Job Description

Overview

The Public Health Specialist supports various health department efforts to improve health equity and health outcomes in Bennington County. The focus of this position will be on systems-level work and engagement with multiple sectors and community partners to improve the health of populations 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 related to oral health, tobacco prevention, and cessation, and improving access to preventative care. Ideal candidates should understand the root causes of health inequities and be familiar with initiating and maintaining deliberate collaboration across sectors, especially with non-traditional partners.

• 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 towards medical management for dental care at the local level.
• Identify, plan, implement, and evaluate systemic and policy solutions to decrease tobacco use in Bennington County
• 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
• Will 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 ("Nothing about us without us") and local data tools including Community Health Needs Assessment, YBRS, and Department of Health data.

The Bennington District Office is a dynamic, cohesive, motivated team that is community-minded and customer-focused. We are committed to building a diverse workforce to serve our population, and we believe all Vermonters should have a fair and just opportunity to be healthy.

Bennington is a small town nestled in Vermont\'s Green Mountains. The region has ample outdoor recreation opportunities (Official Appalachian Trail community, Mount Snow, Stratton Mountain), a vibrant arts scene (Mass MoCA, Bennington Arts Exchange), and an eclectic music and theater scene (Old Castle Theater, Green Mountain Bluegrass & Roots Festival, Solid Sound Festival). Bennington, VT is conveniently located within a 3 1/2 hour drive to metro areas including Boston, New York City, and Montreal.

DIVISION OF LOCAL HEALTH - WHO WE ARE:

The Division of Local Health\'s vision and mission is 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 and healthy communities. To this end, 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.

TELEWORK:
The Department of Health supports a hybrid work environment. Upon hire, employees work with their supervisor to create a schedule that aligns with the business needs of the unit. We believe a hybrid work environment promotes autonomy and allows for increased flexibility and greater work/life balance.

MISSION & VISION:
The Department of Health\'s mission is to protect and promote the best health of all Vermonters. Our vision is healthy Vermonters living in healthy communities. Our goals are:

• Effective and integrated public health programs.
• Communities with the capacity to respond to public health needs.
• Internal systems that provide consistent and responsive support.
• A competent and valued workforce that is supported in promoting and protecting the public\'s health.
• A public health system that is understood and valued by Vermonters.
• Health equity for all Vermonters.

CULTURE & VALUES:
The Department of Health\'s culture is one in which our success and our workplace culture are interdependent. Our culture is driven by a passion for the mission. We are committed to these values:

• Creativity, innovation, and calculated risk-taking.
• Open and transparent leadership.
• Staff expertise, autonomy, and excellence.
• Professional growth through individual development plans, special projects, and opportunities to stretch.
• Wellness and work-life balance.

Who May Apply

This position, Public Health Specialist I (Job Requisition #47772), is open to all State employees and external applicants.

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.

Level I: Job Requisition #47772

Level II: Job Requisition #47728

Level III: Job Requisition #47774

If you would like more information about this position, please contact .
Resumes will not be accepted via e-mail. You must apply online to be considered.

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.

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

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

Associate 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

Bachelor\'s degree in public health, public administration, business administration, environmental science, emergency response, human services, social sciences related fields or health-related fields.

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
• Dental Plan at no cost for employees and their families
• Flexible Spending healthcare and childcare reimbursement accounts
• Two ways to save for your retirement: A State defined benefit pension plan and a deferred compensation 457(b) plan
• Work/Life balance: 11 paid holidays each year and a generous leave plan; many jobs also allow for a flexible schedule
• Low cost group life insurance
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Incentive-based Wellness Program
• Qualified Employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program

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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.

State of Vermont