Community Health Education Specialist

Overview:

Leads and supports the strategic planning, implementation and evaluation of community-based health programs aimed at addressing health disparities. Works with department leaders to identify areas of need and align outreach efforts and programming with AAMC’s service line initiatives in primary, secondary and target markets. Develops and maintains strategic partnerships with community, government and other stakeholders to address medical needs and social determinants of health in socio-economic and culturally diverse communities. Collaborates with partner organizations to achieve greater impact, avoid duplication and enhance the effectiveness of the health education efforts. This position has an emphasis on community mobilization, basic assessment skills, program planning and development, communication, cultural competence, and policy development.

Work is generally performed both independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team.

Individual must have excellent communication and customer service skills.  The individual must also be able to prioritize projects and tasks, problem solve and identify solutions, and time management skills.

Essential Functions:

1)      Leads strategies that measurably improve health and wellbeing in underserved communities.

• Responsible for coordinating staffing and resources for community education programs, events and screenings. Serves as the onsite coordinator to ensure team is prepared, programs are conducted as planned, and to serve as a liaison with community organizations.
• Works with department and service line leaders to update, evaluate, and develop prevention and wellness programs based on best practices and current research.
• Works collaboratively with leadership to identify community benefit program opportunities and develop innovative approaches to population health improvement.

2)      Develops information, educational marketing and outreach materials to convey health information for community education utilizing a variety of approaches.

• Maintains community outreach calendar and dashboard reports
• Provides direct education on wide variety of community and public health topics as needed.

3)      Conducts research, data collection, analysis and writing as necessary on a variety of topics including community benefit programs, health needs assessments and population health.

• In collaboration with the Director, collects Community Benefit Report data, including financial data and qualitative data. 
• Provides education and training to department leaders on community benefit principles, use of software and record-keeping.
• Identifies cultural patterns and health disparities influencing community health practices; Develops, implements, coordinates and evaluates community health programs as needed; makes recommendations for improvements based on data and research.

4)      Leads and coordinates effective collaboration with external partners, including community residents, non-profits, for-profits, government agencies, schools/school districts, and other health care organizations.

• Represents AAMC on coalitions, advisory boards, committees, planning groups, etc. Provides assistance to these groups on topics relevant to health care, policy and systems change strategies for population health improvement.
• Solicits community-based input from individuals and organizations that will inform development of public health policy and programs.
• Enhances the visibility of AAMC by seeking out opportunities for programming and collaboration with partners in the primary, secondary, and target markets.
• Recruits and supports community members for engagement in coalitions, work groups, advisory groups, and other health initiatives.

 Required Qualifications:

Education:

Possession of a bachelors degree from an accredited college or university in community health, public health, or a related field. Master’s degree preferred.

Experience:

Five (5) years.

Substitution:
Possession of a CHES certification or a Masters degree from an accredited college or university in community health, public health, or related field may be substituted for one (1) year of the required experience.

Working Conditions/Physical Requirements:

Light Work: Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force consistently to move objects. If the use of arm and/or leg controls requires exertion of forces greater than that for Sedentary Work and the worker sits most of the time, the job is rated for Light Work.

There is reasonable expectation that employees in this position will be exposed to blood-borne pathogens.

Other Requirements:

Must be able to travel to various locations within and outside of Anne Arundel County to meet the program needs and to fulfill the job responsibilities. The incumbent is required to maintain a valid Maryland drivers license and must be able to attend evening and weekend meetings, events, and programs.