Health Educator, Tobacco & Asthma Control

Health Educator, Tobacco & Asthma Control

Salary

Depends on Qualifications

Location

Houston, TX

Job Type

Regular Full-time

Job Number

17355

Department

Public Health Services

Division

Health Prevention & Coordinated Care

Opening Date

10/07/2026

Closing Date

11/8/2027 11:59 PM Central

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Position Description

If you're looking to be a part of a collaborative environment where your skills can make an impact, explore our current opportunities in creating a better future for public health.

About Harris County Public Health

Harris County Public Health (HCPH) includes a network of more than 1,100 public health professionals working together to improve health outcomes for the third most populous county in the United States. HCPH provides a multitude of services such as medical and dental services, community programming, and health education for the approximately 2.3 million people in unincorporated Harris County. Through its core values of innovation, engagement, and health equity, HCPH strives to bring meaningful solutions to public health issues while keeping Harris County healthy and vibrant.

Our Values:

HCPH embraces a foundation of progressive work anchored by the departments cornerstone values guiding our work to improve communitys health and well-being.

• Transparency- We share information openly and honestly so that staff, partners, and the community understand our actions and the reasons behind them.
• Integrity- Our actions reflect strong ethical principles, ensuring we remain trustworthy, accountable, and consistent with our mission.
• Respect - We foster a supportive environment by valuing diverse perspectives, listening intentionally, and treating people with dignity in every interaction.
• Impact -We focus our efforts on activities that improve health, reduce disparities, and create meaningful, measurable outcomes for the communities we serve.
• Collaboration- We actively partner across teams, disciplines, organizations, and communities to align our efforts toward common goals.

Position Overview:

The Program Specialist supports the Chronic Disease Prevention Program with a focus on both asthma control and tobacco/vaping education. This integrated role is responsible for developing, implementing, and supporting initiatives aimed at reducing tobacco use and improving asthma outcomes across Harris County. The specialist will engage in strategic planning, foster cross-sector partnerships, provide education to the community and stakeholders, and collaborate with internal and external partners to align efforts across both health focus areas.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Provide evidence-based education on tobacco/vaping cessation and asthma self-management to individuals and groups in priority zip code communities in Harris County.
• Establish and maintain collaborative relationships with community stakeholders, schools, and healthcare providers to support tobacco/vaping prevention and asthma care efforts.
• Develop and implement initiatives to achieve program goals and objectives related to tobacco/vaping prevention and cessation, and asthma control across Harris County.
• Plan and conduct outreach activities, including community events and health fairs to promote program engagement and participation.
• Assist in the development of culturally appropriate educational materials, presentations, and trainings tailored to target populations.
• Collect and document program activities and outcomes; prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual reports to track progress and impact.
• Support inventory management for program supplies.
• Stay informed on current research, best practices, and trends in tobacco/vaping and asthma.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer

https://hrrm.harriscountytx.gov/Pages/EqualEmploymentOpportunityPlan.aspx

If you need special services or accommodations, please call (713) 274-5445 or emailADACoordinator@bmd.hctx.net.

This position is subject to a criminal history check. Only relevant convictions will be considered and, even when considered, may not automatically disqualify the candidate.

Requirements

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in public health, or related field.

Licensure/Certification:

• Valid Texas Drivers License.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Proficient in MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).

• Excellent communication skills (verbal & written).

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and foster teamwork in a diverse environment.

• Ability to maintain confidentiality when dealing with sensitive information.

• Ability to manage multiple tasks, stay organized, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

Core Competencies:

• Data Analytics and Assessment Skills: Ability to use data to analyze community health needs and support decisions that improve community health outcomes.

• Communication Skills: This competency focuses on using clear and effective communication to engage audiences, address misinformation, and build trust, supporting informed decisions and stronger public health outcomes.

• Health Advancement Skills:This competency focuses on applying principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion to public health, addressing systemic barriers, and promoting fair access to resources for healthier communities.

• Community Partnership Skills: This competency focuses on collaborating with communities to address the systems and policies affecting health, fostering engagement, shared ownership, and sustainable improvements in well-being.

• Public Health Science Skills:This competency focuses on using public health science and evidence-based approaches to develop and improve policies and programs, ensuring effective delivery of the 10 Essential Public Health Services.

