DEPARTMENT: Public Health & Safety
DIVISION: Public Health
SALARY: $67,544 – $102,335
SCHEDULE: The regular schedule for this position is Monday through Friday, full-time. However, as part of the Division of Public Health within the Department of Public Health and Safety, which functions as an emergency response agency, this position may require occasional work outside of standard business hours in support of public health emergencies, grant deliverables, planned events, preparedness exercises, or other duties as assigned.
LOCATION: Trenton, NJ
POSITION(S) AVAILABLE: 1
POSITION OVERVIEW:
The Health Educator / Public Health Emergency Notification Systems Coordinator (PHENS/HERC) plays an integral role in supporting Mercer County's community health education initiatives and public health emergency preparedness activities. This position will develop and deliver evidence-based health education programming, assess community health education needs, and coordinate emergency preparedness deliverables, reporting, notifications, communications, and grant responsibilities related to the NJDOH LINCS Preparedness Program.
This opportunity is ideal for a highly organized public health professional with strong communication and project management skills, who is committed to community engagement, preparedness capability building, and advancing priority public health initiatives across Mercer County.
REQUIREMENTS:
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in Health Education, Public Health, Community Health Education, Nursing, or a related health education field;
A ND
- Two (2) years of professional experience assessing community health education needs and in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of diversified health education programs in a local health department or state or local health agency.
CERTIFICATION:
- Applicants must possess certification as a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) issued by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, Inc.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Assess community health education needs and develop targeted health education programs and materials.
- Plan, implement, and evaluate public health education initiatives.
- Coordinate PHENS messaging, alerts, and notifications in compliance with NJDOH grant requirements.
- Prepare, monitor, and submit grant deliverables, quarterly reports, and program documentation.
- Assist with program budgeting, purchasing requests, and grant tracking.
- Maintain and update emergency preparedness plans, datasets, and resource inventories.
- Support emergency preparedness exercises, drills, after-action reviews, and improvement planning.
- Serve as a resource to staff, partners, and the public on health education and preparedness topics.
- Maintain manual and electronic records as required.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
- Strong interpersonal, communication, presentation, and public speaking skills.
- Ability to plan, implement, and evaluate public health education programs.
- Ability to coordinate and track grant deliverables and program data.
- Ability to prepare accurate reports, records, charts, and documentation.
- Strong project management and organization skills.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively with partners and stakeholders.
- Ability to utilize electronic and manual information systems.
BENEFITS OF WORKING WITH MERCER COUNTY
Mercer County is committed to supporting employees with a comprehensive and competitive benefits package, including:
- Health and wellness coverage
- Enrollment in state retirement and deferred compensation plans
- Paid leave benefits
- Opportunities for training and tuition assistance
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
For the full New Jersey Civil Service Commission job specification for this title, please visit: HEALTH EDUCATOR & PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY NOTIFICATION SYSTEM COORDINATOR .
Mercer County EEO/ Civil Service Statement & Residency Requirements :
Mercer County is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and accessible workplace. We provide equal employment opportunities to all individuals regardless of race, creed, color, national origin, nationality, ancestry, age, sex, gender, pregnancy, marital status, civil union status, domestic partnership status, familial status, religion, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, atypical hereditary cellular or blood trait, genetic information, liability for service in the Armed Forces of the United States, disability, or any other protected characteristic under federal, state, or local law.
As a Civil Service employer under the State of New Jersey, all candidates must comply with New Jersey Civil Service Commission regulations and guidelines. Mercer County residency is required. Non-residents must establish residency within one (1) year of employment.
Mercer County is also committed to providing reasonable accommodations in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable state laws, specifically in accordance with the New Jersey State Policy Prohibiting Discrimination in the Workplace .
