Title:  Public Health Specialist III

Overview

We are seeking a bright, energetic, dedicated, well-organized public health professional with great listening and communication skills to join our team in the White River Junction Local Health Office. The Public Health Specialist, Chronic Disease Designee (CDD) supports various health department efforts to improve health outcomes in residents in the White River Junction District of East Central Vermont.

The focus of this this position will be on systems-level work and engagement with multiple sectors and community partners to improve the health of populations, especially those experiencing the greatest disparities: BIPOC, LGBTQ, people with disabilities, populations with low socioeconomic status and rural communities. Priority areas of work include improving chronic disease health outcomes, including those related to oral health, tobacco prevention and cessation, and improving access to preventive care. Ideal candidates should have an understanding of the root causes of health inequities and familiarity with initiating and maintaining deliberate collaboration across sectors, particularly with new and non-traditional partners.    
          

Examples of work include:

• Identify, plan, implement, and evaluate systemic and policy solutions to improve oral health outcomes for children and adults. Spearhead the integration of oral health into prenatal care, pediatric care and primary care for adults and guide systems change for better dental care at the local level
• Identify, plan, implement and evaluate systemic and policy solutions to reduce tobacco use and vaping in our region 
• Identify, plan, implement and evaluate systemic and policy solutions to improve access to preventative health services and reduce barriers to care
• Provide technical support for the integration of health equity and access to care strategies within municipal and organizational planning
• Participate in and support community-based coalitions that examine health data, set goals, and develop plans to improve health outcomes. Enlist civic and municipal leaders as well as leaders at the grassroots level to help advance local community policy and program agendas
• Priority-setting and decision-making informed by community input and local data resources including Community Health Needs Assessment, the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System, the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, and Department of Health data.

Who May Apply

This position, Public Health Specialist III (Job Requisition #54874), is open to all State employees and external applicants.
If you would like more information about this position, please contact Carrie Russell at carrie.russell@vermont.gov.
Resumes will not be accepted via e-mail.  You must apply online to be considered.
Please note that multiple positions in the same work location may be filled from this job posting.

Please Note: This position is being recruited at multiple levels. If you would like to be considered for more than one level, you MUST apply to the specific Job Requisition. 
 

• Public Health Specialist I: 54850
• Public Health Specialist II: 54873
• Public Health Specialist III: 54874

AHS BACKGROUND CHECKS:  Candidates must pass any level of background investigation applicable to the position.  In accordance with AHS Policy 4.02, Hiring Standards, Vermont and/or national criminal record checks, as well as DMV and adult and child abuse registry checks, as appropriate to the position under recruitment, will be conducted on candidates, with the exception of those who are current classified state employees seeking transfer, promotion or demotion into an AHS classified position or are persons exercising re-employment (RIF) rights.

DIVISION OF LOCAL HEALTH - WHO WE ARE

The Division of Local Health works to preserve and improve the equitable social, economic, and environmental conditions necessary to attain the highest level of health and well-being for all, thus ensuring healthy Vermonters. The Division of Local Health is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and welcoming environment that respects and celebrates every person's strength, assets, and values. The Division of Local Health is committed to leading organizational change efforts that address avoidable inequities and injustices as we work towards the elimination of health and health care disparities.

MISSION - Promote the physical, mental, and social well-being of people in Vermont by advancing equity, protecting against disease and injury, and preparing for health emergencies. 

VISION - All people and communities in Vermont have equitable opportunities to achieve their highest level of health and well-being.    

VALUES 

• Equity: We aim to center health justice and address racism and all forms of oppression in our programs and policies, our approach to collaboration, and how we build and nurture our workforce. 
• Collaboration: We engage with staff and partners to understand complex problems and design responsive solutions.  
• Inclusion: We support a culture of belonging and diversity where people are valued, trusted, and able to be their authentic selves.  
• Harmony: We endorse a balanced, thoughtful, and intentional work environment that allows employees to care for themselves, their families, and the people they serve. 
• Data: We strive for scientific excellence and cultural responsiveness in the collection, analysis, sharing and use of data.

Environmental Factors

Duties are performed in both a standard office and field settings. Private means of transportation must be available for required travel. Stress may be anticipated in dealing with emotional situations involving application of programs, especially in dealing with families and in the allocation of program resources.

Minimum Qualifications

Four (4) years or more of experience in public health, human services, emergency response, community engagement, program administration, human services related fields or health-related fields. 

OR

Associate degree in public health, public administration, business administration, environmental science, emergency response, human services, social work, social sciences related fields or health-related fields and three (3) years or more of experience in public health, human services, emergency response, community engagement, program administration, human services related fields or health-related fields.

OR

Bachelor’s degree in public health, public administration, business administration, environmental science, emergency response, human services, social sciences related fields or health-related fields and two (2) years or more of experience in public health, human services, emergency response, community engagement, program administration, human services related fields or health-related fields.

OR

Master’s degree in public health, public administration, business administration, environmental science, emergency response, human services, social sciences related fields or health-related fields and one (1) year or more of experience in public health, human services, emergency response, community engagement, program administration, human services related fields or health-related fields.

OR

One (1) year or more of experience as Public Health Specialist II.

Special Requirements

Candidates must pass any level of background investigation applicable to the position. In accordance with AHS Policy 4.02, Hiring Standards, Vermont and/or national criminal record checks, as well as DMV and adult and child abuse registry checks, as appropriate to the position under recruitment, will be conducted on candidates, with the exception of those who are current classified state employees seeking transfer, promotion or demotion into an AHS classified position or are persons exercising re-employment (RIF) rights.

Total Compensation

As a State employee you are offered a great career opportunity, but it's more than a paycheck. The State's total compensation package features an outstanding set of employee benefits that are worth about 30% of your total compensation, including:

• 80% State paid medical premium and a dental plan at no cost for employees and their families
• Work/Life balance: 11 paid holidays each year and a generous leave plan
• State Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FMLI)
• Two ways to save for your retirement: A State defined benefit pension plan and a deferred compensation 457(b) plan
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Flexible spending healthcare and childcare reimbursement accounts
• Low cost group life insurance
• Incentive-based Wellness Program
• Qualified Employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program

Want the specifics? Explore the Benefits of State Employment on our website.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of Vermont celebrates diversity, and is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect and meaningful inclusion that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The State does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, HIV Status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, membership in an employee organization, family medical history or genetic information, or family or parental status. The State’s employment decisions are merit-based. Retaliatory adverse employment actions by the State are forbidden.