Anoka County Statewide Health Improvement Partnership (SHIP) Health Educator - Health Care and Wellbeing

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in public health, nutrition, community health promotion, or a closely related discipline with two (2) years of experience in implementing public health approached such as through community organizing, community health promotion, or community education; or a combination of relevant education and experience to total six (6) years.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with individuals, organizations, and/or communities representing new, culturally diverse, economically diverse, and underserved audiences.
• Demonstrated experience with applying or integrating research-based knowledge as well as community-identified and cultural priorities into program development and design, delivery, and evaluation across a variety of educational platforms.
• Demonstrated experience and initiative in engaging with diverse communities related to health issues and adapting programs to meet cultural and social needs.
• Demonstrated experience leading and implementing innovative public health approaches to promote policy, system, and environmental changes
• Demonstrated experience in outreach and engagement, and establishing, building, facilitating, leading, and sustaining relationships with diverse partners and communities.
• Demonstrated skills in project management, planning, organizing, problem-solving, and successfully handling multiple tasks under pressure of deadline.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong computer skills including: high level of comfort creating documents in Microsoft and Google Suites; competent keyboarding/data entry skills; experience doing internet searches; experience using multiple email and calendaring platforms; and the ability to lead web-based communication and training.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Valid driver's license and own means of transportation with required liability insurance, to be utilized for frequent travel within Minnesota, especially within Anoka County,
• Ability to travel beyond Anoka County for occasional meetings and conferences
• Ability to maintain a flexible work schedule, including occasional evening or weekend work, to meet the special needs of programs.
• Must have reliable internet and ability to work remotely if/when working outside of assigned office location.
• Ability to work at the Anoka County Government Center as needed and upon request.
• Ability to visit partner site locations in-person as needed and at the request of Anoka County SHIP and/or community partners.
• Must be able to submit proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or submit a completed religious/medical exemption and agree to comply with the University's testing requirement.
• This position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master's degree in public health, nutrition, community health promotion, or a closely related discipline.
• Experience working in a program that serves individuals experiencing issues and challenges related to living on a limited income.
• Experience developing outreach strategies and marketing tools to reach diverse audiences.
• Experience using distance technologies and social media to market and deliver educational programming.
• Proven ability to problem-solve and collaborate

Working Title: Anoka County Statewide Health Improvement Partnership (SHIP) Health Educator - Health Care and Wellbeing

Classification: Extension Program Associate 2 (8316A2)

Appointment: 0.80 FTE (32 hours/week), Civil Service, FLSA Nonexempt

Salary: minimum $24/hour; Depending on qualifications, includes University benefits

Program Area: Extension Center for Family Development

Office Location: Anoka County Government Center; Hybrid work options available

Application Deadline: March 13, 2023

ABOUT THIS POSITION

The SHIP Health Educator position will work with the Anoka County Statewide Health Improvement Partnership (SHIP) team to support policy, systems, and environmental improvements to increase health and well-being among Anoka County residents. For more on SHIP, visit the Minnesota Department of Health SHIP website.

This SHIP Health Educator position will provide leadership, coordination, project management, administrative support, and research/evidence-based guidance for inclusive and equitable Anoka County SHIP initiatives focused within health care settings, and across all SHIP settings for the promotion of mental well-being. The position will build relationships with and manage contractual partnerships with organizational partners such as health care, mental health, and recovery clinics and programs, as well as food shelves, farmers markets, faith-based organizations, local businesses, homeless shelters, worksites, agencies that provide social services, and agencies serving seniors. This position builds partnerships with and among local organizations, co-creates projects and action plans with these partners in accordance with SHIP guidance, and provides project management and technical support to promote policy, systems, and environmental strategies for healthy eating, mental wellbeing, tobacco cessation, breastfeeding support, physical activity, and other health initiatives. Additionally, this position leads and manages networks and collaboratives within the county to support synergistic strategies and improve professional practice for enhanced public health outcomes.

The person in this position will report to the University of Minnesota Extension Health and Nutrition Program Director. Additional support and guidance will be provided by Anoka County SHIP and/or Anoka County Public Health department leadership. All activities follow SHIP guidelines provided by the Minnesota Department of Health. This position requires a high degree of independence for developing a workplan and implementing work responsibilities, and strong communication skills with both Anoka County and Extension stakeholders.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Lead and manage recruitment efforts for development of programmatic and contractual partnerships with organizational partners within the county. (30%) This includes:

• reaching out in creative, inclusive and equitable ways for relationship-building with potential partners to build mutual trust and benefit;
• facilitating meetings with community members and current or potential SHIP partners;
• and walking through the steps of partnering with Anoka County SHIP.

