Health Educator (Communications & Outreach) - Hybrid/Richmond, CA - Public Health Foundation Enterprises, In

SUMMARY 

The Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAI) Program in the Center for Health Care Quality, California Department of Public Health is responsible for the prevention, surveillance, and reporting of HAI in California as mandated by the Health and Safety Code. With support from federal funding, the HAI Program employs infection preventionists, public health educators, epidemiologists, and other staff to develop strategies and perform activities for the prevention of and response to HAI and antimicrobial-resistant (AR) infections.

Under the general supervision of the HAI/AR Prevention Project Supervisor, in collaboration with the HAI Program’s Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Team, the Health Educator (Communications & Outreach) is responsible for activities that inform, engage, and disseminate messages and content to specific sectors of the healthcare workforce about infectious disease threats that spread in healthcare settings. The Health Educator will collaborate with epidemiologists, infection preventionists, medical officers, and other HAI/AR subject matter experts to develop and disseminate health communications for audiences which include the general public, frontline healthcare providers (certified nursing assistants (CNA) and environmental services (EVS) staff), and others. The role requires skills in website development and maintenance, expertise in social media message development and dissemination, and experience with managing contact lists and communications. The incumbent uses their communications skills to support and advance the HAI Program mission to ensure safe healthcare for all Californians.

This is a temporary, grant-funded, full-time, benefited position. This position is expected to last through July 2027 and may be extended should funding become available.

The salary range for this position is $74,880 to $96,000 annually.

Must submit a resume and cover letter with the application. 

Applicants may also submit sample work (e.g., website design, flyers, infographics)

If hired for this position, applicant will be required to provide proof of full vaccination for COVID-19 prior to the start date; or have a valid religious or medical reason qualifying the applicant for an exemption (that may or may not require accommodation).

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS 

• Collaborate with local health departments, State organizations, and other partners that work directly with healthcare facilities and HAI Program target groups.
• Aid in the development of literacy-appropriate communications and provide input on the HAI Program’s communications and social media strategy, infographics, and digital storytelling projects (e.g., animated video, interactive GIFs, website enhancements, HTML). Specifically, the Health Educator will lead the multidrug-resistant organism (MDRO) threat messaging campaign and be able to translate data and health information into compelling visuals (e.g., interactive hands-on resources and tools).
• Assist with content updates of the HAI Program website; confirms archiving of Program's outdated content from website.
• Lead development and dissemination of California’s Project Firstline communications to include a quarterly newsletter, regular distribution list updates, webpages, fact sheets, webinars, and resource promotion to our target audiences.
• Serve as IPC Team liaison to the HAI Program Communications Team; work in close coordination with HAI Program team members to proactively develop content and align objectives with larger strategic communication priorities and campaigns.
• Maintain records of attendance and provide certificates and follow up support to participants who attend HAI Program-led IPC trainings.
• Serve as subject matter expert for the MS Dynamics contact and communications platform; maintain best practices protocol and contact lists.
• Oversee California’s Project Firstline AskBox inquiries from CNA and EVS trainees and educators.
• Develop and monitor metrics to measure reach, impact, and effectiveness of HAI Program outreach activities, and identify areas of success and opportunity.
• Participate in HAI Program and CDPH meetings, and possible trainings that support professional development. 

NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS 

• Performs other duties as required or assigned.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS 

• Experience in using social media in a business or professional setting.
• Knowledge and experience with website development, HTML, graphic design, and electronic communication tools.
• Excellent computer skills and use of software, including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, and Outlook; and Zoom.
• Experience with software used for graphic design and web development (e.g., Canva, Adobe Creative Cloud, SharePoint). 

EDUCATION/ EXPERIENCE 

• Master’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in health communications, health education, or a closely related field, required.
• At least 2 years of relevant, full-time work experience in a public health or healthcare setting, strongly preferred.
• Prior work experience that applied the concepts of program marketing and outreach techniques, required.

CERTIFICATIONS/ LICENSES/ CLEARANCES 

• A valid California driver’s license, proof of vehicle insurance, and reliable transportation or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job-related essential functions.

OTHER SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND ABILITIES 

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team comprised of individuals across different agencies, disciplines, and locations
• Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing
• Able to organize and manage multiple priorities and projects
• Task-oriented, takes initiative, and follows through to complete assignments
• Exceptional interpersonal skills and abilities 

PHYSICAL DEMAND

• Stand: Occasionally
• Walk: Occasionally
• Sit: Frequently
• Handling / Fingering: Frequently
• Reach Outward: Occasionally
• Reach Above Shoulder: Occasionally
• Climb, Crawl, Kneel, Bend: Occasionally
• Lift / Carry: Occasionally - Up to 30 lbs.
• Push/Pull: Occasionally - Up to 50 lbs.
• See (Vision): Constantly
• Taste/ Smell: Not Applicable

KEY

• Not Applicable = Not required for essential functions
• Occasionally = (0 - 2 hrs/day)
• Frequently = (2+ - 5 hrs/day)
• Constantly = (5+ hrs/day)

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Our organization follows a hybrid workplace environment. This position will require work in-office and remotely. Supervisor/leadership will determine hybrid schedule.

Must have functioning internet access at remote location.

EEOC STATEMENT 

It is the policy of Heluna Health to provide equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.

Heluna Health is an Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity Employer that encourages minorities, women, veterans, and disabled to apply.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)