Health Educator

Hybrid

Summary

The purpose of this position is to minimize morbidity and mortality associated with tuberculosis among Indiana residents by conducting health education and training activities to internal staff, external partners, and the public. The scope of this position includes, but is not limited to:

Essential Duties/Responsibilities

Provide education and training consultation and technical assistance to local health departments, health care providers, and the public with respect to tuberculosis;
Lead or coordinate a variety of health education activities hosted by IDOH TB control or external partners, including the Annual World TB Day Conference.
Assist TB Regional Nurse Consultants in training LHD staff on TB and coordinating and disseminating updated training materials.
Prepare and disseminate written and oral reports, handouts, training documents, the TB newsletter, and presentations that communicate necessary information to internal and external partners.
Develop resources and toolkits to provide outreach and education to specific partners, including civil surgeons, homeless shelters, primary care providers, and infection control practitioners.
Conduct educational presentations and/or trainings for a variety of audiences, including local health departments, health care providers, and the general public.
Engage directly with members of the public at health fairs and other outreach events;
Serve as the primary liaison with Indiana American Lung Association, Global TB Institute at Rutgers, and CDC regarding education and training activities;
Participate in writing grants and other funding proposals;
Assist the TB Prevention & Care Director in planning and implementing ongoing professional development activities for TB Prevention & Care staff
· Serve as the TB program’s CDC Education and Training Focal Point and attend the CDC’s Education and Training Networking conference when requested;
· Maintain the IDOH TB program website and ensure all links and materials are reviewed and up to date;
· Coordinate and facilitate the Indiana TB Elimination Advisory Committee and oversee the development and implementation of a Indiana TB elimination plan;
Perform related duties as assigned.

Job Requirements

· Education:

o Bachelor's degree in public health education, community health education, public health, education, health science, or a behavioral health-related field and ≥ 2 years of relevant public health experience, OR

o Master’s degree in public health, Community Health, or others relevant program

Knowledge, skills, and abilities:

o Advanced certification such as Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) or Master Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES) is strongly preferred
o Proficient in public speaking and developing presentations for a variety of audiences
o Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, using principles of risk communication where appropriate;
o Ability to identify, communicate and work effectively with medical providers and local health department staff
o Knowledge of the epidemiology and biology of tuberculosis;
o Knowledge of state laws and regulations as well as federal public health guidance documents pertaining to tuberculosis;
o Skill in identification of public health problems pertinent to Indiana residents;
o Skill in developing relevant training and education materials for a variety of audiences
o Proficient in using Microsoft Office and the ability to quickly learn other database applications, including IN-TRAIN and Redcap
o Ability to provide prompt, courteous, and helpful customer service;
o Ability to collaborate with others inside and outside the agency to identify public health problems and form recommendations;
o Ability to prioritize tasks efficiently to meet internal and external deadlines;
o Ability to appropriately document work activities and maintain organized records.
o Ability to promote cultural competencies in health providers working with diverse populations

Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports

The incumbent may also be responsible for directing and coordinating the work of interns

Difficulty of Work

The incumbent must have or rapidly acquire expert knowledge of tuberculosis. They must use this knowledge and their critical thinking skills to ascertain the existence of public health threats, conduct appropriate training and education activities, and identify appropriate interventions. The incumbent will routinely exercise independent judgment to identify appropriate actions in complex situations that are not explicitly described in state regulations and public health guidance documents. They are expected to show initiative in independently identifying and executing process improvements and/or special projects that would benefit IDOH and Indiana residents. Failure of the incumbent to properly execute their duties could have grave consequences for Indiana residents.

Responsibility

The incumbent is expected to support IDOH's vision, comply with agency administrative and fiscal policies, and practice cultural sensitivity in all work activities. The incumbent must have knowledge of state and federal privacy laws and protect patient confidentiality at all times. The incumbent initially works under the close supervision of their supervisor, but works more independently with acquired experience. The supervisor sets the overall objectives and determines what resources are available. The incumbent and the supervisor will work together to develop guidelines, projects, and work to be done. The incumbent plans, directs, monitors, evaluates and identifies needs and resolves most conflicts within assigned projects. The incumbent interprets and applies policies in terms of established goals, objectives, and accepted practices. The incumbent is expected to bring controversial or complex issues to the attention of the supervisor for more detailed direction and guidance. The incumbent is expected to keep the supervisor informed of progress and potentially critical items. Completed work is reviewed for feasibility, conformance to program policy and practices, and effectiveness in meeting specific goals and objectives.

Personal Work Relationships

The incumbent is a part of the TB Prevention & Care program within the Infectious Disease Epidemiology & Prevention division at IDOH. The incumbent works closely with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Global TB Institute at Rutgers, health care providers, and local health departments. The incumbent is expected to maintain good working relationships with these entities as well as other internal and external partners.

Physical Effort

The incumbent must be physically able to type on a computer, to communicate via telephone, and to sit and/or stand at a workstation for a 7.5-hour workday.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in an indoor office setting with an option for a hybrid work schedule (three days per week in-office/two days remote). Occasional field work and/or overnight travel may be required. The incumbent must be willing to receive immunizations for communicable diseases when necessary and appropriate.

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