parents, and professionals in assertiveness training ("saying no" strategies), communication skills, assertive discipline, decision-making, peer helping, employee assistance programming, and/or student assistance programming. • Consultation with community organizations or other human service providers to develop prevention programming. • Provide OWI classes to first-time offenders. • Inform the public of the effects of chemical dependency on families.

Minimum Qualification Requirements


Graduation from an accredited college or university with major coursework in nursing, a human services or health-oriented field, or education, or nutrition and three years of professional experience in these areas;
OR
Master's degree in nursing, public health or science, a human services or health-oriented field, or education, may be substituted for one year of the required experience;
OR
certification as a paramedic and the equivalent of three years of full-time experience as a paramedic;
OR
an equivalent or combination of the required education and experience, totaling seven years, will be qualifying.

For additional information, please click on this .
Why Choose the State of Iowa?

At the heart of our commitment to excellence is a dedication to our most valuable asset - our employees. Discover the outstanding benefits that set us apart as an employer of choice.

Our Robust Benefits Package Includes:

Competitive Compensation:

Enjoy a competitive salary that reflects directly on your skills and expertise.

Keep in mind, your wage is just one part of your total compensation. Unlock the complete value of your employment with the State of Iowa by using our user-friendlyGain insights into your comprehensive annual compensation, including salary and State-provided benefits.

Health and Wellness:

Prioritize your well-being with our comprehensive health plans, including medical, dental, and vision coverage. Enjoy the peace of mind knowing that the State of Iowa covers 90% of the premiums, providing you and your loved ones with excellent coverage at a remarkably low cost.

Retirement Planning:

We are proud to offer the Iowa Public Employees Retirement System (IPERS). A defined benefit plan, IPERS benefits are guaranteed for life, meaning once you retire, you will receive the same monthly benefit for the remainder of your life (once vested). We invest in your long-term financial well-being, so you can retire with peace of mind.

Paid Time Off:

Life is unpredictable, and at the State of Iowa, we understand the importance of work-life balance. Our leave policies, including paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave with unlimited accrual, ensure you have the flexibility you need for personal and family matters.

Professional Development:

Elevate your career with continuous learning opportunities. We support your growth through training programs, workshops, and tuition reimbursement.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP):

We care about your well-being beyond the workplace. Access confidential counseling, resources, and support through our Employee Assistance Program.

Diversity and Inclusion:

Be part of a diverse and inclusive workplace that embraces all backgrounds and perspectives. We believe diversity is a strength that drives innovation.

Join Us - Elevate Your Career:

Ready to elevate your career with the State of Iowa?to explore more about our unparalleled benefits and discover what makes us unique. Your success is our priority!
01


Do you understand that the answers to all of the following questions must be truthful, honest, and accurate to the best of your ability? Please read all questions and answers thoroughly and make sure you understand them completely. Ensure the answers to your questions match the information filled out on your application and the attachments you have uploaded. If the answers to your questions are inconsistent with your application information or uploaded attachments, you will be given zero points for the question. Knowingly misrepresenting the facts when submitting any information related to an application, examination, certification, appeal, or any other facet of the selection process will result in your disqualification from this application and future employment with the state of Iowa.

• Yes - I understand and agree.
• No

02



PLEASE READ CAREFULLY
Have you filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq?

• No - I have NOT filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq
• Yes - I HAVE filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq

03


Have you graduated from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's Degree with major coursework in nursing, a human services or health-oriented field, or education, or nutrition? IF YES How many years do you have of full-time professional experience in these areas?

• Not applicable - I do not have a Bachelor's Degree in the specified areas
• No experience in the identified areas
• Less than three years of experience in nursing, a human services or health-oriented field, education, or nutrition
• Three years or more of experience in nursing, a human services or health-oriented field, education, or nutrition

04


Do you have a Master's degree in nursing, public health or science, a human services or health-oriented field, or education? IF YES How many years do you have of full-time professional experience in these areas?

• Not applicable - I do not have a Master's Degree in the specified areas
• Less than two years of experience in nursing, a human services or health-oriented field, education, or nutrition
• Two years or more of experience in nursing, a human services or health-oriented field, education, or nutrition

05


Do you have certification as a paramedic? IF YES How many years do you have of full-time experience as a paramedic?

• Not applicable - I am not a certified paramedic
• No experience as a paramedic
• Less than three years of experience as a paramedic
• Three years or more of experience as a paramedic

06


How many years do you have of a combination of the required education (post high school education in nursing, a human services or health-oriented field, or education, or nutrition) AND/OR experience in nursing, a human services or health-oriented field, education, or nutrition?

• Less than seven years of experience and/or education in nursing, a human services or health-oriented field, education, or nutrition
• Seven or more years of experience and/or education in nursing, a human services or health-oriented field, education, or nutrition
• I do not have any of the identified education and experience

07


Does your application demonstrate that you have 6 months' experience, 12 semester hours, or a combination of both related to improving, maintaining, and protecting the general condition of health within society, either on a personal, institutional, organizational, or community basis? (Experience may be gained from direct provision of health care or from other ancillary programs and support mechanisms such as government public health departments).

• Yes
• No

08


If you answered "Yes" to the question above - please list exactly HOW you meet it: list exact classes and credit hours, employer, dates and hours per week and exact duties. Please do not paste or state - See application or resume. If you answered no to the question above please type in "No" in the box below.
09


Does your application demonstrate that you have 6 months' experience, 12 semester hours, or a combination of both in prevention programs, clinical substance abuse, orpreventative abuse (counselors, treatment workers) that includes:

• Applicants who develop and/or present programs designed to inform a population on the use, abuse, and dependency of alcohol or other drugs.
• Initiation, design and/or review of education curriculums, which include alcohol/drug, related information (pharmacology, reasons for use, chemical dependency, etc.).
• Presentations to professionals, community organizations, youth in school, on chemical dependency.
• Preparation of media campaigns, including newspaper articles and public service announcements on prevention of substance abuse.
• Training of youth, parents, and professionals in assertiveness training ("saying no" strategies), communication skills, assertive discipline, decision-making, peer helping, employee assistance programming, and/or student assistance programming.
• Consultation with community organizations or other human service providers to develop prevention programming.
• Provide OWI classes to first-time offenders.
• Inform the public of the effects of chemical dependency on families?

• Yes
• No

10


If you answered "Yes" to the question above - please list exactly HOW you meet it: list exact classes and credit hours, employer, dates and hours per week and exact duties. Please do not paste or state - See application or resume. If you answered no to the question above please type in "No" in the box below.
Required Question