Health Agent - Family and Community Development

The department of Family and Community Development within Extension Service at West Virginia University is currently accepting applications for a Health Agent.

About the Opportunity

This position will develop and implement community engagement strategies, educational programming, and outreach initiatives to improve vaccine confidence and public health literacy. This individual will work closely with health agencies, community leaders, educators, Extension faculty, and WVU Medicine to address barriers to immunization and empower residents with accurate, science-based vaccine information. Additionally, the position will work with WVU Extension leadership to inform public policy efforts related to vaccine and immunization education in support of improved health outcomes for West Virginians. This is a grant-funded position - two years of funding have been secured with a third year expected.

We strongly believe in work-life balance and keeping time for things we love outside our work. WVU offers generous benefits, including:

• 37.5-hour work week
• 13 paid holidays (staff holiday calendar)
• 24 annual leave (vacation) days per year or more based on years of service (employee leave)
• 18 sick days per year (for when you're ill, for when you need time to care for sick family, for your own, or your family's, regularly scheduled medical appointments. Who is family for the purpose of this leave? A lot of people in your life including immediate relatives and in-laws as well as others considered to be members of your household living under the same roof)
• WVU offers a range of health insurance and other benefits
• 401(a) retirement savings with 6% employee contribution match, eligibility to continue health insurance, and other retiree perks. Looking for more retirement benefits information? Check out retirement health insurance benefits, retirement income, and FAQ's.
• Wellness programs

What You'll Do

Program Delivery/Instruction

• Develop and deliver vaccine education programs for West Virginia Extension professionals, volunteers, and partners.
• Train Extension staff and local educators to facilitate effective discussions about immunization.
• Create educational materials (brochures, videos, social media content) that are accessible and tailored to diverse West Virginia communities.
• Teach subject matter using approved (by PI) curricula, resources, and materials to groups and/or individuals through a variety of settings.
• Maintain an appropriate, safe, and respectful learning environment for participants based on current research and practice with impact-driven delivery methods.
• Conduct pre and post evaluations to show changes in knowledge, behavior, and skill.

• Travel independently in both rural and urban settings to deliver programming.

Program Development & Evaluation

• Partner to implement evidence-based interventions that align with CDC and USDA-NIFA EXCITE goals.
• Collect and analyze data on vaccine confidence, outreach impact, and community feedback to assess program effectiveness.
• Identify opportunities for sustainability and funding beyond the EXCITE initiative.
• Prepare reports, presentations, and updates for stakeholders, funders, and WVU Extension leadership.

Community Engagement & Outreach

• Partner with our 1890 land grant, West Virginia State University (WVSU) Extension, local health departments, community organizations, and community leaders to implement vaccine confidence initiatives.
• Partner to organize community forums, town halls, and workshops to address vaccine hesitancy and provide science-based information.
• Serve as a liaison between WVU Extension, WVSU Extension, public health agencies, and stakeholders to promote collaboration in immunization outreach.

• Bachelor's degree in public health, health education, social work, communication, community engagement, or a related field.
• At least 2 years of experience in community outreach, public health education, or Extension programming.
• Experience working with multiple populations, especially rural communities.
• Any equivalent combination of related education and/or experience will be considered.
• All qualifications must be met by the time of employment.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Strong communication and facilitation skills, with the ability to translate complex health information into clear, engaging messages.
• Experience working with multiple populations, especially rural communities.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a statewide network.
• Willingness to travel frequently within West Virginia for partnerships and community outreach.
• Knowledge of vaccines and immunization.
• Knowledge of local resources and agencies.
• Skills to effectively teach health education curriculum.
• Skills to manage time and keep accurate records & reports, including travel & budget.
• Skills to develop positive participant relationships - congeniality, listening, and empathy.
• Skills to adapt to unusual teaching environments and situations.
• Skills to communicate (written and oral) with a range of stakeholders.
• Ability to influence behaviors and impact the lives of those they teach.
• Ability to learn and use computer programs, including but not limited to email, word processing, internet, spreadsheets, etc.
• Ability to work independently with unstructured supervision.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's Degree
• Familiarity with WVU Extension programming and Cooperative Extension models.
• Experience in health promotion, vaccine advocacy, or addressing health disparities.
• Knowledge of West Virginia's public health landscape, rural health challenges, and cultural considerations.
• Experience with program evaluation, grant writing, and public health partnerships.

Licenses/Certifications

• Valid driver's license (must be able to travel independently on a weekly and sometimes daily basis throughout state).
• All WVU & WVUES mandatory training within one (1) year of hire date (Civil Rights, Title IX, etc.)

Physical Demands & Physical Coordination

• Lifting & carrying objects up to 30 lbs.

West Virginia University is a place of purpose and community. We take pride in our profound impact on the state of West Virginia and are committed to the personal and professional growth of our employees.

From the groundbreaking R1 research at our flagship campus in Morgantown to the career-oriented programs at WVU Potomac State in Keyser, and the technology-intensive programs at WVU Tech in Beckley, the contributions of WVU employees resonate across the state, touching lives and shaping futures.

At WVU, you will discover a supportive community that champions work-life balance and fosters a collaborative atmosphere. Our core values - service, curiosity, respect, accountability and appreciation - unite us as Mountaineers.

Join us at West Virginia University, where your work will make a lasting impact. To learn more about WVU, visit wvu.edu.

West Virginia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We invite all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or Veteran status.