NOTE: Qualifying education, experience, knowledge and skills must be documented on your job application. You may attach a resume to the application as supporting documentation but ONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. "See Resume" will not be accepted for qualifications.

Preferences

Experience:

• At least one (1) year of relevant experience in community engagement or direct work under public health.

Language:

• Bilingual in English and Spanish.

General Information

Position Type and Typical Hours of Work:

• This is a full-time position.
• Days and hours of work are typically Monday through Friday from 8am to 4:30pm.
• Must be willing to flex work hours when required, including weekends.
• Expected to travel within Harris County jurisdiction.

Work Environment:

• This job operates in both a professional office and community environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets, and fax machines.

Physical Demands:

• This is a largely active role; some duties may require the ability to life up to 20 pounds and bending & standing for periods at a time.

Work Location:

• Harris County Public Health: Health Prevention & Coordinated Care - 3204 Ennis St, Houston, TX 77004.

Employment may be contingent on passing a drug screen and meeting other standards.

Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.

HARRIS COUNTY EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

Harris County offers a highly competitive benefits program, featuring a comprehensive group health plan and defined benefit retirement plan.

The following benefits are offered only to Harris County employees in regular (full-time) positions:

Health & Wellness Benefits

• Medical Coverage
• Dental Coverage
• Vision Coverage
• Wellness Plan
• Life Insurance
• Long-Term Disability (LTD) Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Healthcare Flexible Spending Account
• Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account

Paid Time Off (PTO)

• Ten (10) days of vacation leave per year (accrual rate increases after 5 years of service)
• Eleven (11) County-observed holidays
• One (1) floating holiday per year
• Paid Parental Leave*
• Sick Leave

Retirement Savings Benefit

• 457 Deferred Compensation Plan

The following benefits are available to Harris County employees in full-time and select part-time positions:

• Professional learning & development opportunities
• Retirement pension (TCDRS defined benefit plan)
• Flexible work schedule*
• METRO RideSponsor Program*
• Participation may vary by County department. The employee benefits plans of Harris County are extended to all eligible participants across various departments with the exception of the Harris County Community Supervision and Corrections Department, for which the cited Health & Wellness Benefits are administered through the State of Texas.

In accordance with the Harris County Personnel Regulations, group health and related benefits are subject to amendment or discontinuance at any time. Harris County Commissioners Court reserves the right to make benefit modifications on the Countys behalf as needed.

For plan details, visit the Harris County Benefits & Wellness website:

www.benefitsathctx.com

01

Which of the following best describes your highest level of education completed as it relates to this position?

• High School or GED diploma
• Associates Degree
• Bachelors Degree
• Masters Degree or higher
• N/A; No Degree

02

If you selected a college degree in response to the previous question, which of the following disciplines best relates to your degree most relevant to this position?

• Public Health
• Other Related Field
• Non-Related Field
• N/A; No Degree

03

Which of the following best describes your verifiable experience in community engagement or direct work under public health? (To be considered, the qualifying experience must be documented in your applications employment history)

• Less than one (1) year.
• One (1) year or more.
• I do not have this experience.

04

Please provide details about your verifiable experience related to community engagement or direct work under public health Do not use "Please see Resume" or "See Resume" (To be considered, qualifying experience must be documented in your applications employment history) Please include your (a) role(s), (b) types of organizations, (c) scope of duties and responsibilities If you do not have this experience, please type "None" in the space provided.

05

This role requires a Valid Drivers License (Texas upon hire). Do you have a Valid Drivers License?

• I have a valid Texas driver's license.
• I have a valid driver's license from another state but can obtain a Texas license upon hire.
• I do not have a valid driver's license.

06

Are you bilingual in English and Spanish? If yes, what is your level of proficiency in Spanish?

• Yes, I am fluent in Spanish (speaking, reading, and writing).
• Yes, I am proficient in conversational Spanish only.
• Yes, I have basic knowledge of Spanish.
• No, I am not bilingual in English and Spanish.

Required Question

Employer Harris County

Address 1111 Fannin St

Ste. 600

Houston, Texas, 77002

Phone 713-274-5445

Website https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/harriscountytx