Support Specialist II, Community Affairs, Full-time, Days

Company Description

At Northwestern Medicine, every patient interaction makes a difference in cultivating a positive workplace. This patient-first approach is what sets us apart as a leader in the healthcare industry. As an integral part of our team, you'll have the opportunity to join our quest for better healthcare, no matter where you work within the Northwestern Medicine system. At Northwestern Medicine, we pride ourselves on providing competitive benefits: from tuition reimbursement and loan forgiveness to 401(k) matching and lifecycle benefits, we take care of our employees. Ready to join our quest for better?

Job Description

The Support Specialist IIreflects the mission, vision, and values of NM, adheres to the organization’s Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines, and all other regulatory and accreditation standards.

The Support Specialist II will work closely with managers, and directors for assigned areas. This will include the development of work plans, metrics, and resources to achieve the strategic goals and objectives of the assigned activities. Assigned activities may include work related to the Community Health Needs Assessment, the Community Health Improvement Plan, and/or other Northwestern Medicine programs that may align with the External and Community Affairs Division.

Responsibilities:

• This position requires planning, creating, and implementation for community and outreach activities including the coordination of internal and external resources, overseeing volunteer recruitment, identifying event spaces, and assuring that programs are on time and on budget.
• This position serves as a liaison and representative of Northwestern Medicine at community events or meetings and helps establish and maintain partnerships to promote a culture of wellness in the communities that NM serves. 
• Additionally, this position serves as an intermediary between Northwestern Medicine and local, regional, and state associations (American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, March of Dimes, etc.).
• Provides support to and sometimes leads health and wellness programs and initiatives.
• Maintains internal reporting tool to track hospital departments’ community benefit activities.
• Assist in the collection of community wellness program outcomes, evaluations, and reports for existing and new programs.
• Strong Public speaking ability
• EOE Minorities/Women/Disabled/Veterans. VEVRAA Federal Contractor.

Additional responsibilities:  ENDUM: CHNA

• Provide project management for NM Community Health Needs Assessments (CHNAs) and Community Health Implementation Plans (CHIPs), including adherence to project plans and support of written reports
• Assist with Community Health Council to coordinate and enhance community voice in the CHNA and CHIP processes
• Assist regional teams with the evaluation of CHIP strategies, including performance tracking and reporting templates
• Collaborate with internal departments to coordinate report compliance, adoption, branding, and internal audit
• Preferred qualifications: experience using community data tracking platforms like CBISA or Conduent

Additional responsibilities:  Compliance

• Works closely with the manager and NMHC leadership to meet compliance requirements for external reporting of NMHC activities in support of community benefits, community health needs assessments (CHNA), Internal Revenue Form 990 Schedule H (990), and property tax exemption (PTAX), among others. 
• Assists the manager with preparing the Annual Report on Community Benefit, supports CHNA development and reporting, 990 and PTAX filings, helps implement the community grants process, and supports community relations, among other projects.   
• Possesses strong written and verbal communication skills with both internal and external parties, is detail-oriented and well-organized.  Familiar with database management/use.
• Supports data collection and maintenance, meeting planning and execution, editing, and communication.

Additional responsibilities:  Education

• This position requires an assessment of community education needs, based on the Community Health Needs Assessment, the Community Health Improvement Plan, and/or other organizational strategies and grant requirements when applicable.
• Requires the ability to evaluate, design, present, and disseminate culturally appropriate health and wellness education information and materials.
• Demonstrates excellent public speaking ability to present high-quality health and wellness educational materials to individuals or groups.
• Facilitate health and wellness classes/programs according to Community Affairs guidelines and/or any grant requirements.
• Maintain health and wellness education outcomes, evaluations, and reports for existing and new programs.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor’s Degree in a related field.
• 3 to 5 years experience.
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft: Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Understanding of the healthcare industry and community health/engagement.
• Excellent written, verbal, and communication skills, demonstrated ability to effectively establish and maintain working relationships with peers and constituents at all levels of the organization. Ability to represent the organization at community events; strong public speaking and presentation skills.
• Available to work occasional evening and weekend hours.

Additional requirements:

Youth Programs

• Background in STEM or Medical education and curriculum development
• Experience working with middle and high school students and youth development programs
• Understanding of healthcare roles and job pathways a plus
• Ability to travel within the NM service area required
• Flexible schedule to work some evenings or weekends for student-focused activities. Approximately 3-5 times a month.

Regional

• Strong knowledge of high-hardship/underserved communities in the hospital service area
• Ability to serve as a key liaison between Northwestern Medicine and community-based organizations, agencies, and neighborhoods
• Experience with supporting community-based partnerships to ensure the effectiveness and impact of programming.
• Ability to travel within the hospital service area
• 3 to 5 years of experience developing and maintaining strong, professional relationships with internal and external constituents
• 1 to 2 years experience with leading a project or as a program lead
• Strong presentation skills

Team NM

• Effectively identifies and presents volunteer opportunities that meet the needs of under-resourced communities in the hospital service area.
• Knowledgeable of local and national community agencies and populations they serve.
• 2 years experience leading quality volunteer efforts that align with CHNA, CHIP, and/or other Northwestern Medicine programs.
• Ability to effectively organize and deliver volunteer programs that exceed the needs of both community agencies and hospital staff volunteers.
• Demonstrated success in project management, communication, and development and maintaining strong professional relationships with community partners, NM departments, and staff.
• Ability to travel within the hospital service area and surrounding communities s required.
• Flexible schedule to work some evenings and weekends, for key volunteer activities.

 

Additional Information

Northwestern Medicine is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation or any other protected status.