Health Educator, Tobacco & Asthma Control

If you’re looking to be a part of a collaborative environment where your skills can make an impact, explore our current opportunities in creating a better future for public health.

About Harris County Public Health Harris County Public Health (HCPH) includes a network of more than 1,100 public health professionals working together to improve health outcomes for the third most populous county in the United States. HCPH provides a multitude of services such as medical and dental services, community programming, and health education for the approximately 2.3 million people in unincorporated Harris County. Through its core values of innovation, engagement, and health equity, HCPH strives to bring meaningful solutions to public health issues while keeping Harris County healthy and vibrant.

Our Values: HCPH embraces a foundation of progressive work anchored by the department's cornerstone values guiding our work to improve community's health and well-being. • Transparency- We share information openly and honestly so that staff, partners, and the community understand our actions and the reasons behind them.

• Integrity- Our actions reflect strong ethical principles, ensuring we remain trustworthy, accountable, and consistent with our mission.
• Respect - We foster a supportive environment by valuing diverse perspectives, listening intentionally, and treating people with dignity in every interaction.
• Impact -We focus our efforts on activities that improve health, reduce disparities, and create meaningful, measurable outcomes for the communities we serve.
• Collaboration- We actively partner across teams, disciplines, organizations, and communities to align our efforts toward common goals.

Position Overview: The Program Specialist supports the Chronic Disease Prevention Program with a focus on both asthma control and tobacco/vaping education. This integrated role is responsible for developing, implementing, and supporting initiatives aimed at reducing tobacco use and improving asthma outcomes across Harris County. The specialist will engage in strategic planning, foster cross-sector partnerships, provide education to the community and stakeholders, and collaborate with internal and external partners to align efforts across both health focus areas.

Duties & Responsibilities:• Provide evidence-based education on tobacco/vaping cessation and asthma self-management to individuals and groups in priority zip code communities in Harris County.

• Establish and maintain collaborative relationships with community stakeholders, schools, and healthcare providers to support tobacco/vaping prevention and asthma care efforts.
• Develop and implement initiatives to achieve program goals and objectives related to tobacco/vaping prevention and cessation, and asthma control across Harris County.
• Plan and conduct outreach activities, including community events and health fairs to promote program engagement and participation.
• Assist in the development of culturally appropriate educational materials, presentations, and trainings tailored to target populations.
• Collect and document program activities and outcomes; prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual reports to track progress and impact.
• Support inventory management for program supplies.
• Stay informed on current research, best practices, and trends in tobacco/vaping and asthma.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer https://hrrm.harriscountytx.gov/Pages/EqualEmploymentOpportunityPlan.aspx If you need special services or accommodations, please call (713) 274-5445 or [email protected]. This position is subject to a criminal history check. Only relevant convictions will be considered and, even when considered, may not automatically disqualify the candidate.

Education:• Bachelor’s degree in public health, or related field.

Licensure/Certification:• Valid Texas Driver's License.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Proficient in MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).

• Excellent communication skills (verbal & written).

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and foster teamwork in a diverse environment.

• Ability to maintain confidentiality when dealing with sensitive information.

• Ability to manage multiple tasks, stay organized, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

Core Competencies:

• Data Analytics and Assessment Skills: Ability to use data to analyze community health needs and support decisions that improve community health outcomes.

• Communication Skills: This competency focuses on using clear and effective communication to engage audiences, address misinformation, and build trust, supporting informed decisions and stronger public health outcomes.

• Health Advancement Skills:This competency focuses on applying principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion to public health, addressing systemic barriers, and promoting fair access to resources for healthier communities.

• Community Partnership Skills: This competency focuses on collaborating with communities to address the systems and policies affecting health, fostering engagement, shared ownership, and sustainable improvements in well-being.

• Public Health Science Skills:This competency focuses on using public health science and evidence-based approaches to develop and improve policies and programs, ensuring effective delivery of the 10 Essential Public Health Services.

NOTE: Qualifying education, experience, knowledge and skills must be documented on your job application. You may attach a resume to the application as supporting documentation but ONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. "See Resume" will not be accepted for qualifications.

Experience:• At least one (1) year of relevant experience in community engagement or direct work under public health.

Language:• Bilingual in English and Spanish.

Position Type and Typical Hours of Work:• This is a full-time position.

• Days and hours of work are typically Monday through Friday from 8am to 4:30pm.
• Must be willing to flex work hours when required, including weekends.
• Expected to travel within Harris County jurisdiction.

Work Environment:• This job operates in both a professional office and community environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets, and fax machines.

Physical Demands:• This is a largely active role; some duties may require the ability to life up to 20 pounds and bending & standing for periods at a time.

Work Location:• Harris County Public Health: Health Prevention & Coordinated Care - 3204 Ennis St, Houston, TX 77004.

Employment may be contingent on passing a drug screen and meeting other standards.

Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.