Health Promotion Specialist

Announcement# 2026-012

Closing Date: June 8, 2026

Salary Range: $5,432 to $6,723

The HEALTH PROMOTION SPECIALIST position is full-time, 40 hours, Civil Service, and Union represented.

Columbia County is looking for a dynamic team player who is enthusiastic about working within our Columbia County communities to improve health and wellness programs to promote healthy lifestyles for our citizens.

Columbia County Public Health is committed to improving quality of life and protecting the health and well-being of all residents by addressing social, economic and environmental conditions. We want to ensure that all people in Columbia County have the opportunity for a healthy life.

DUTIES: Tobacco Prevention and Education: Design and implement tobacco-related prevention, education, and cessation programs and activities. Monitor trends in tobacco use and evaluate effectiveness of tobacco interventions. Coordinate the Tobacco Retail Licensing (TRL) program and conduct related inspection and reporting activities, including the volunteer youth inspector program. Follow up on Indoor Clean Air Act (ICAA) complaints to the department.

Implement local program plans for health promotion related programs that address the needs of the community. Translate state and local policy or direction into organizational plans, structures, and programs. Research and select appropriate interventions and program activities. Use policy, systems, and environmental change as the primary tools in advancing disease prevention, early detection, and self-management. Design programs using culturally appropriate principles and values. Utilize a performance management system to monitor achievement of work plan objectives, strategies, activities, and deliverables.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE: Equivalent to a four-year degree in public health or related field. Three years' of increasingly responsible experience in public health or closely related field. Any satisfactory combination of experience and training, which demonstrates the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be substituted for the above requirements.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS: Experience in public health or the health promotion field preferable. Graduate level degree or coursework in Public Health a plus. Active credentials as a nurse, medical assistant, community health worker, peer support specialist, or other health-related licensure or certification also a plus. Bilingual/bicultural (English/Spanish) helpful. Team player willing to work collaboratively toward shared goals and be open to diverse ideas and perspectives.

CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS: Possession of a valid driver's license and an acceptable driving record.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of public health principles and practices related to health promotion and prevention. Knowledge of federal, state, and local rules and regulations concerning public health. Knowledge and ability to prepare technical or health-related materials and effectively communicate to diverse audiences.

Specific knowledge related to public health including:

• Social Determinants of Health and root causes of health disparities/health inequities
• Ten Essential Public Health Services Framework
• Health promotion strategies based on the Social-Ecological Model
• The Foundational Public Health Services Model
• The National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO) operational definition of a functioning local health department

Skill in various software programs and Microsoft Office products. Skill in organization and project management; preparing and delivering reports as required.

Ability to:

• Organize, prioritize, and produce accurate work products and meet deadlines.
• Express ideas effectively, both verbally and in writing. Use sound judgment.
• Adapt to change or new situations and openly acknowledge and work through conflict. Accept responsibility and work well with ambiguity.
• Work independently and as part of a team.
• Act in such a manner as to maintain the confidentiality of the records and issues and other matters that may be encountered or discussed.
• Develop and maintain harmonious and effective working relationships with employees, other agencies, county officials, and the public.
• Effectively coordinate and supervise volunteers.
• Receive constructive feedback in a positive manner.
• Provide timely and accurate risk communications in areas of public health significance.
• Safely operate a passenger vehicle and learn how to safely operate the department's mobile health van.
• Apply understanding and knowledge of cultural differences and similarities when working with diverse populations.
• Work in an environment with individuals who may have diverging opinions or viewpoints.

Join our team - Columbia County online application must be completed - Apply today!

www.ColumbiaCountyOR.gov

All successful candidates will be required to pass a pre-employment background screening prior to hire.