Public Health Program Director 1

Public Health Program Director 1The Tennessee Department of Health is seeking a Public Health Program Director 1 within the Division of Family Health and Wellness. Under direction, the Project Coordinator position is responsible for supporting the statewide rollout of the TN Community Compass platform (powered by FindHelp) across Tennessee Department of Health programs and county health departments. This position serves as the frontline implementation expert, delivering hands-on training, technical support, and workflow optimization to ensure successful adoption of the Closed-Loop Referral System (CLRS) for Health-Related Social Needs (HRSNs).Tennessee is at the forefront of enhancing HRSN screening and referral processes to ensure individuals and families can access high-quality, comprehensive, and coordinated services through a no-wrong-door approach. HRSNs encompass critical social and economic factors—including access to food, housing, transportation, utilities, and financial assistance—that directly influence health outcomes. This initiative, in partnership with TennCare—Tennessee's Medicaid agency—aims to implement a CLRS using the FindHelp digital platform across TDH programs, with an initial focus on Community Health Access and Navigation in Tennessee (CHANT), Evidence-Based Home Visiting (EBHV), and Viral Hepatitis.Distinguishing Features: An employee in this class provides direct, on-the-ground support for platform adoption and serves as a critical bridge between program leadership, local implementing staff, and community-based organizations. This position requires frequent travel, strong facilitation skills, and the ability to troubleshoot both technical and workflow challenges in real time. The role emphasizes relationship-building, user-centered problem-solving, and continuous quality improvement informed by frontline staff feedback.Key Responsibilities:Conduct regular in-person visits to counties participating in the TN Community Compass platform rollout

Provide hands-on workflow support and troubleshoot technical or process-related issues on site

Observe workflows to identify gaps, inconsistencies, or best practices

Build and foster relationships with staff from local implementing agencies/community-based organizations to increase usage of the TN Community Compass platform

Actively listen to staff feedback during visits and interactions, documenting trends and improvement opportunities

Present feedback to supervisor and leadership with actionable recommendations

Monitor adoption, workflow consistency, and platform utilization across counties and programs

Document and share progress, challenges, and trends with program leadership

Deliver in-person and virtual training to program teams on TN Community Compass/FindHelpCreate high-quality educational materials—including guides, job aids, and presentations

Coordinate with program leads and TDH navigators to encourage participation and engagement

Serve as a liaison between county staff, TDH leadership, and external partners

Minimum Requirements:Bachelor's degree in Public Health, Social Work, Human Services, Healthcare Administration, or related field preferred; Master's degree preferred. Equivalent experience considered.At least 2 years of experience in program coordination, training, community engagement, and/or public health support

Experience with community engagement and fostering relationships with community-based organizations is a plus

Experience with data systems, referral platforms, or case management tools is a plus

Work Environment:This role will be on site, based at central office located in Nashville, TN, with frequent travel to regional sites in Middle Tennessee. Nashville/Mid-Cumberland region residents preferred. Typical working hours are Monday - Friday, 8AM - 4:30PM CST, 37.5 hours per week. Travel to central office in Nashville is not reimbursable. Travel to regional sites is reimbursable. Position funding is renewable through March 2027.