Tobacco & Nicotine Prevention Educator

Help create a healthier, tobacco-free future for Knox County.

Penobscot Bay Community Health Partnerships (PBCHP) is seeking a mission-driven Tobacco & Nicotine Prevention Educator to lead community education, outreach, and policy strategies that reduce tobacco and nicotine use—particularly among youth.

The Tobacco & Nicotine Prevention Educator is a key position within Penobscot Bay Community Health Partnerships (PBCHP), working to implement tobacco- and nicotine-prevention and treatment initiatives with support from the Director of Community Health Promotion. This full-time, grant-funded position focuses on advancing specific objectives through community education, environmental strategies, and policy change to prevent youth tobacco/nicotine use, refer youth and adults to treatment options, and reduce tobacco/nicotine associated risks at the community level.

This is a hybrid position, requiring frequent driving throughout Knox County and occasional travel to other locations in the state to support our educational goals. 

Please note: This is a grant-funded position. While funding is currently in place through the current grant cycle, continued employment is contingent upon renewed or continued grant funding. Candidates should be comfortable working within the structure of grant-supported public health initiatives.

What You’ll Do:

• Implement culturally appropriate tobacco- and nicotine-prevention and treatment strategies in the approved work plan by working closely with the Director of Community Health Promotion, the state public health district, and local partners.
• Working in partnership with schools to connect students with tobacco/nicotine cessation resources and support the creation or refinement of nicotine-related policies. 
• Create and present engaging public educational offerings on tobacco/nicotine-use prevention topics to schools, organizations, and community members.
• Effectively promote the free resources made available by PBCHP to encourage participation. 
• Build relationships with other community sectors in Knox County. 
• Collaborate with related state and/or federal agencies to ensure project requirements are successfully attained, including timely completion of reporting and record-keeping requirements.
• Maintain ongoing understanding of health communication, policy work, social determinants of health, environmental strategies, and leveraging local partnerships to drive sustainable, positive change.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

 Why Join Us?

• Competitive Benefits – PTO, paid holidays, health, dental, vision insurance, life & disability coverage
• Retirement Program – 10% match from the YMCA after two years
• Family Membership Perks – Enjoy a free annual YMCA membership ($972 value!)
• A Role That Makes a Difference –  The PenBay Y is a community cornerstone where all people can connect, grow, and thrive, and you are a vital part of that vision. 

Full-time | Grant-funded | Based in Knox County, Maine | Anticipated Potential Start Date: August 18, 2025 

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Health, Community Health Education, Education, Behavioral Health or Social Work preferred. Directly related work experience may be substituted for education on a year-for-year basis.
• Obtain Tobacco Treatment Specialist Certification upon employment.
• Demonstrated understanding of health communication, policy work, social determinants of health, environmental strategies, and leveraging local partnerships to drive sustainable, positive change.
• Strong oral and written communication skills appropriate for professional interactions.
• Functional competency with Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and Zoom - or willingness to learn.
• Necessary organizational abilities:
  • Planning, coordination, and management of projects with effective organizational skills.
  • Facilitating and managing group processes.
  • Self-directed mentality to work independently within the scope of a project.
  • Strong time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks under competing deadlines.
• Necessary relational abilities:
  • Cultivation and care of relationships with key stakeholders.
  • Sound judgment and problem-solving skills to handle safety concerns and unexpected incidents.
  • Self-awareness, active listening, and other skills necessary for effective teamwork.

Work Environment & Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• The employee is regularly required to use a computer for extended periods and be able to communicate using a computer, phone, and smart mobile device.
• The employee is frequently required to sit and reach, and must be able to move around the work environment.
• The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 20 pounds, such as equipment used for educational presentations.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust visual focus.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

The above statements describe the general nature and level of work expected in this role but are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties.