COMMUNITY HEALTH PROMOTION SPECIALIST - HARM REDUCTION
Health & Human Services Department
About the City of Portland HHS:
Come do good work with us! The Health & Human Services Department consists of four unique divisions; Barron Center, Elder Affairs, Public Health, and Social Services. We strive to enhance the health and well-being of the residents of Portland in collaboration with our community, state, and federal partners.
Job Summary:
The City of Portland’s Harm Reduction Services (Syringe Services) program is searching for a full-time Community Health Promotion Specialist. This person will have the opportunity to help administer critical public health services within some of Portland’s vulnerable communities, including the daily operations of our syringe services program. The position also includes administrative tasks, such as assisting with preparing grant applications and reports, distribution of health promotion materials, data collection, and community outreach and education. This is specialized field service work in the assessment, implementation, and follow-up of community-based health promotion, prevention and health education activities. Successful candidates will have experience in interdisciplinary team work, have strong public relations skills and a comprehensive knowledge base of health promotion and health education, as well as a successful background in community outreach.
Duties & Responsibilities:
- Organizes community groups related to health promotion issues in a community setting.
- Develops intervention programs based upon analysis of significant data sets.
- Participates in the operation of neighborhood-based health screenings, by scheduling, staffing and advertising services.
- Manages a database by utilizing the personal computers and software available through the Division.
- Prepares audio-visual and written materials for media and/or community utilization.
- Works with high risk targeted population groups on health-specific risk reduction interventions based upon program-identified needs.
- Develops and implements structured programs in health stations, community sites, providers’ offices and other locations.
- Assists individuals and families to carry out plans of care developed by health care providers and makes necessary adaptations so that treatment plans can be followed.
- Performs related work as required.
Required Skills & Experience:
- High School completion is required. A minimum two years of community-based experience in the field of harm reduction, public health, and/or substance use disorder treatment and recovery.
- Ability to communicate to various community stakeholders via strong oral and written skills.
- Knowledge and skills in the methods of health education/promotion, social marketing for public health.
- Able to work and problem solve with both individuals and groups
- Experience in program implementation and substance use prevention/harm reduction
- Must have excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to facilitate effective communication in health care settings, verbally, in writing, and via phone.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with community members, providers, physicians, public health staff, schools, and consumers.
- Excellent group process and conflict management skills.
- Ability to work with a diverse population.
- Experience using personal computers and data based software.
Preferred Skills & Experience:
- Bachelor’s Degree in public health, health education, or related field strongly encouraged. Experience working with target populations is highly desirable.
- Strong oral and written communication skills are essential.
- Experience working with homeless population.
- Comprehensive understanding of the cultural norms and a command of the language of the target population.
Necessary Special Requirements:
- Must possess a valid State of Maine Driver's license and maintain a good driving record
- Must have access to a vehicle for work with the ability to do outreach and travel to agencies, clients' homes, and private providers
- Must provide, as required by State of Maine law, verification of MMR immunity status within the first 30 days of employment.
Expected Hours/Schedule:
Full-Time (37.5 hours/week), Project position - Monday-Friday, 8am-4:30pm.
Applications accepted until 5/16/2025.
Offers of employment are contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory criminal background check.
Salary & Benefits:
This is a union position, Pro Tech-Grade 6, Pay range starting at $26.27/hour.
The City of Portland prides itself on its outstanding benefits and collegial and mission-driven work environment. City benefits include:
- Free employee health insurance with the completion of wellness incentives
- Thirteen paid holidays
- Sick, vacation, and personal leave
- Life, dental, vision and income protection insurances
- Choice of retirement plans, including a pension plan
- Fitness Reimbursement
- Use of City recreation facilities
- Discount on professional development programs through USM and Thomas College
If you have any questions or need assistance with the application, please email Human Resources at jobs@portlandmaine.gov or call 207-874-8624.
The City of Portland believes that to do our best work, our employees need to reflect the diverse, vibrant community we serve. We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to celebrating all dimensions of diversity in the workplace. Applicants are considered without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other applicable legally protected characteristics. If you need to request a reasonable accommodation, please call 207-874-8624 or email hrinfo@portlandmaine.gov.
Type : INTERNAL & EXTERNAL
Group : PROTECH
Job Family : PUBLIC HEALTH
Posting Start : 05/02/2025
Posting End : 05/16/2025