Wellness & Prevention Specialist (Scottsbluff or Hemingford)

Position Summary:

All positions at Panhandle Public Health District (PPHD) support the mission of “Working together to improve the health, safety, and quality of life for all who live, learn, work, and play in the Panhandle.” This position will support the implementation of PPHD strategic plan objectives through collaboration with partners and the community, a commitment to Community Health Improvement, dedication to implementing evidence-based practices, and implementation of the standards and measures of PHAB accreditation.

The Wellness & Prevention Specialist supports public health and prevention initiatives throughout the Panhandle. Responsibilities include delivering health education presentations, supporting suicide prevention and mental health initiatives, managing and posting content on PPHD communication platforms, participating in community outreach activities and events, maintaining program data and reports, and collaborating with schools, worksites, healthcare organizations, and community partners to improve health, safety, and quality of life.

Essential Duties:

The Wellness & Prevention Specialist performs the following essential functions within the framework of PPHD’s core public health services. Duties may span multiple funding streams and program areas and include but are not limited to:

• Deliver health education, presentations, and prevention activities for schools, worksites, community groups, and partner organizations.


• Support programs related to suicide prevention education and awareness, mental health promotion, highway safety, tobacco prevention and cessation, alcohol misuse prevention, nutrition, physical activity, and chronic disease prevention.


• Create and maintain educational materials, presentations, flyers, newsletters, social media content, and other outreach resources.


• Manage and update PPHD communication platforms, including social media, worksite wellness platforms, and public information materials.


• Participate in community events, health fairs, prevention activities, coalition meetings, and outreach opportunities representing PPHD, including suicide prevention education, Nebraska Tobacco Quitline outreach, and other evidence-based prevention and wellness initiatives.


• Support policy, systems, and environmental change efforts through research, policy development, environmental scans, and technical assistance to community partners.


• Collect, track, and maintain program data, performance measures, grant documentation, and other program records.


• Collaborate with community partners, schools, healthcare organizations, businesses, and coalitions to support community health improvement efforts.


• Ensure public-facing materials, digital content, and presentations meet PPHD communication, branding, and accessibility standards.
  

• Actively participate in Performance Management and Quality Improvement activities.

• Participates in PPHD and community emergency response training and drills in support of public health emergency and disaster preparedness.


• Contribute to and participate in the implementation of the strategic plan as assigned.


• Contribute to development of program goals and objectives.


• Assumes responsibility for own professional growth and development by pursuing education, participating in professional committees and work groups and contributing to a work environment where continual improvements in practice are pursued.


• Performs other duties as assigned.


• Compliance with all PPHD personnel policies and procedures.


• Follow and adhere to all HIPAA and PPHD confidentiality and privacy policies and practices.

Behavior Expectations:

Treats others with courtesy and respect in all interactions and abides by PPHD’s Guiding Principles.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Minimum of an Associate’s degree OR an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.


• Experience or demonstrated interest in public health, prevention programming, health education, or community outreach.


• Valid driver’s license, proof of insurance, and ability to travel to assigned work locations.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Comfortable presenting in schools, worksites, community groups, and partner organizations.


• Comfort and skill in educating, presenting, and promoting evidence-based prevention programs related to mental health, suicide prevention, alcohol misuse prevention, and tobacco and vaping prevention.


• Knowledge of social media platforms and digital communication strategies used to promote public health programs, events, and prevention initiatives.


• Apply the principles, practices and theories of public health assessment and planning to health promotion, policy development, and health improvement.

• Communicate effectively and work collaboratively with individuals and groups from a wide variety of backgrounds, interests, and experiences.


• An energetic self-starter who can function comfortably in a team environment and independently and relates well to the public.


• Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills.


• Delivery of services and education in a culturally sensitive manner.


• Effective presentation of data to address scientific, political, ethical, and social public health issues.


• Flexibility and the ability to manage time and multiple tasks with little supervision.


• Program planning, implementation, and evaluation.

• Demonstrate ability to facilitate processes with diverse groups.

• Computer Skills.

Work Environment:

General office setting in the PPHD office sites, as well as community sites. Equipment used to perform functions is computer, fax, copier, personal or PPHD vehicle, and public health equipment and supplies. This job may encompass light lifting, standing, walking, being seated for periods of time, possible overtime, driving, some overnight travel, and infrequently working nights and weekends.