HIV/STD Outreach - Public Health Educator

Job Description:

HIV/STD Outreach - Public Health Educator

Description

What You'll Be Doing

#TeamWake is looking for a Public Health Educator! Could this be you??

This Public Health Educator position is a component of the HIV/STD Community Health Team within the HIV, Sexually Transmitted Diseases (HIV/STD), and Hepatitis C Community Program, within Wake County Health and Human Services, Preventive Health Division. The role focuses on educating and providing support to minority communities in Wake County who are at risk for or affected by HIV/STD. The position involves coordinating educational activities, developing partnerships, and addressing the rising incidence of HIV/STD within these populations.

The ideal candidate should have experience in community outreach and be comfortable working with marginalized individuals facing homelessness, substance use, mental health issues, poverty, and other life challenges. This role will involve working with faith communities, commercial sex workers, incarcerated individuals, and women in transitional situations. Strong knowledge of public health issues, methodologies, policies, and laws, as well as culturally competent educational techniques, is required. The candidate should also have excellent public speaking and communication skills to effectively share information with both the public and health professionals. Furthermore, have a passion for public health education, a commitment to equity, and the adaptability needed to address the unique needs of various communities, aiming to improve health outcomes and reduce disparities.

Ways a Public Health Educator will make an impact are:

• Lead broad-based HIV/STD health education efforts, including peer education groups, street outreach, and door-to-door education campaigns aimed at raising awareness and promoting prevention within the community
• Collaborate with local universities and their peer education programs to enhance HIV/STD health education and testing efforts
• Work closely with university students to empower them as peer educators, assist in the facilitation of engaging educational activities, and ensure the effective dissemination of information to diverse populations
• Teach single and multi-session education classes and presentations at various community venues such as jails, churches, substance use treatment centers, and juvenile correctional programs
• Provide risk reduction counseling and HIV/STD education in both small group settings and one-on-one sessions to reduce HIV/STD risk behaviors and equip individuals with practical skills to reduce their vulnerability to HIV/STDs
• Plan and organize community testing and educational events targeting communities of color and the general population in Wake County
• Prepare weekly and monthly written reports, including data entry and progress updates on work plan objectives
• Engage in collaborative planning meetings with community partners to align efforts, share resources, and advance the program's goals
• Lead and support the growth of the Wake County Faith Coalition by fostering partnerships with local faith-based organizations, expanding community engagement, and coordinating efforts to address public health challenges, particularly in relation to HIV/STD prevention and education
• Cultivate relationships with faith leaders, organizing collaborative events, and promoting health initiatives within faith communities to strengthen outreach and service delivery

NOTE: Wake County Health and Human Services employees that you work in the Health Clinics and Public Health Division, influenza immunization is a condition of initial and continued employment, subject to compliance with federal law, (ii) actively supports and participates in department emergency preparedness and response activities, which may include temporary changes in responsibilities and working hours.

About Our Team

Wake County Health and Human Services (WCHHS) is the consolidation of programs and services that includes social services, public health, job search assistance, child support, and transportation. Our mission is, in partnership with the community, will facilitate full access to high quality and effective health and human services for Wake County residents. In addition to our numerous standard programs, Wake County Health and Human Services is engaged in several special initiatives that are impacting services and programs throughout our entire agency. Whether legislated down from the changing regulations on the federal or state level or bubbling up from the entrepreneurial spirit of our staff, you can always look forward to Wake County Health and Human Services implementing new and exciting enhancements to our services and programs.

The Basics (Required Education and Experience)

• Bachelor's degree
• Two years of job-related experience
• Equivalent education and experience are accepted

• Please include ALL prior work experience on your application and resume.

Beyond the Basics (Preferred Education and Experience)

• Bachelor's degree in Health Education or related field
• Two years of experience as a public health educator
• Public Health Education experience focusing on HIV/STD Education and Outreach within communities of color
• Whetstone Counseling and Testing Certification
• Phlebotomy experience

How Will We Know You're 'The One'?

• Knowledge of HIV/STD
• Basic Knowledge on Community Building and Resources
• Basic knowledge on substance abuse
• Possess excellent interpersonal skills
• Build and maintain positive, productive relationships with peers, colleagues, and supervisors/management
• Confident in working with at-risk and diverse populations
• Demonstrate a high degree of adaptability, comfortable with work changes and new directions
• Ability to convey HIV/STD and health information clearly and concisely to individuals and groups to ensure they understand the information and the message
• Ability to listen and respond appropriately to others
• Excellent customer and client services skills
• Enjoys working in a team environment
• Computer skills including Microsoft-Word and PowerPoint are required
• Additional skills in Publisher, Canva, and Excel are preferred
• Knowledge in working with social media such as Webpage, Facebook, Apps etc
• Knowledge of Audio-Visual Equipment operation is very important

About This Position

Location: HSC Sunnybrook Raleigh, NC 27610

Employment Type: Regular

Work Schedule: Mon - Fri 8:30am -5:15pm (Some evening and weekends)

Hiring Range: 23.94 - 32.32

Market Range: 23.94 - 40.70

Please include ALL prior work experience on your application and resume.

Posting Closing Date: 7:00 pm on 12/29/2024

What Makes Wake Great

Home to the State Capital, Wake County is one of the fastest growing areas in the nation and the most populous county in the state, with more than 1.1 million residents. The County has received national and international rankings and accolades from publications such as Money, Fortune, and Time magazines as being one of the best places to live, work and play. The central location of the County allows for a short drive to the spectacular mountains or coast. Wake County Government is governed by a seven-member Board of Commissioners, who are elected at-large to serve two-year terms. Wake County Government has a general operating budget of $1.874 billion, employs over 4400 employees, experiences minimal turnover, and is an award-winning leader in wellness and technology initiatives; such as offering employees and covered spouses free access to the Employee Health Center. Wake County Government offers a wide range of training and development opportunities, a stable career in public service with a balance of work and family life, flexible work schedules and a competitive salary and benefits package.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Wake County provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics.

Background Check Statement

Position may require a background check that may include: criminal, credit, motor vehicle, education, and sexual offender registry or others based on job requirements. Unless required by state law, a record of conviction will not automatically exclude you from consideration for employment. Wake County Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Emergency Service Worker Statement

In the event of an emergency, as determined by the County Manager or designee, participation in preparedness and response operations should be expected. Employee may be required to fill a temporary assignment in a role different from standard duties, work hours and/or work location in preparation for, during and after the emergency. Employee may also be required to participate in relevant exercises and regular preparedness training.

Salary:

23.94 - 32.32