Job Description

Overview

Where Vermonters live, learn, work, play, and age influence their health and wellness. Not all Vermonters have access to the same resources and opportunities. The availability of social and economic opportunities, the community's connectedness, the cleanliness of the environment (e.g., water, food, and air), the affordability of conveniently located housing, and the accessibility of transportation, healthcare, and community resources (e.g., parks, libraries, grocery stores, recreation) all impact health. Creating neighborhoods and communities where healthy choices are available to everyone gives all Vermonters an opportunity to live a long and healthy life.

To create healthier neighborhoods and communities, the Public Health Specialist provides support and technical assistance to municipalities, the regional planning commission, and other community partners to ensure their plans, projects, policies, and programs improve the health and well-being of all Chittenden County residents. This includes:

• Identifying plans and projects that would benefit from health and equity analysis
• Identifying the needs of communities by collecting and analyzing relevant primary and secondary data
• Providing recommendations during project and plan development to maximize health and equity impacts
• Monitoring and evaluating outcomes over time through established indicators

The planning, project, policy, and program areas assessed for health and equity considerations includes:

• Transportation
• Food security
• Physical activity
• Brownfield remediation
• Affordable housing
• Community and economic development
• Public safety
• Hazard mitigation
• Environmental health
• Land use
• Parks and recreation

The Public Health Specialist works with municipalities and the regional planning commission to ensure communities are designed with health and equity in mind. This encourages healthy choices among residents and gives all communities an equal opportunity to live longer and healthier lives.

DIVISION OF LOCAL HEALTH - WHO WE ARE:

The Division of Local Health works to preserve and improve the equitable social, economic, and environmental conditions necessary to attain the highest level of health and well-being for all, thus ensuring healthy Vermonters. The Division of Local Health is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and welcoming environment that respects and celebrates every person's strength, assets, and values.  The Division of Local Health is committed to leading organizational change efforts that address avoidable inequities and injustices as we work towards the elimination of health and health care disparities.

TELEWORK

The Department of Health supports a hybrid work environment which combines both in person and remote work. Upon hire, employees work with their supervisor to create a schedule that aligns with the business needs of the unit and complies with State of Vermont policy. We believe a hybrid work environment promotes autonomy and allows for increased flexibility and greater work/life balance.

MISSION

Promote the physical, mental, and social well-being of people in Vermont by advancing equity, protecting against disease and injury, and preparing for health emergencies.

VISION

All people and communities in Vermont have equitable opportunities to achieve their highest level of health and well-being. 

VALUES

• Equity: We aim to center health justice and address racism and all forms of oppression in our programs and policies, our approach to collaboration, and how we build and nurture our workforce. 
• Collaboration: We engage with staff and partners to understand complex problems and design responsive solutions.
• Inclusion: We support a culture of belonging and diversity where people are valued, trusted, and able to be their authentic selves.
• Harmony: We endorse a balanced, thoughtful, and intentional work environment that allows employees to care for themselves, their families, and the people they serve.
• Data: We strive for scientific excellence and cultural responsiveness in the collection, analysis, sharing and use of data.

Who May Apply

This position, Public Health Specialist I - Chronic Disease (Job Requisition #55904), is open to all State employees and external applicants.

Please Note: This position is being recruited at multiple levels. If you would like to be considered for more than one level, you MUST apply to the specific Job Requisition.

Level I: Job Requisition #55904

Level II: Job Requisition #55905

Level III: Job Requisition #55898

If you would like more information about this position, please contact Marielle.Matthews@vermont.gov

Resumes will not be accepted via e-mail. You must apply online to be considered.

Please note that multiple positions in the same work location may be filled from this job posting.

AHS BACKGROUND CHECKS: Candidates must pass any level of background investigation applicable to the position. In accordance with AHS Policy 4.02, Hiring Standards, Vermont and/or national criminal record checks, as well as DMV and adult and child abuse registry checks, as appropriate to the position under recruitment, will be conducted on candidates, with the exception of those who are current classified state employees seeking transfer, promotion or demotion into an AHS classified position or are persons exercising re-employment (RIF) rights.

Environmental Factors

Duties are performed in both a standard office and field settings. Private means of transportation must be available for required travel. Stress may be anticipated in dealing with emotional situations involving application of programs, especially in dealing with families and in the allocation of program resources.

Minimum Qualifications

Two (2) years or more of experience in public health, human services, emergency response, community engagement, program administration, human services related fields or health-related fields.

OR

Associate degree in public health, public administration, business administration, environmental science, emergency response, human services, social sciences related fields or health-related fields and one (1) year or more of experience in public health, human services, emergency response, community engagement, program administration, human services related fields or health-related fields.

OR

Bachelor’s degree in public health, public administration, business administration, environmental science, emergency response, human services, social sciences related fields or health-related fields.

Total Compensation

As a State employee you are offered a great career opportunity, but it's more than a paycheck. The State's total compensation package features an outstanding set of employee benefits that are worth about 30% of your total compensation, including:

• 80% State paid medical premium and a dental plan at no cost for employees and their families
• Work/Life balance: 12 paid holidays each year and a generous leave plan
• State Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FMLI)
• Two ways to save for your retirement: A State defined benefit pension plan and a deferred compensation 457(b) plan
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Flexible spending healthcare and childcare reimbursement accounts
• Low cost group life insurance
• Incentive-based Wellness Program
• Qualified Employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program

Want the specifics? Explore the Benefits of State Employment on our website.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of Vermont celebrates diversity, and is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect and meaningful inclusion that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The State does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, HIV Status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, membership in an employee organization, family medical history or genetic information, or family or parental status. The State’s employment decisions are merit-based. Retaliatory adverse employment actions by the State are forbidden.