Health Educator - Overdose Prevention Coordinator (RN054)

Virginia Information Technologies Agency • Roanoke, VA

7d • $40,000 - $46,500

About The Position

Consider joining the Virginia Department of Health as we foster healthy and
resilient communities. This is your opportunity to serve the public in the
Population Health Program at the Roanoke City/Alleghany Health District as an
Overdose Prevention Coordinator.

This is a restricted position, which is solely funded by the Federal Overdose to
Action grant with the period ending August 31, 2028. The availability of funding
is scheduled for review before the grant expiration date. Continued employment
is contingent on the continued availability of funds

Job Description:
Provides educational services for a portion of a district in support of one or
more programs. Characteristic activities: trains, educates, and provides
information to the public and staff on health educational programs; prepares
news releases; reviews, develops, and orders educational materials. As a direct
contact to the public and clients on sensitive health issues, may respond to
calls received and make appropriate referrals as needed. Provides requested
information, and may serve to address emotional, technical, or social resources
to callers. Works with considerable independence and demonstrates a wide array
of communication and social skills in dealing with a diverse population.

This position fully assists the Local Health District/Department communities
seeking resources to address substance use disorder with public health outreach
and education activities and connection to social determinants of health
linkages of care, clinical linkage of care, and non-clinical linkage of care
comprehensive harm reduction services. This position will support its local
health department in updating response plans to address substance use, establish
and maintain partnerships that provide linkage of care activities for
individuals, and engage in strategic planning activities in partnership with VDH
state and local drug overdose prevention coordinators.

A special emphasis will be placed on health equity, and providing training,
outreach, and higher-level community technical assistance to non-traditional
multi-sector groups not yet addressing substance use. Priority populations
include Virginians aged 25-64 years, Black or African American Virginians with
their assigned community, people who use and/or inject drugs, those experiencing
incarceration or post incarceration, and those experiencing homelessness.

Requirements

• Knowledge of common community health problems; public/private health care practices; community organizing, survey methods and use of data and health education principles
• Skills in program planning, implementations and evaluation; community assessment and organization; writing reports and program plans; public speaking; managing group dynamics and providing consultation with other professionals and the general public
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing; utilize excellent interpersonal skills; maintain good working relationships; work independently with minimal supervision; execute problem solving skills; make appropriate decisions and develop program goals and objectives; evaluate program outcomes, impacts and processes

Nice To Haves

• Experience with computers and Microsoft Office software preferred
• Bilingual preferred

Responsibilities

• Assists in development and implementation of health education campaigns/plans for target groups in the community; supports district health education, promotion, and prevention program activities both independently and/or in partnership with staff and/or community partners
• Coordinates program activities for participants at the assigned project sites; provides written documentation of program activities, discussion topics, dates and times for sessions; responsible for daily attendance records and maintaining files on all program participants
• Works with health education staff and community partners for increased recognition and implementation of preventive and promotional measures which have a positive impact on the health of a community; provides guidance, support and assistance to staff members and community organizations to help increase overall population impact
• Participates in community based educational and public awareness activities for the general public and health care providers focusing on public health issues
• Identifies target audiences, strategies, interventions and identifies programmatic problems; provides guidance in determining effective resolutions
• Develops relationships and works with community partners to provide a range of educational activities for youth and adults on a regular basis
• Serves as a resource for the development and dissemination of public and community outreach education on public health programs, services and issues; provides accurate and reliable information to the public as needed and as approved by supervisor
• Plans, develops and assesses marketing strategies for diverse public health education programs; implements strategies to raise awareness of health promotion programs, services and issues

Benefits

• The Virginia Department of Health offers 13 paid holidays, medical, dental, vision and life insurance, retirement plans (including 401a Cash Match and 457 Deferred Compensation Plan) as well as sick, family/personal, and annual leave.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed