Prevention Consultant

The Local Health Division of the Health Department is a system of 12 Local Health Offices, providing a public health presence in every community in Vermont. Local Health works across a broad range of public health programmatic areas improving the social, environmental, and economic conditions that affect health and health equity.       

The Bennington District Office is seeking a Substance Misuse Prevention Consultant (PC). PCs play a critical role in Vermont's state-wide system to prevent substance misuse. Working in partnership with community coalitions, schools, faith-based organizations, local law enforcement, and others, PCs facilitate a process of assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of best practices for prevention programs. PCs also support and assist with the administration of the Division of Substance Use Programs (DSU) prevention grants to community organizations. 

Responsibilities include:

• Using public health data and engaging with partners to identify prevention-related needs, opportunities, and priorities.
• Strategically supporting the implementation of best practice strategies to address community priorities for prevention, and to promote protective factors.
• Providing regional outreach and education to partners working on substance misuse prevention and encouraging new partners to begin contributing to sustainable prevention strategies.
• Offering presentations on prevention-related topics to a variety of audiences, prioritizing presentations that meet DSU-grantee needs.
• Identifying and developing region-specific goals to address the needs and readiness of the local region and to support collaborative solutions.
• Promoting health equity by addressing root causes of difference in health outcomes as it relates to substance misuse. 

PCs work as part of a local team that promotes policy, community, and organizational level strategies to improve health outcomes. They also collaborate with 10 other PCs across the state, and with the state-level Division of Substance Use Programs. 

This position participates as part of a multidisciplinary public health team, including engaging in Health Department emergency preparedness efforts.

DIVISION OF LOCAL HEATH - Who We Are 

The Division of Local Health works to preserve and improve the equitable social, economic, and environmental conditions necessary to attain the highest level of health and well-being for all, thus ensuring healthy Vermonters.  The Division of Local Health is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and welcoming environment that respects and celebrates every person's strength, assets, and values.  The Division of Local Health is committed to leading organizational change efforts that address avoidable inequities and injustices as we work towards the elimination of health and health care disparities.

TELEWORK  

The Department of Health supports a hybrid work environment which combines both in person and remote work.  Upon hire, employees work with their supervisor to create a schedule that aligns with the business needs of the unit and complies with State of Vermont policy. We believe a hybrid work environment promotes autonomy and allows for increased flexibility and greater work/life balance.  

MISSION

Promote the physical, mental, and social well-being of people in Vermont by advancing equity, protecting against disease and injury, and preparing for health emergencies.

VISION

All people and communities in Vermont have equitable opportunities to achieve their highest level of health and well-being.

VALUES

• Equity: We aim to center health justice and address racism and all forms of oppression in our programs and policies, our approach to collaboration, and how we build and nurture our workforce.
• Collaboration: We engage with staff and partners to understand complex problems and design responsive solutions.
• Inclusion: We support a culture of belonging and diversity where people are valued, trusted, and able to be their authentic selves.
• Harmony: We endorse a balanced, thoughtful, and intentional work environment that allows employees to care for themselves, their families, and the people they serve.
• Data: We strive for scientific excellence and cultural responsiveness in the collection, analysis, sharing and use of data.

Minimum Qualifications 

Three (3) years or more of experience in public health, human services, emergency response, community engagement, program administration, human services related fields or health-related fields. 

OR

Associate degree in public health, public administration, business administration, environmental science, emergency response, human services, social work, social sciences related fields or health-related fields and two (2) years or more of experience in public health, human services, emergency response, community engagement, program administration, human services related fields or health-related fields. 

OR

Bachelor’s degree in public health, public administration, business administration, environmental science, emergency response, human services, social sciences related fields or health-related fields and one (1) year or more of experience in public health, human services, emergency response, community engagement, program administration, human services related fields or health-related fields. 

OR

Master’s degree in public health, public administration, business administration, environmental science, emergency response, human services, social sciences related fields or health-related fields.

OR

One (1) year or more of experience as Public Health Specialist I.