Public Health Specialist I - Chronic Disease

About the role

The Vermont Department of Health is seeking a bright, energetic, dedicated, and well-organized public health professional with strong listening and communication skills to join the Springfield District Office. This role supports local health department efforts to improve health outcomes for Vermont residents across 15 towns, focusing on systems-level work and engagement with community partners to address disparities. Priority areas include improving chronic disease outcomes related to oral health, tobacco prevention and cessation, access to preventive care, and more.

Ideal candidates will understand the root causes of health inequities and have experience initiating and maintaining collaboration across sectors, especially with non-traditional partners.

Responsibilities

• Identify, plan, implement, and evaluate systemic and policy solutions to improve oral health outcomes, reduce tobacco use and obesity, and increase access to nutritious food for children and adults.
• Identify, plan, implement, and evaluate systemic and policy solutions to improve access to preventive health services and reduce barriers to care for all ages.
• Collaborate with worksites to improve employee health and wellness, leading to financial benefits, reduced healthcare costs, and a more productive workforce.
• Provide technical support for integrating health equity and access-to-care strategies within municipal and organizational planning.
• Support community-based coalitions that examine health data trends, set goals, and develop plans to improve health outcomes.
• Collaborate with diverse partners to implement the 3-4-50 chronic disease model in the district.

Qualifications

• Two (2) or more years of experience in public health, human services, emergency response, community engagement, program administration, or health-related fields.
• OR an associate degree in public health, public administration, business administration, environmental science, emergency response, human services, social sciences, or health-related fields and one (1) year of relevant experience.
• OR a bachelor’s degree in the fields listed above.

About the team

The Division of Local Health works to preserve and improve equitable social, economic, and environmental conditions to attain the highest level of health and well-being for all Vermonters. The division is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and welcoming environment that respects and celebrates every person’s strengths, assets, and values. It leads organizational change efforts to address avoidable inequities and injustices while working toward the elimination of health and healthcare disparities.

Work environment

• Duties are performed in both standard office and field settings.
• Private transportation is required for travel.
• Hybrid work environment combining in-person and remote work, with schedules aligned to business needs and state policy.
• Stress may arise when dealing with emotional situations involving program applications, families, or resource allocation.

Mission and values

Mission: Promote the physical, mental, and social well-being of people in Vermont by advancing equity, protecting against disease and injury, and preparing for health emergencies.

Vision: All people and communities in Vermont have equitable opportunities to achieve their highest level of health and well-being.

Values:

• Equity: Center health justice and address racism and all forms of oppression in programs, policies, collaborations, and workforce development.
• Collaboration: Engage with staff and partners to understand complex problems and design responsive solutions.
• Inclusion: Support a culture of belonging and diversity where people are valued, trusted, and can be their authentic selves.
• Harmony: Endorse a balanced, thoughtful, and intentional work environment that allows employees to care for themselves, their families, and the people they serve.
• Data: Strive for scientific excellence and cultural responsiveness in the collection, analysis, sharing, and use of data.

Benefits

• 80% state-paid medical premium and a dental plan at no cost for employees and their families.
• 11 paid holidays each year and a generous leave plan.
• State-paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FMLI).
• Two retirement savings options: a state-defined benefit pension plan and a deferred compensation 457(b) plan.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and childcare reimbursement.
• Low-cost group life insurance.
• Incentive-based Wellness Program.
• Qualified employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program.

Explore the Benefits of State Employment for more details.