Health EducatorCommunications Specialist (VBDS)

SUMMARY

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Vector-Borne Disease Section (VBDS) protects the health and well-being of Californians from diseases transmitted to people from insects and other animals. VBDS conducts prevention surveillance and control of West Nile virus Lyme disease plague hantavirus and other vector-borne diseases throughout California.

The Health Educator/Communications Specialist will work with staff in CDPH VBDS to improve educational outreach for tick-borne mosquito-borne and other vector-borne diseases of ongoing concern in California. The Health Educator/Communications Specialists primary responsibility will be to support the IDB Public Health Educator VBDS Public Health Biologists Epidemiologists and other CDPH staff with outreach efforts for vector-borne disease prevention; key audiences for education and outreach include local health departments local vector control agencies healthcare providers recreational land agencies and other partner organizations and the public. Major projects of focus will be to: 1) assess existing educational materials and outreach efforts to understand the need for new or expanded vector-borne disease prevention content and activities; 2) work with subject-matter experts to develop materials appropriate for intended audiences with a particular focus on plain scientifically accurate messaging for the public; and 3) plan and implement seasonal vector-borne disease communications. Additional responsibilities may include assisting with communications during disease outbreaks.

The salary range for this position is $80000/year to $95000/year depending on experience/qualifications.

This full-time temporary position is grant funded through July 2026. If funding is renewed the position will be extended.

A cover letter and resume must be submitted with the application.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Review existing vector-borne disease public education materials; identify and develop effective messaging and/or revise resources to address information gaps including content for webpages digital resources and print materials (posters flyers brochures); when possible oversee translation into appropriate languages.
• Develop and implement vector-borne disease communication and outreach plans as well as supporting educational materials for local health departments local vector control agencies and other identified partners/organizations.
• Design and develop social media messaging and videos/graphics for various vector-borne diseases; oversee seasonal distribution and coordinate with CDPH communications staff to disseminate messaging and assess and track engagement.
• Design effective digital and print educational materials including supplemental graphics infographics charts and maps for health education and communication.
• Develop strategies for vector-borne disease health education for at-risk audiences.
• Support development of vector-borne disease educational materials for healthcare providers.
• Support development of vector-borne disease prevention training videos for local partner agencies and lay audiences.
• Effectively communicate and coordinate with local partners and members of the public regarding orders for print educational materials; oversee distribution and track orders.
• Establish and maintain reliable efficient and effective methods for communicating with team members partners and patients via telephone and email.
• Participate in conference calls with partners at CDPH CDC California local health departments and other state and local partners.
• Perform other duties as directed by the VBDS Chief.
• Collaborate effectively in a team environment.
• Assist with other health education projects in the section as time and interest allows.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

• Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate in writing regarding public health or related issues.
• Ability to communicate basic infectious disease information to a lay audience.
• Ability to work with technical staff to decipher technical information and recommendations.
• Knowledge of public health practices and the application of health education principles and skills for the promotion of health and the prevention of disease.
• Knowledge of community resources and how to utilize them.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks and work independently.
• Completes assignments in a timely and efficient manner.
• Demonstrates reliability and integrity.
• Fluency in spoken English; fluency in Spanish or other languages desirable.

Education/Experience

• Bachelors degree in health education communication public health or a closely related field required

• At least two years of relevant full-time work experience strongly preferred

• Experience presenting on public health or related issues in writing required
• Experience with Microsoft products including Word Outlook PowerPoint and Excel; strong knowledge of Word required
• Experience with health education and outreach required
• Experience in writing and designing public health materials preferred
• Experience with graphic design software (Canva Photoshop InDesign or Illustrator) desirable
• Media experience (print video radio social media or web) or social marketing experience desirable
• Experience with clinical and biological terminology preferred

Other Skills Knowledge and Abilities

• Familiarity with ADA compliance requirements; experience with ADA remediation and implementation strongly preferred
• Basic knowledge and experience with web design preferred
• Ability to assess develop implement and evaluate a public health education program desirable

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Stand: Frequently
• Walk: Frequently
• 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 30 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

General Office Setting Indoors Temperature Controlled

This is a hybrid position based in Sacramento CA. The work schedule will be determined by the supervisor.

EEOC STATEMENT

It is the policy of Heluna Health to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to age (40 and over) national origin or ancestry race color religion sex gender sexual orientation pregnancy or perceived pregnancy reproductive health decision making physical or mental disability medical condition (including cancer or a record or history of cancer) AIDS or HIV genetic information or characteristics veteran status or military service.

Required Experience:

IC