Health Promotion Specialist

at  California State University

Job no: 540463
Work type: Staff
Location: San José
Categories: Unit 2 - CSUEU - Health Care Support, Probationary, Health Professionals, Full Time

JOB SUMMARY

The Wellness and Health Promotion department supports the mission of the Student Wellness Center (SWC) by providing universal health promotion, education, and prevention programs which take place both within and outside of the SWC. Reporting to the Associate Director of Campus Wellness Education, with lead work direction provided by the Senior Health Promotion Specialist, the Health Promotion Specialist will perform skilled work planning, implementation, and evaluation of evidence-based health promotion strategies, policies, programs and services for the college community, with a focus on health conditions and behaviors that interfere with student success in young adult populations. In collaboration with other Student Wellness Center employees, along with SJSU faculty and staff, the incumbent is responsible for developing strong, evidence-based, data-driven programs and services based on relevant and measurable learning outcomes to improve individual and community health behaviors and status, and is expected to integrate multicultural and social justice concepts and principles into health promotion services. The Health Promotion Specialists focus on empowering students to access health-related services and to make changes in their lives to improve their health. Health Promotion moves beyond a focus on individual behavior towards a wide range social and environmental interventions. The Health Promotion Specialist participates in the coordination of the Peer Health Educator (PHE) program (student assistants) who provide PHE workshops, outreach events, and social marketing for the SJSU student body. The anticipated primary health specialty area of responsibility is Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs education, in addition to supporting overall health promotion, education, and prevention within the department of wellness & health promotion and the greater Student Wellness Center. Working collaboratively to support student success is the bottom line purpose of this and all Student Wellness Center positions.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Thorough knowledge of: health education theories, research, and program assessment; planning, design, implementation, and evaluation of health education programs; and industry standards for the delivery of health education in higher education
• Ability to incorporate preventive health principles when counseling students
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, social justice, and cultural competence and the ability to work collaboratively in a multicultural environment
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality of Private Health Information and appropriately handle sensitive communications with students, staff, and external agencies
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with colleagues and other key stakeholders to develop a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to health education for students
• Familiarity with the relationship between health and student learning, including academic performance
• Demonstrated ability and skill to organize, promote, and facilitate public meetings and to prepare, select, assemble, evaluate, and utilize educational materials
• Proficient in a variety of computer software applications (e.g., word processing, spreadsheet, PowerPoint, and presentation software.)
• Ability to perform effectively in a detail-oriented environment
• Ability to effectively manage multiple work priorities
• Ability to mentor Peer Educators with an emphasis on individual strengths while coaching on areas for improvement
• Ability to link student work to internships, fieldwork, academic coursework, and/or career goals
• Experience providing regular informal and formal feedback
• Knowledge of social marketing and health communication strategies
• Thorough knowledge of English grammar, business writing, punctuation, and spelling
• Ability to compose and appropriately format correspondence and reports
• Must possess excellent customer service and public relations skills

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in an approved program in health education or a related health field
• Equivalent to one to two years of progressively responsible health education experience or combination of education and experience which provides the required knowledge and abilities

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• A Master’s Degree in Public Health or related field
• Experience designing, organizing, implementing, and evaluating effective programming
• Experience as a student supervisor, lead, and/or mentor
• Experience providing health education for alcohol, tobacco, and/or other drugs

• Provide a variety of didactic health education resources including presentations, educational and skill-based workshops, trainings, small group discussion and facilitation, and individual meetings related to alcohol and other drugs to assist students in learning about and appreciating the importance of health behaviors
• Promote healthy models, social norms, and values around alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use
• Provide integrative health promotion related to general health topics and their relation to alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs
• Collaborate to plan, implement, and evaluate theory and evidence based health promotion strategies, policies, programs, and services
• Consult with colleagues and department to develop strategic plans, goals, and measurable objectives for programs and services in alignment with goals and objectives of the University and reporting line
• Maintain and develop current resources, including web and social media, useful for serving students (staff and faculty) and accomplishing program goals
• Collaborate to promote programs and services to the campus community using both traditional marketing methods and emerging technologies
• Support student success through the oversight and delivery of presentations, programs, events, and trainings that address a variety of health and wellness topics, with a focus on alcohol and other drugs
• Complete program planning, implementation and training for the Peer Health Educators