The City of Bloomington Public Health Department is seeking a full-time Public Health Specialist to engage the community in promoting, protecting, and improving public health in Bloomington, Edina, and Richfield (BER) communities. The position strengthens community capacity and advances policy, systems, and environmental change through SHIP coalition collaboration, community health assessments, and evidence-based program implementation. The role will also lead sexual and reproductive health initiatives and partner with community organizations, schools, health systems and other decision-makers to drive sustainable improvements in sexual health knowledge, behaviors, outcomes, and policies across individuals and populations. CITY VALUES & EXPECTATIONS - Models and contributes to a positive work environment, culture of communication, engagement and safety. Communicates effectively and respectfully with employees and the general public, including but not limited to those of diverse racial, ethnic, religious and socioeconomic backgrounds. Works cooperatively as a member of a team; develops and maintains effective working relationships with diverse coworkers and community members; consistently brings a high level of self-awareness and empathy to all personal interactions. Embraces the City’s shared values and contributes towards accomplishing the City’s vision and goals by being creative, innovative, continuously learning, and communicating clearly Examples of Duties This position will belong on the Community Resource Team and take direction from the Community Health Supervisor. Engage diverse stakeholders in identifying and addressing needs related to social determinants of health and chronic disease prevention. Collaborate with various community-based organizational leadership in the three communities of Bloomington, Edina, and Richfield to influence policy, system, and environmental (PSE) change as informed by SHIP initiatives. Provide project management and technical assistance to community partners for health promotion efforts in the areas of healthy food access, childcare, housing, mental well-being, active living, healthcare access, and workplace wellness. Collaborate with various departmental staff (transportation, community development, planning, parks and recreation, public safety, and public health) and community partners for completing the SHIP work plan across the three cities. Assess state, county, and local sexual health capacities based in education, service, and policy through tailored data collection and analysis methods; use data to inform ongoing programming and propose relevant policy change. Collaboratively design, implement, evaluate, and adapt evidence-based programs at the individual and community level; provide consultation, leadership, and capacity building on topics that include but are not limited to: safer sex, pregnancy prevention, sexually transmitted infections, consent, abstinence, LGBTQ topics, and healthy relationships. Develop and maintain program materials, plans, and reports including web resources, brochures, exhibits, presentations, and audiovisual content that support program objectives; adapt materials for diverse cultures and arrange translations as needed. Leverage strong relationship-building and networking skills to cultivate partnerships with subject matter experts to inform ongoing health programming needs. Apply learning theories, evidence-based practices, and culturally responsive and congruent approaches when engaging clients and groups. Collaborate with community members to assess sexual health resource needs and provide systems navigation support in meeting those needs. Track and report on health-based metrics and key performance indicators, including sexually transmitted disease investigation and partner notification services as directed by the Minnesota Department of Health. Respond to public inquiries regarding initiatives, health services, and educational resources. Follow agency documentation protocols and privacy requirements. Participate in continuing education to remain current on public health trends, standards, and research. Participate in grant writing efforts to support existing and new initiatives that align with department and community health priorities. Advocate for underserved and high-risk populations. Align programmatic efforts with the department's strategic plan and priorities. Advance health-in-all-policies approaches in departmental and community planning. Other. Performs public health emergency response functions as trained and assigned within the department’s emergency response plan. Participates in strategic planning, the performance management system including quality improvement, workforce development, community health needs assessment, and community health improvement planning as assigned. Performs other related duties as apparent or assigned. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES REQUIRED - Knowledge:Public health programs and community health improvement models, including SHIP, medically accurate comprehensive sexual health information, and/or state and federally funded grant projects. Community resources in Bloomington, Edina, Richfield, and the broader metro area. Evidence-informed models for population health improvement based on policy, systems, and environmental change. Methods and models for project management. Methods for problem-solving, conflict resolution, and facilitation. Current events impacting the communities the Department serves. City, County, and State policies and procedures. Confidentiality and privacy requirements under HIPAA and related legal parameters. Structural racism and its impact on public health and communities. Skills:Public speaking, outreach facilitation, and one-on-one community engagement. Building trust and strong relationships with diverse community members and partners. Written and verbal communication tailored to various audiences and settings. Collaboration within the City of Bloomington and with external partners. Project management and bringing initiatives to completion. Convey data-driven health information effectively to clients and the public. Apply racial equity principles in public health practice. Advocate for and foster innovative solutions. Analytical thinking to recognize problems and provide solutions in public health situations. Use situational awareness to make critical decisions. Technical proficiency with relevant software (Microsoft Office, Outlook, SharePoint, EHR databases)Abilities:Work independently and exercise sound professional judgment. Adapt to changing priorities, policies, and work demands. Manage flexible schedules including some evening and weekend hours. Travel frequently throughout the service area. Meet in-person with community members and organizations. Read, interpret, and apply complex documents such as laws, regulations, and policies. Handle public inquiries, resolve conflicts, and represent the health department professionally. Bring self-awareness and empathy to all interactions. Proactively resolve conflicts and misunderstandings to ensure a respectful and inclusive workplace. Identify and address potential adverse equity impacts in all work. Model Department values: accountability, collaboration, flexibility, equity, integrity, respect, and responsibility Minimum/ Desirable Qualifications MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Baccalaureate degree in public or community health, health promotion, education, communications, public relations, or related field. Two years of recent experience in health program development, assessment, and adaptation that meets best practices. Two years of recent experience facilitating health programming to diverse learner groups in-person and/or virtually. Experience in community-based reproductive health initiatives spanning education, clinical service delivery, grant implementation, and reporting, with a track record of developing trusted partnerships across sectors and within organizations. Experience with health advocacy, community organizing, and/or professional mentoring, including participatory decision-making and consensus-building techniques. Experience delivering inclusive, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive services to diverse communities, grounded in principles of health equity. Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills, with hands-on experience in sexual health initiatives — including education, clinical service delivery, grant implementation, and reporting — and a track record of building trusted partnerships across sectors and organizations. Proficiency in Microsoft Office and online collaboration applications. Valid driver's license, car insurance, and dependable car OR access to reliable transportation required to perform job duties. DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS - Advanced degree or certification in public or community health, education, public policy, or related field focused on health promotion. Additional experience working in the public health sector for a state, county, or municipal government. One year of recent experience with the SHIP program and/or other state-funded grant projects, including program reporting per grant requirements. Five years of recent experience developing, implementing, evaluating, and adapting tailored health programming addressing reproductive and sexual health topics in front of diverse learner groups in-person and/or virtually. Experience in successfully using project management tools (e.g., Smartsheet) to bring projects to completion. Experience working with and proposing policy, systems, and environmental change initiatives. Experience advocating for marginalized stakeholder groups within institutional settings. Ability to speak a second language, in addition to English that has a recognized presence in the community. (Spanish, Somali, Vietnamese, Chinese Mandarin, Cambodian, etc.)