Public Health Specialist II - Prevention Consultant

About the role

The Vermont Department of Health's Barre District Office is seeking a Public Health Specialist - Prevention Consultant to collaborate with and provide support and technical assistance to community groups aimed at reducing substance misuse in Washington and northeastern Orange Counties. This role requires strong relationship-building skills with both internal and external partners across various community sectors.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with and provide support and technical assistance to community groups aimed at reducing substance misuse in Washington and northeastern Orange Counties.
• Provide technical assistance to community groups on substance misuse prevention strategies.
• Facilitate workshops and training sessions for community members and stakeholders.
• Develop and implement substance misuse prevention plans based on community needs.
• Interpret state-level program guidance to effectively meet the needs of the community.
• Maintain a consistent physical presence in the office and community to support program activities and community partnerships with at least 3 days in-office each week.
• Telework the remaining days with approval from supervisor.

Requirements

• Strong relationship-building skills with both internal and external partners across various community sectors.
• A proven track record in community organizing, strategic planning, excellent presentation skills, group facilitation abilities, data analysis, and strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to interpret state-level program guidance to effectively meet the needs of the community.
• Experience in public health, human services, emergency response, community engagement, program administration, human services related fields or health-related fields.
• Knowledge of substance misuse prevention strategies and community engagement practices.

Qualifications

• Three (3) years or more of experience in public health, human services, emergency response, community engagement, program administration, human services related fields or health-related fields.
• Associate degree in public health, public administration, business administration, environmental science, emergency response, human services, social work, social sciences related fields or health-related fields and two (2) years or more of experience in public health, human services, emergency response, community engagement, program administration, human services related fields or health-related fields.
• Bachelor’s degree in public health, public administration, business administration, environmental science, emergency response, human services, social sciences related fields or health-related fields and one (1) year or more of experience in public health, human services, emergency response, community engagement, program administration, human services related fields or health-related fields.
• Master’s degree in public health, public administration, business administration, environmental science, emergency response, human services, social sciences related fields or health-related fields.
• One (1) year or more of experience as Public Health Specialist I.

Skills

• Strong relationship-building skills.
• Community organizing and strategic planning experience.
• Excellent presentation and group facilitation skills.
• Data analysis and interpretation skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to interpret state-level program guidance.
• Experience in substance misuse prevention strategies and community engagement practices.

Benefits

As a State employee, you are offered a great career opportunity with a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

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

Pay

As of July 12, 2026, the step 1 rate for pay grade 23 will be $28.05 per hour and the step 15 rate will be $43.80 per hour.

Schedule

This position requires a consistent physical presence in the office and community, with at least 3 days in-office each week and the option to telework the other days.