Job Description

Division

Chronic Disease & Injury Prevention

Temporary Duration

Approximate Duration: 6 to 9 months

JOB SUMMARY

Reporting to the Program Manager, the Health Promoter is an integral member of a multidisciplinary team. The Health Promoter applies their expertise in determinants of health, health promotion and community development to support programming under the Ontario Public Health Standards (2008) and the relevant legislation such as the Health Protection and Promotion Act. The Health Promoter identifies program priorities by reviewing existing epidemiological, behavioural and socio-demographic data, and thorough assessments of community assets and needs. Through facilitating community mobilization, the Health Promoter builds capacity and partnerships around shared health priorities. The Health Promoter maintains current knowledge of the literature and best practices and critically appraises research to assist with setting priorities, targeting programs and developing public health strategies and health promotion interventions. The Health Promoter may be assigned to one of several programs in the divisions as noted above.

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

• Bachelor’s degree required in Health related discipline

KNOWLEDGE/EXPERIENCE

• Two to three years’ experience in community based health promotion.
• Demonstrate knowledge about the following concepts: the health status of populations, inequities in health, the determinants of health and illness, and strategies for health promotion.
• Must possess knowledge of and experience working with Health Promoter competencies (see p. 3-5).

SKILLS

• Strong communication (written and oral) and interpersonal skills are required.
• Proven skills in conducting research and needs assessments.
• Knowledge of current Public Health issues, procedures and legislation (Ontario Public Health Standards).
• Excellent organization and time management skills.
• Strong computer skills including Internet use.
• Ability to work in a multi-disciplinary team.
• Strong initiative.
• Knowledge and skills in the following areas; community mobilization; healthy public policy development; mass/multi-channel media and communications; social marketing; behaviour change; and advocacy.
• Contingent on program assignment:
• Knowledge of one or more of the following program areas - chronic disease and injury prevention, family health, infectious disease control, sexual health, STIs and HIV, vaccine preventable disease, and environmental health.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

• Must be capable of maintaining professional objectivity in order to perform consistently with the philosophy and objectives various programs.
• Must display an acceptable comfort level with various health related topics.
• Must provide own transportation and be able to travel throughout the Niagara region to various locations.
• An annual influenza vaccine is recommended.

Responsibilities

Health Promotion Competencies 1. Demonstrate Knowledge Necessary for Conducting Health Promotion Research and identify public health issues and trends and effective strategies to facilitate healthy behaviours by reviewing epidemiological, behavioural and socio-demographic data and reports. Develop needs assessment tools and conduct needs assessment and research when necessary. Maintain professional competency. 2. Conduct a Community Needs/Situational Assessment for a Specific Issue Plan, implement and evaluate health promotion strategies and population health based approaches to meet the needs of the citizens of Niagara and the requirements of the Ontario Public Health Standards. Monitor trends, issues, research, and legislation relevant to health related issues. 3. Plan Appropriate Health Promotion Programs Evaluate and analyze the effectiveness of various health initiatives and activities. Provide expert advice and guidance to department staff, corporate staff, community professionals and the general public about population-based strategies and behaviours/factors associated with various programs and/or issue areas:

• Respond and present reports to the Public Health and Social Services Committee and Regional Council
• Respond to community requests, including the media, for information related to health topics and relevant reports
• Provide input into the development of annual operational plans for the program/division and project budget for the program/division
• Act as a resource to agencies, committees and community groups
• Distribute and disseminate health resources/information
• Assess, procure or develop education resources related to health promotion initiatives.

4. Contribute to Policy Development and Advocacy Facilitate the establishment of healthy public policies and environmental supports to promote healthy behaviours through advocacy and negotiation in schools, health care facilities, businesses, workplaces and other community sites at federal, provincial and municipal levels. Write and present resolutions and position papers, research policy options, draft policy recommendations and implementation plans. Research and prepare grant proposals to enhance healthy lifestyle choices. Oversee the implementation of projects including functional oversight of community based project coordinators/facilitators and budget monitoring. Provides training, guidance and support to internal staff to enhance the delivery of various health programs and/or issue areas (relates to competency #8 as well). 5. Facilitate community mobilization and build community capacity around shared health priorities. Mobilize, build and maintain strong internal and external relationships with partners such as the Niagara Region, health care sector, community committees, coalitions, media contacts, through using a community development approach. Negotiate with these groups to secure resources and coordinate efforts. Collaboration with them to develop, implement and evaluate initiatives or projects (Relates to competency #6 as well). 6. Engage in Partnerships and Collaboration with Key Stakeholders Represent NRPH and ensure positive public relations and communications with the media, the community and other organizations by communicating about public health initiatives. Maintain contact with staff from other public health departments and relevant provincial Ministries, health care representatives and the medical community to network and maximize resources. Partner with them on large-scale projects as appropriate. 8. Communicate Effectively with Community Members and Other Professionals Represent NRPH and ensure positive public relations and communications with the media, the community and other organizations by communicating about public health initiatives. Develop multi-year marketing plans and messages using multi-channel/media and the Internet to promote health promotion initiatives, raise awareness, alter attitudes and change behaviours to promote healthy lifestyle choices. Conduct presentations, updates and orientations for colleague, corporate staff, elected officials, professional groups, agencies, organizations and the general public. 8. Organize, Implement, and Manage Health Promotion Interventions Provide training, guidance and support to internal staff and volunteers/peer educators to enhance the delivery of health related programs Maintain statistics and resource files about programs and reference materials. Plan, provide and evaluate field placement experience for students. 9. Other Assist with community health hazard response as defined by the Medical Officer of Health. Performs other duties as assigned.

Closing Statement

Uncover the wonder of the Niagara Region and join a team dedicated to meeting tomorrow’s challenges TODAY!

Let us know why you would be an excellent team member by submitting your online application.

We thank all candidates for their interest however, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Closing Statement

Uncover the wonder of the Niagara Region and join a team dedicated to meeting tomorrow’s challenges TODAY!

Let us know why you would be an excellent team member by submitting your online application.

We thank all candidates for their interest however, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
If you require an accommodation for the application process in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, the alternate formats for contacting us are as follows:

• Email: myhr@niagararegion.ca
• Phone: 905-980-6000 ext. 3252 or 1-800-263-7215
• Bell Relay: 1-800-855-0511
• In-person: Sir Isaac Brock Way, Thorold, ON L2V 4T7 – Human Resources Department