PUBLIC HEALTH EDUCATION SPECIALIST - 40007775

Join Durham County Government
Durham County Government is home to over 2,000 dedicated professionals working together to deliver essential services that strengthen and support our vibrant, diverse community. As the heart of a fast-growing region, we offer meaningful careers across a wide range of fields—giving you the opportunity to make a real impact where you live, work, grow, and play. Learn more at www.dconc.gov.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION: 

The Public Health Education Specialist engages community leaders and residents to address chronic health conditions, related risk factors, and opportunities for behavior change. The position works with older adults to promote healthy aging and implements evidence-based programs, including physical activity initiatives focused on balance and falls prevention. This position is responsible for coordinating the chronic disease evidence-based programs and associated volunteers. Other responsibilities include coordinating men’s health activities, including the Men’s Health Council meetings and forums, supporting specified cancer awareness and prevention initiatives, autoimmune condition education, and community outreach activities, which includes engaging faith‑based organizations.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The essential functions listed below are those that represent the majority of the time spent working in this position. Management may assign additional functions related to the type of work of the position as necessary.

• • Researches and identifies sources of accurate program data.
  • Utilizes the principles and practices of public health education in the provision of chronic disease-related services and information.
  • Identifies gaps in health care, nutrition, exercise programs, and other community resources that impact chronic diseases, such as diabetes.
  • Works as part of a team to organize and promote community groups interested in chronic disease management and control.
  • Fosters partnerships between health related organizations, health care providers, faith based groups, and neighborhood residents to develop health advocacy and outreach activities.
  • Shares health information and connects neighborhood residents with health service providers and agencies.
  • Performs related work as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Requires considerable knowledge of theories, principles, and practices of public health education.
• Thorough knowledge of program planning, implementation, and evaluation principles and methodologies.
• Must demonstrate the ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with individuals, groups, and communities, including departmental personnel, community organizations, and the public.
• Requires strong oral and written communication skills, cross‑cultural expertise, and the ability to work independently and in a team environment.
• Ability to contribute to grant writing, policy development, and reporting.
• Considerable skill in the development, selection, and use of effective educational materials.
• Some early morning, evening, and weekend work required.
• Experience with evidence-based trainings: Self-Management series, Matter of Balance etc. preferred.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• • Graduation from a four-year college or university with a major in health education and one year of experience in public health education or a related field; graduation from a four-year college or university and two years of experience in public health education; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

To further the mission of the Durham County Department of Public Health (DCoDPH) to partner with our community to advance health equity, protect the environment, and promote health and wellness for all, DCoDPH is implementing the employee vaccination and tuberculosis screening policies. All DCoDPH employees are considered healthcare personnel (HCP) working in a health care setting with the potential for exposure to patients and/or infectious materials and, therefore, are required to comply and provide documented proof of the following:

• Measles, Mumps & Rubella (MMR) vaccination/immunity; 
• Varicella-Zoster Virus (Chicken Pox) vaccination/immunity; 
• Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis);
• Tuberculosis (TB) baseline screening within the last twelve (12) months prior to employment.
• Hepatitis B vaccination/immunity – only required for DCoDPH employees with potential Bloodborne Pathogen (BBP) exposures.

Identified DCoDPH HCP with potential Bloodborne Pathogen (BBP) exposure have an additional requirement for the Hepatitis B vaccination. Required vaccination, serological testing to determine immunity, and baseline tuberculosis screening are available for all Public Health employees who elect to become DCoDPH patients upon request and at no cost.

Proof of vaccination and tuberculosis screening must be provided to Human Resources within seven (7) business days prior to the date of employment.

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT COMPLIANCE:

Durham County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ADA requires Durham County to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss ADA accommodations with management. 

BACKGROUND CHECK STATEMENT:

This position may be subject to a background check, which could include, but is not limited to, criminal history (employment-related and/or SBI fingerprint-based), credit history, motor vehicle records, educational verification, and checks of the sexual offender registry, depending on the specific requirements of the role. A conviction record does not automatically disqualify an applicant from employment consideration, unless otherwise required by applicable state law.