LEAD HEALTH EDUCATOR II

An employee in this classification identifies the need for and develops implements and evaluates a variety of public health education programs for the Bladen County Health Department; performs related professional and administrative work as required.  Work is performed under general supervision and is evaluated through conferences and reports as to the overall effectiveness of the program.

• Serves as the lead health educator for the County Health Department.
• Develops and implements health education goals, policies and procedures.
• Researches, writes and administers grants for program funding; prepares related reports.
• Collects data from existing resources; analyzes data to identify needs in public and health issues.
• Completes community assessment every three years; updates assessment annually.
• Develops and implements health promotion programs and activities throughout the community.
• Selects educational materials and methods.
• Teaches health education programs in local community centers, schools, churches and other institutions; teaches safety programs to County employees and the community.
• Evaluates the effectiveness of health education programs using surveys and various other techniques.
• Provides consultation and technical assistance to program staff to enhance program effectiveness.
• Coordinates, serves as chair and works closely with a community coalition or council with the purpose of promoting health services.
• Serves as Public Information Officer for Bladen County Health Department.  Prepares media news releases to inform the public of Health Department programs, services and health issues. Is also responsible for attending local preparedness meetings and fulfilling assigned duties.
• Prepares and/or distributes educational worksheets, brochures, fliers, activity books, etc.
• Attends and participates in health and children’s fairs and other events.
• Ensures program compliance with all applicable policies and procedures, laws and regulations.
• Receives and responds to public inquiries, concerns and complaints regarding assigned programs and projects.
• Ensures the maintenance of accurate and complete program records.
• Coordinates activities with those of other divisions, departments, agencies and boards as required; attends meetings of various community and civic organizations as appropriate.
• Gathers information for and prepares various reports for decision-making purposes and as required by the County and/or other agencies.
• Operates a vehicle and a variety of office equipment, including a computer, printer, copier, telephone, calculator, fax machine, etc.; uses clerical and computer supplies, visual and audio aids, display boards.
• Interacts and communicates with the immediate supervisor, other County department heads and employees, clients, students, various outside professionals and agencies, community organizations, and the general public.
• Represents the County Health Department at local and state meetings, forums and workshops.
• Attends meetings, training, workshops, conferences, etc., as required to enhance job knowledge and skills.
• Performs general administrative/office work as required, including attending meetings, preparing reports and correspondence, entering and retrieving computer data, sending and receiving faxes, copying and filing documents, reviewing correspondence, answering the telephone, ordering supplies, etc.
• Serves as Accreditation and Quality Improvement Chair.  Meets requirements set forth by the “Standards for Accreditation” for the Health Department accreditation process by meeting benchmarks as guided by policies and procedures as specific for health promotion and education.
• Serves as Healthy Bladen Coordinator.
• Serves as Health and Human Services Wellness Coordinator.
• Position will be responsible for other duties as assigned.  Duties may also include Preparedness activities/directives as assigned by Supervisor, Nursing Director or Agency Director.
• Serves as Coordinator for the Bladen County Health and Human Services Quality Committee that is designed to meet the needs of the quality improvement projects created and implemented within the Bladen County Health and Human Services Agency.
• Services as a member of the “NC Cooperative Extension Advisory Committee” and is responsible for quarterly meetings.

• Thorough knowledge of the methods, procedures and policies of the Health Department as they pertain to the performance of duties of the Health Educator II.  
• Thorough knowledge of the laws, ordinances, standards and regulations pertaining to the specific duties and responsibilities of the position. 
• Thorough knowledge of proper English usage, vocabulary, spelling and basic mathematics.
• Thorough knowledge of modern office practices and technology.  
• Comprehensive knowledge of health, safety and nutritional education principles and methodologies. 
• Comprehensive knowledge of the terminology used within the department.         
• Knowledge of and skill in the use of computers for word and data processing and records management. 
• Ability to plan, develop and implement effective public education program, activities and events; is able to provide one-on-one and group instruction on a variety of health-related issues.  
• Ability to coordinate program activities with other County divisions, departments, health / social service agencies, etc., in order to accomplish goals. 
• Ability to maintain effective relationships with clients, personnel of other departments, professionals and members of the public through contact and cooperation. 
• Ability to offer assistance to co-workers and employees of other departments as required. 
• Ability to take the initiative to complete the duties of the position without the need of direct supervision.  
• Ability to learn and utilize new skills and information to improve job performance and efficiency.  
• Ability to read and interpret complex materials pertaining to the responsibilities of the job.
• Ability to assemble and analyze information and make written reports and records in a concise, clear and effective manner.  
• Ability to react calmly and quickly in emergency situations. 
• Thorough knowledge of the theoretical principles, practices, methods, procedures and policies of the Health Department as they pertain to the performance of duties of the Health Educator II.  
• Thorough knowledge of the laws, ordinances, standards and regulations pertaining to the specific duties and responsibilities of the position. 
• Understanding of the federal confidentiality rules regarding substance abuse communications and records (HIPPA 42 CFR) in addition to HIPPA rules and regulations.

Physical Requirements
This is light work requiring the exertion of 20 pounds of force occasionally, up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. Work requires stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, and repetitive motions. Vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word. Hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels. Employee must have the visual acuity to inspect small defects or parts, operate or inspect equipment and determine the accuracy of work assigned. Work may include extended periods of time viewing a computer monitor and/or operating a keyboard.
Working Conditions
Work is performed primarily in an office area with a controlled environment.Bachelor’s degree in general education, public or environmental health or other relevant field supplemented by two to three years of experience in health education, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities. 
Special Requirements

• Valid North Carolina Driver’s License
• May be required to obtain additional certification(s) as deemed necessary by supervisor.  

FLSA Status: Exempt 
Disclaimer
This classification specification has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees to perform the job.  Bladen County reserves the right to assign or otherwise modify the duties assigned to this classification.
November 2024