Work with community organizations to implement policy, systems, and environmental changes that are based on evidence, theories, or promising practices for health improvement (40%) This includes:

• inquiring about community needs and priorities, facilitating listening sessions, and responding to the needs and priorities identified by partners;
• developing, implementing, and analyzing needs assessments;
• facilitating discussions and providing technical assistance regarding evidence-based and SHIP-allowable strategies for co-creation of action plans based upon priorities and assessment data;
• working collaboratively with partners, meeting them where they are at for successful performance steps within the action plan;
• coordinating communications;
• evaluating projects, using or developing well-aligned evaluation tools and methodologies for identifying PSE change;
• and troubleshooting problems ranging from simple technical issues to complex community dynamics.

Manage community partner awards and contracts for Anoka County SHIP. This may include multiple partners annually for implementation of policy, systems, or environmental changes that impact health of partners and the communities they serve. In this work, the goal is to support partners in their cultural and community context, minimize administrative burden, and facilitate successful accomplishment of partner-identified goals and priorities. (15%) This includes:

• walking partners through the contracting and community partner award processes, creating clarity around the language and expectations of the proposal process/agreement;
• developing budgets;
• managing purchases;
• monitoring invoices;
• serving as the bridge between community organizations and Anoka County SHIP financial systems.

Lead efforts for public health and SHIP priorities in Anoka County SHIP through the following: (15%)

• Developing and maintaining strong relationships with County organizations, community leaders, cultural communities within the county, healthcare providers, community resources, elected officials and government departments, businesses, and other key stakeholders to propel current and future SHIP and public health work;
• Coordinating SHIP work with other SHIP initiatives through “scaffolding” strategies in order to enhance outcomes and create synergistic effects from the work;
• Initiating and leading requests to secure SHIP resources from MDH for new strategies or exceptional purchases to further public health goals;
• Developing and maintaining strong relationships within Extension Center for Family Development for familiarity with public health programs and resources, professional development, and cross-programmatic sharing and synergies;
• Generating and compiling data and reports based upon SHIP work for multiple stakeholders, in multiple formats to align with the stakeholders’ priorities and interests;
• Gathering, compiling, and coordinating data and generating proposal narratives for the SHIP work plan;
• Recruiting and facilitating Extension and University programs and resources to support public health within Anoka County;
• Serving as a resource and conduit to the community and agency staff on healthy eating, overweight/obesity, physical activity, tobacco prevention, mental flourishing, and other health topics;
• Providing educational and informational presentations to community partners, elected officials and decision-makers, and other key stakeholders;
• Adhering to statewide and county financial systems;
• Maintaining up to date knowledge of SHIP guidelines and allowable costs; analyzing and interpreting guidance for application in the field;
• Participating with and contributing effectively to the SHIP team and larger county public health team.

ABOUT EXTENSION

University of Minnesota Extension is a major outreach arm of the University of Minnesota with a mission to serve the public through applied research and education. Our mission is to make a difference by connecting community needs and University resources to address critical issues in Minnesota. Extension strives to attract and retain high-quality, passionate employees, and weave diversity, equity and inclusion into all aspects of Extension’s programming and employee engagement. Find further information at www.extension.umn.edu.

As one of four centers, the Extension Center for Family Development helps families make informed decisions leading to better health, financial security, and well-being. The Extension Center for Family Development programs currently focus on family resiliency and health and nutrition, with special efforts in the areas of mental flourishing, families in transition, food security, food justice, and the rural opioid crisis.

Please note: This position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click on the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position. Please attach the following required application materials:

Three professional references will be required for those invited to interview.

Additional documents may be attached after the application by accessing your “My Job Applications” page and uploading documents in the “My Cover Letters and Attachments” section. See full instructions, https://hr.umn.edu/Jobs/Applicant-Center/Help-Job-Applications/Using-Job-Application-System.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-UOHR (8647).

For questions about this position, contact:

Trina Adler, Program Director – Health and Nutrition, tadler@umn.edu.

For questions about applying online, contact:

Tiffany McMillan, Extension Human Resources, tiffmcm@umn.edu.

The University of Minnesota and Extension recognize and value the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu.

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

Please note: All employees at the University of Minnesota are required to comply with the University’s Administrative Policy: COVID-19 Vaccination and Safety Protocol by either providing proof of being fully vaccinated on their first day of employment, or complete a request for an exemption for medical exemption or religious reasons. To learn more please visit: https://safe-campus.umn.edu/return-campus/get-the-vax

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.