PUBLIC HEALTH PREVENTION SPECIALIST

PUBLIC HEALTH PREVENTION SPECIALIST
DIVISION OF PUBLIC HEALTH
CITY OF WORCESTER

The City of Worcester is seeking qualified applicants for the position of Public Health Prevention Specialist for the Division of Public Health within the Health and Human Services Department. Under the general direction of the Maternal and Child Health Coordinator, The Public Health Prevention Specialist will conduct administration of local, state and federal grants to support community initiatives relating to Division of Public Health priorities. The position will collaborate with community, clinical neighborhoods and social service agency partners to serve as a coordinator for new and existing initiatives and offer technical assistance as assigned. The position will carry out specific duties as it relates to public health functions, programs and/or activities related to the Greater Worcester Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP). The position will perform specific duties as it relates to public health functions, programs and/or activities, specifically for maternal and child health to improve the health of mothers, infants and youth.

Bilingual applicants are encouraged to apply.

ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS:

• Collaborate with local coalitions to raise awareness about the critical importance of prioritizing maternal and child health.
• Build both internal and external expertise in supporting the health and well-being of birthing individuals, infants, children, and adolescents.
• Foster and strengthen partnerships with community organizations to address the complexities of equitable healthcare access for communities of color
• Participate in an interdisciplinary team to support the Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) and engage in interdepartmental activities to ensure alignment with program goals.
• Collaborate with the Chief of Community Health and the community health team to enhance community engagement capacity
• Lead the creation, mobilization, and distribution of educational content for maternal and child health program interventions
• Maintain open communication with funders, providing updates on project progress and outcomes
• Develop and manage budgets for grant-funded projects, ensuring compliance with funder guidelines
• Maintain accurate records of all grant-related activities and communications with both funders and subcontractors.
• Ensure adherence to all grant requirements, including timelines, deliverables, and reporting standards.
• Work in coordination with the Office of Data Research and Epidemiology.
• Facilitate the Central MA Doula Coalition and organize doula and maternal health training sessions.
• Raise public awareness about car seat safety, emphasizing proper installation, seat selection, and usage according to a child's age and size.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Chief of Community Health or their designee.
• Attend local, regional, and statewide training sessions and meetings as requested

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Professional experience working with coalitions and clinical providers.
• Understanding of the social determinants of health and health and racial equity to address health concerns across disease categories and conditions.
• Professional experience creating work plans and communication plans.
• Relationship management skills and experience creating collaboration among local community partners organizations.
• Excellent project management and planning skills.
• Experience setting measurable objectives and tracking performance.
• Strong research and analytical skills.
• Proficiency in electronic databases and Microsoft Office 365.
• Experience working with community stakeholders to advance community health.
• Proficiency in leading presentations and facilitating discussions.
• Experience working with diverse populations.
• Ability to maintain records and prepare reports.
• Ability to facilitate inter-disciplinary teamwork.
• Ability to conceptualize and organize projects into manageable tasks.
• Ability to convene and facilitate meetings.
• Ability to inter-state travel, minimal out of state travel.
• Ability to work nights and weekends, as required.
• Regular on-site attendance is required.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent team building skills.
• Strong public speaking skills.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Excellent facilitation skills.
• Demonstrated computer proficiency.
• Strong research, analytical and data skills.
• Must have excellent time management skills and be able to prioritize tasks.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor's degree in public health, Business/Public Administration, or other related discipline.
  
  
  
  • An equivalent combination of education, training and five (5) years of relevant experience which provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job will be considered in lieu of the above requirements.
  
  
  
  
• Two (2) years of experience in the Maternal & Child Health field.
• Two (2) years of experience with project management or grant oversight.
• Experience with coalition building and working with diverse populations.
• Experience developing and maintaining professional working relationships with community-based and/or public health organizations.
• Computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint).
• Valid Driver's license and access to reliable transportation

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master's degree in public health, Community Health, Community Development, Public Administration or other health related degree.
• Three (3) years of expertise in the Maternal & Child Health field.
• Three (3) years of experience with managing projects/contracts related to Public Health, Healthcare Administration, Community/Economic Development, and/or Community Health.
• Three (3) years of experience developing and maintaining professional working relationships with community based and/or public health organizations.
• Experience with health equity and anti-racism frameworks in a work or education setting.
• Two (2) years of experience with grant and contract management.

SALARY RANGE: $55,163 - $71,255 annually, full-time, exempt, with an excellent benefit package.

To apply, please visit: www.worcesterma.gov/employment or send resume and cover letter to: City of Worcester, 455 Main Street, Room 109, Worcester, MA 01608. OPEN UNTIL FILLED, applications received prior to or on FRIDAY, AUGUST 1, 2025, will receive preference. Preference is given to Worcester residents. The City of Worcester is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. Women, minorities, people with disabilities and protected veterans are encouraged to apply. Direct inquiries to: City Hall, Human Resources, Room 109, 508-799-1030, Hiring@worcesterma.gov.