Public Health Specialist III - Chronic Disease

Are you a compassionate public health professional who wants to use their knowledge to make a positive difference in the lives of Vermonters? Join our team at the Vermont Department of Health’s Springfield District Office. We’re looking for a bright, energetic, and dedicated public health professional with strong listening and communication skills to support local health efforts and improve health outcomes across 15 towns in the Springfield District. This role focuses on systems-level work and community partnerships to address health disparities, with priority areas including oral health, tobacco prevention and cessation, and access to preventive care.

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.
• Develop and assess systemic and policy solutions to improve access to preventive health services and reduce barriers to care for all ages.
• Collaborate with worksites to enhance 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 into municipal and organizational planning.
• Support community-based coalitions in analyzing health data trends, setting goals, and developing plans to improve health outcomes.
• Partner with a diverse set of stakeholders to implement the 3-4-50 chronic disease model in the district.

About the Division of Local Health

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

Work Environment

The Department of Health supports a hybrid work environment combining in-person and remote work. Employees collaborate with supervisors to create a schedule that aligns with unit needs and complies with State of Vermont policy. This model promotes autonomy, flexibility, and work-life balance.

Duties are performed in both office and field settings. A private vehicle is required for travel. Stress may arise when addressing emotional situations or allocating program resources.

Mission and Values

Mission: Promote the physical, mental, and social well-being of Vermonters 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, and workforce development.
• Collaboration: Engage with staff and partners to understand complex problems and design responsive solutions.
• Inclusion: Foster 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 supports employees, their families, and the communities they serve.
• Data: Strive for scientific excellence and cultural responsiveness in data collection, analysis, sharing, and use.

Requirements

Minimum qualifications (one of the following):

• Four or more years of experience in public health, human services, emergency response, community engagement, program administration, or related fields.
• Associate degree in public health, public administration, business administration, environmental science, emergency response, human services, social sciences, or health-related fields and three or more years of relevant experience.
• Bachelor’s degree in the above fields and two or more years of relevant experience.
• Master’s degree in the above fields and one or more years of relevant experience.
• One or more years of experience as a Public Health Specialist II.

Benefits

As a State employee, you’ll receive a comprehensive benefits package worth about 30% of your total compensation, including:

• 80% State-paid medical premium and a dental plan at no cost for employees and their families.
• Work-life balance: 11 paid holidays annually 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.