Community Education Specialist

The Community Affairs Department within the Child Health Advocacy Institute at Children's National elevates community health needs and community benefit, facilitates partnerships between the health care system and our community, and works across sectors to address policy and system issues to improve health equity for all children. We accomplish this through the following strategies: 1) Lead and collaborate on community health improvement efforts through programs, partnerships, policies, and system changes that address community health needs and 2) Evaluate and communicate the impact of community health improvement efforts.

This position will work on a multitude of programs with the focus on developing and implementing strategies to improve the health of individuals and communities. This position will have the responsibility to support internal and external advocacy efforts and culturally competent community education outreach programs that address health equity. This individual will also be asked to support additional programs and activities related to the department. As a member of the team, the employee will act as a resource to CNHS departments and centers of excellence to cultivate relationships and services in the community, and will increase the visibility and participation of the CNHS community affairs team in the Washington, DC metropolitan healthcare communities.

Primary responsibilities include supporting the Students Teaching Young Leaders the Importance of Sexual Health (STYLISH) Program, a component of the PrEP the Youth (PTY) initiative under the HIV Prevention and Treatment Services (HPTS) division at Children's National Hospital. PTY provides sexual health education to youth ages 13 to 24.
The employee will lead program sessions in DC high schools, enroll participants, establish partnerships with new schools, review and update program materials, conduct community outreach, coordinate and support events, and oversee tracking and evaluation. Additionally, they will maintain relationships with key stakeholders to contribute to the program's success.
The CHC will assist with additional programs and activities related to the department. The employee help the team foster relationships and services within the community, and enhance the visibility of HPTS in the Washington, DC metropolitan healthcare communities.

Minimum Education
Bachelor's Degree Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in a related field (Required)
Master's Degree (Preferred)

Minimum Work Experience
3 years related and progressive experience (Required)

Required Skills/Knowledge
Exceptional interpersonal skills, self direction, flexibility , and ability to coordinate multiple tasks.
Must possess analytical/assessment, cultural competency and communication skills.
Ability to interact effectively with multi disciplinary stakeholders and develop curricula using assessment, planning, implementation, management and evaluation framework.

Required Licenses and Certifications
CHES certification preferred or ability to obtain. Willingness to complete additional certification as necessary to support departmental programs. 180 Days (Preferred)

Functional Accountabilities
Health Education & Training

• Collect analyze data to assess target audience and develop strategies to improve programs and services

• Design and implement evidence-based, health programs that assist children, families and the community to manage their conditions

• Develop and present health education and promotion programs such as trainings, workshops, conferences, school or community presentations

• Deliver culturally competent health education and promotion programs in community settings

• Train and provide effective tools and resources to internal and external stakeholders

• Develop and execute process and outcome evaluations

• Evaluate the effectiveness of programs and educational materials

• Advocate for and implement changes in health policies, resources, procedures, and services that address health disparities and promote health equity

• Promote healthy lifestyles for children, individuals, families, and communities

External Collaboration

• Advocate the needs, concerns and recommendations of CNHS , through participation and representation of the institution's interests at community meetings and functions.

• Assist in the community affairs functions of CNHS community partnerships and other programs.

• Develop and maintain relationships in the community with individuals and organizations that provide services to targeted populations.

• Partner and coordinate meetings with appropriate stakeholders to plan, conduct and evaluate programs designed to improve health outcomes.

• Influence policy and systems change to promote health education and promotion by identifying factors that influence decision maker

Strategic Assistance

• Provide input and recommendations about the effectiveness of Advocacy & Community Affairs department activities.

• Assist with strategic planning for the Advocacy & Community Affairs department.

• Assist with overall strategic planning for the Child Health Advocacy.

Internal Communication and Collaboration

• Serve as a resource for internal groups and staff to facilitate and coordinate their community advocacy efforts.

• Prepare correspondence, memoranda, reports and position papers as needed and provide support for departmental activities, such as receptions, seminars, conferences, etc.

• Coordinate meetings as assigned with key individuals and organizations to promote community health improvement and education and outreach programs.

Safety

• Speak up when team members appear to exhibit unsafe behavior or performance

• Continuously validate and verify information needed for decision making or documentation

• Stop in the face of uncertainty and takes time to resolve the situation

• Demonstrate accurate, clear and timely verbal and written communication

• Actively promote safety for patients, families, visitors and co-workers
• Attend carefully to important details - practicing Stop, Think, Act and Review in order to self-check behavior and performance
• Anticipate and responds to customer needs; follows up until needs are met

Teamwork/Communication

• Demonstrate collaborative and respectful behavior

• Partner with all team members to achieve goals

• Receptive to others' ideas and opinions

Performance Improvement/Problem-solving

• Contribute to a positive work environment

• Demonstrate flexibility and willingness to change

• Identify opportunities to improve clinical and administrative processes

• Make appropriate decisions, using sound judgment

Cost Management/Financial Responsibility

• Use resources efficiently

• Search for less costly ways of doing things

Safety

• Speak up when team members appear to exhibit unsafe behavior or performance

• Continuously validate and verify information needed for decision making or documentation

• Stop in the face of uncertainty and takes time to resolve the situation

• Demonstrate accurate, clear and timely verbal and written communication

• Actively promote safety for patients, families, visitors and co-workers

• Attend carefully to important details - practicing Stop, Think, Act and Review in order to self-check behavior and performance