Health Educator/Communications 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 Specialist’s 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 $80,000/year to $95,000/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

• Bachelor’s 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.