Health Educator I, (A246118-1), 202, Drug Court Treatment

This position is grant funded. Therefore, it is solely dependent on availability of grant.

Works with health promotion and education prevention for Individuals with a substance abuse diagnosis and at-risk individuals for HIV/STD, may also provide education on other infectious diseases, diabetes, obesity, and malnutrition. Promotes wellness and improves the quality of life through a reduction of at-risk behavior; conducts extensive outreach, which includes screening and testing services.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Reviews, chooses, and prepares educational material used in health promotion programs through various health educational techniques and outreach at community level for lay persons.
• Weighs and measures participants weekly; takes blood pressure of participants; conducts self-appraisals for each participant every three months.
• Helps persons fill applications for health services and teaches how to access the health care system (Medicaid, Title V, etc).
• Prepares and maintains reduction chart current and submits the same to participant every three months.
• Provides immunization and vaccine for preventable disease promotion.
• Prepares weekly class schedule; prepares monthly report of activities accomplished.
• Maintains close contact with volunteers in case they need forms or other equipment.
• Projects a positive and professional image of intervention division.
• Inputs information into the computer regarding referral information.
• Works with physicians, healthcare providers and community groups on public health services.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Studies, researches, and prepares health education & prevention materials to be presented.
• Conducts presentations on substance use education and prevention to include; mental health, harm reduction and other co- morbidities.
• Assists in coordinating and implementing health education programs in particular to substance use.
• Provides training services to individuals or groups on substance use.
• Conducts exercise classes and distribution information on health and HIV related issues.
• Motivates participants to become healthier individuals and reducing the risk of HIV and STDs.
• Responds to questions relating to substance use and health issues, providing relevant information and/or referring persons to appropriate services.
• Conducts health education and harm reduction prevention using various media and outreach techniques.

Knowledge of:

• Knowledge of principles and practices of health education and outreach.
• Knowledge of chronic disease risk practices and disease prevention and promotion methods.
• Knowledge of health problems and community resources.
• Knowledge of people's behavior or culture according to social-economic status.
• Knowledge of Mexican culture.

Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to work effectively with others and to deal tactfully with professional personnel and the public.
• Ability to stimulate and work with local groups to provide leadership and organizational assistance to programs dealing with health issues.
• Ability to understand both oral and written instructions.
• Ability to speak effectively with groups and individuals.
• Ability to take and follow directions from supervisor.
• Ability to maintain a valid Texas Driver's License and a good driving record.
• Ability to project a positive and professional image of the City of Laredo.
• Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing in the English language and orally in the Spanish language.
• Ability to comply with all City of Laredo policies and procedures.
• Ability to maintain good health and physical condition sufficient to permit the full performance of the duties of the position.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Physical Effort Requirements Position will have the following exposures

• Office or similar indoor environment, relatively free from unpleasant environmental conditions or hazards.
• Occasional exposure to unpleasant environmental conditions and/or hazards. Occasional outside work.
• Frequent exposure to unpleasant environmental conditions and/or hazards. Majority of work performed outside or with exposure to risk.
• Exerting up to 35 pounds of force occasionally, up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly having to move objects.

Work Environment Locations Position will require the employee to work in the following types of work environments
Never

• Construction site
• Warehouse environment

Seldom

• Confined space

Frequently

• Office or similar indoor environment
• Outdoor environment
• Street environment (near moving traffic)
• Vehicles

Exposures Position will require the employee to be exposed to the following environmental elements
Never

• Moving mechanical parts
• Fumes or airborne particles
• Toxic or caustic chemicals or substances
• Loud noises (85+ decibels such as heavy trucks, jack hammers, construction)

Seldom

• Extreme cold (below 32 degrees)

Sometimes

• Extreme heat (above 100 degrees)
• Communicable diseases

Frequently

• Individuals who are hostile or irate
• Individuals with known violent backgrounds

Travel Position will require the employee to travel
Never:

• National travel
• International travel

Seldom:

• Regional travel

Frequently

• Local travel

Required Education and Experience

• High school diploma or G.E.D.
• At least one (1) year of experience in health education, outreach, or community social support.

Proof of TB Test/Screening will be required to be presented prior to employment.

Required Licenses or Certifications

• None

Valid Texas Driver License. If applicant holds an out-of-state license, a State of Texas Driver License must be obtained within 6 months of employment.

As part of the minimum requirements for all positions with the City of Laredo, a thorough background check and certified school transcripts will be required from all applicants who are offered employment.

Effective February 24, 1997, all selected applicants are required to undergo a drug and alcohol test prior to employment.

Effective January 7, 2008, all persons in safety-sensitive functions/positions, as per City of Laredo Drug and Alcohol Policy definition, shall be subject to random drug and alcohol testing.

A person with a disability who needs a reasonable accommodation related to a selection process is requested to contact the Human Resources Department at (956) 791-7480, two days prior to the scheduled test or interview.

City of Laredo is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Pro Disabled and Veteran Employer. We welcome differences in the form of gender, race, ethnicity, disability, geography, socioeconomic status, age, politics, religion, philosophy, sexual orientation, or gender identity. All applicants who share this goal are encouraged to apply. Must be able to function in a principle-based organization that has a culture built on character and core values.

Employment Type: Full-time