Community Health Specialist

Detailed Overview

Reporting to the Manager, Clinical Operations, the Community Health Specialist (CHS) works collaboratively with all levels and disciplines of Fraser Health staff, as well as, with diverse community groups, service providers and municipal, regional and provincial governments in the delivery of healthy living strategies, programs and initiatives. In accordance with the vision and values of Fraser Health (FH) and guided by the Healthy Families BC Policy Framework, the Community Health Specialist utilizes community development and community engagement skills to initiate, develop, coordinate and support community health initiatives. The CHS fosters associated community and organizational capacity building to facilitate a collaborative community approach in program planning, service delivery, and policy development as related to healthy communities and the social determinants of health. The position plans, organizes, implements, and evaluates local population health approaches that address the behavioural risk factors, such as tobacco reduction, food security, healthy weights, and physical activity, and health inequities that contribute to chronic disease within Fraser Health communities. This position will work at more then one location. Responsibilities Drawing on expertise and knowledge of local communities, advises, counsels and supports local governments, workplaces, the school system and health care on healthy living strategies, initiatives and programs using community development approaches, planning, and service delivery. Conducts research, analyzes and applies information to prepare reports, and / or provide presentations on best practice and evidence to inform local government and Fraser Health on community health initiatives. Develops and maintains a strong network of local government, school district and community leaders, as well as, service providers to build relationships, strengthen community connections and promote cooperative approaches to current and emerging issues. Supports and participates in strategic planning and evaluation, needs assessments, project development and implementation, resource development and procurement and other requests from local government, community groups and appropriate Fraser Health staff, to strengthen community capacity to address health issues. Ensures consistency with regional, community, and Fraser Health operational plans and compatibility with evidence-based practice. Advocates for community needs at multiple levels in local and regional government and in Fraser Health. Acts as a representative of Fraser Health in community consultation processes and facilitates linkages between community stakeholders and appropriate health disciplines and resource. Implements a coordinated, collaborative approach with a systems perspective at a local level, including monitoring emerging trends to guide future direction. Conducts literature and research reviews of a wide scope of health and social topics to keep up to date on best and promising practices, and innovative working models to inform health and community planning. Builds relationships within communities to foster positive culture change around the critical role of social determinants of health; and through collective impact influences community health and well-being. Brokers partnerships within and between communities to support mutual learning and resource coordination / sharing that promote individual and community health and well-being. Identifies opportunities to reduce health inequities that contribute to chronic disease and initiates, facilitates and supports related program and policy development. Identifies and develops grant funding proposals to support local healthy living initiatives. Assesses local needs and response to needs through the collection and interpretation of data and participates in the regional surveillance of local healthy living strategy outcomes. Works collaboratively with staff, local government and outside agencies; leads assigned projects; monitors expenses, identifies variances and reports to Manager. Acts as a resource to students, volunteers and contractors by responding to questions, providing advice and guidance on best practice, organizing and / or evaluating activities, and / or adherence to action plans. Participates in local and provincial initiatives and committees, as assigned. Performs other related duties as assigned. Qualifications Education and Experience Master's degree in Public Health, Applied Science, or related field. Three years of recent related experience in community development inclusive of experience in health promotion, community engagement and development, population health, community capacity building, program evaluation, facilitation of integrated approaches to community health and well-being and leadership, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience. Current valid BC Drivers License and access to a personal vehicle for work purposes. Skills and Abilities Working knowledge of local government structure, and processes and sources of information and structures within communities. Comprehensive knowledge of sustainable community engagement and development, collective impact, population health principles and health equity. Knowledge of strategic planning. Working knowledge of participatory, community-based research and evaluation methodologies. Working knowledge of policy development. Working knowledge of project management methodology and / or project planning. Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a broad range of stakeholders, including individual community members, community groups, non-governmental organizations, government bodies, health professionals, interdisciplinary teams and health authority leaders. Demonstrated ability to plan, organize, prioritize work, and multi-task in an environment subject to changing deadlines and interruptions. Demonstrated ability to research and write reports that provide analysis and evidence-based recommendations. Demonstrated ability to facilitate group processes and to plan and implement collaborative projects and initiatives. Demonstrated ability to create and maintain information sharing mechanisms and to facilitate knowledge transfer for community and staff education and skills development. Demonstrated ability to build consensus and utilize conflict resolution techniques and problem solving skills, particularly in sensitive situations with complex issues in a public arena. Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing. Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively as a member of a multidisciplinary team. Demonstrated ability in public speaking and advocacy. Demonstrated ability in community capacity building. Physical ability to carry out the duties of the position. Ability to operate related equipment.