Policy & Prevention Specialist – Substance Use Prevention

About the Role

Are you passionate about driving positive change through substance use prevention? We are seeking a Prevention & Policy Specialist to join our small, high-impact public health team. In this role, you will join the Substance Use Prevention team to address community issues around tobacco and vaping, cannabis, alcohol and other substances. You will implement evidence-based prevention strategies, prepare progress reports in compliance with grant requirements, and adapt outreach and education to meet the unique needs of the community.

What You'll Do

• Assesses individual and community needs for target populations and effectively advances programs and services.
• Works with key stakeholders and community partners to advocate for programs and policies that advance public health. May facilitate specific workgroups, partnerships, and collaborations to support and advance work.
• Participates in multi-disciplinary team meetings to address the needs of the program and assists in the development and coordination of strategic program plans.
• Collaborates with other staff to manage coalitions, including strategic efforts, meeting planning and facilitation, general coalition building, recruitment and relationship maintenance, and coalition communication.
• Builds, leads, and/or facilitates community coalitions, partnerships, and collaborations to support and advance program efforts. Works with key stakeholders and community partners to advocate for programs and policies that advance public health.
• Conducts research on evidence-based programs for the purposes of program planning and development.
• Develops and monitors program components (goals, objectives, strategies, interventions, and activities) in a structured format using evidence-based strategies to address health education and public health objectives.
• Makes recommendations for evidence-based strategies to improve public health and policy development.
• Plans programming for target populations using a variety of educational approaches, including small and large group presentations, and development and implementation of earned and paid media campaigns.
• Engages a variety of community stakeholders to increase support for program initiatives by providing education and training. Uses community input to develop, improve, and evaluate program activities, services, and policy initiatives.
• Assesses community readiness for program/policy implementation. Assesses community partner readiness to meet program goals and drafts written agreements when needed.
• Develops, coordinates, and maintains relevant health and wellness program resources, including communication materials. Evaluates the effectiveness of programs and educational materials using a variety of evaluation tools. Responds promptly to community members seeking health promotion information and resources.
• Represents El Paso County Public Health as a member of councils and coalitions.
• Assists in budget development, expenditure monitoring, and informing program fiscal needs.
• Participates in the agency's emergency planning and response activities.
• Takes personal responsibility to provide exceptional customer service in order to promote and maintain a positive Public Health image, constructive working environment, and foster pride and professionalism in the workplace and community.
• Promotes overall public health within the community.
• Performs other duties as required.

Who You Are

• Knowledge of and ability to independently research program subject matter.
• Knowledge and understanding of agency policies and procedures.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills to include presentations for large audiences. Ability to write and maintain clear, concise, and accurate records and reports.
• Skill in using a computer and various software packages, including Microsoft Office.
• Ability to communicate, motivate, and organize projects among a broad spectrum of people, frequently under deadline pressure.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public, co-workers, federal, state, and local authorities, and other agencies.
• Ability to provide excellent customer service.
• Ability to prioritize and organize multiple tasks and complete projects in a timely manner.
• Ability to respond in a flexible manner and reprioritize work as situations change.
• Ability to demonstrate sound judgment and critical thinking. Ability to identify problems and work to resolve them.
• Ability to maintain the security of sensitive and confidential information.
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
• Maintain regular and punctual attendance.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with a major in health education, public health, public policy, or related field.
• Four years of related professional experience may substitute for the required degree.
• Policy & Prevention Specialist: Two years of professional-related experience.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with health promotions outreach, coalitions, public health, youth development, adult learning principles, or meeting coordination and facilitation.
• Policy & Prevention Specialist: Master's degree in health education, public health, public policy, or related field.

Career Progression

This position is part of the Policy & Prevention Specialist career progression series, which includes Associate Policy & Prevention Specialist and Policy & Prevention Specialist. An employee is eligible to advance to the next position within the series when the employee has met the criteria for advancement as notated within the job description and has received a recommendation from the Hiring Authority.

Pay & Schedule

• Associate Policy & Prevention Specialist
  Full Salary Range: $50,250.00 - $70,320.00 Annually
  Hiring Range: $56,801.00 - $60,801.00 Annually
• Policy & Prevention Specialist
  Salary Range: $55,370.00 - $80,410.00 Annually
  Hiring Range: $60,801.00 - $63,801.00 Annually
• Anticipated work schedule: Monday – Friday, 8:00am – 4:30pm, subject to change. May be required to work some evenings and weekends as business needs dictate for community events and meetings.
• Telework eligibility may be considered upon successful completion of a 90-day introductory period.
• After 90 days, this position is eligible for a hybrid schedule.