Prevention and Outreach Specialist

Applicants will be asked to prepare a presentation on a topic sent to them by the hiring committee.

Position Overview:

The prevention and outreach specialist is responsible for the effective administration of health education programming covering general health education and wellness and specific university student health including, but not limited to, mental health and well-being (i.e. suicide prevention), substance and alcohol abuse prevention (i.e. marijuana and opioids), and work with the Project Speak Up Coordinator on interpersonal violence prevention (i.e. stalking, bullying, sexual assault). The Prevention and Outreach Specialist monitors national trends and helps to ensure that relevant outreach, educational programming and resources are provided to meet the needs of the campus community. The Prevention and Outreach Specialist provides strategic leadership and guidance in the development of a healthy environment for students at the University of Central Oklahoma.

Duties & Responsibilities (in order of most time spent to least time spent):

• Responsible for the development and implementation of a strategic, multi-level, research informed, non-biased and comprehensive approach to health promotion, and prevention at the University of Central Oklahoma. Design, facilitate and implement campus health promotion efforts in developing health education content and skills training and to incorporate health promotion into academic research, courses and programs that includes transformative learning goals and outcomes.

• Provide leadership and mentoring to those responsible for providing educational programs, support, training, and resources to students which includes Peer Health Leaders, Health Promotion Volunteers, and graduate/student staff as applicable.

• Collaborate and develop effective relationships with other departments on campus, including but not limited to, Housing, Title IX office, Student Engagement, Office of Diversity and Inclusion, Greek Life, University Police, International House, Wellness Center, and Academic Affairs. Partner with community agencies to enhance health promotion programming and services available to students. Including but not limited to, Oklahoma Challenge, DCCCA, Chickasaw Nation, Oklahoma Highway Patrol, National Guard, and Oklahoma Eating Disorders Association.

• Coordinate presentation requests.

• Maintain social media presence, promotion of programs and services, and educational information, and develop social media campaigns.

• Monitor activities and provide reports on participation, safety, and compliance. Conducts needs assessments or surveys to determine interest in and satisfaction with programs. Make recommendations for program improvement.

• Utilize findings from the American College Health Assessment or other bench-marked surveys to inform health education programming and design and implement assessment methods to evaluate the effectiveness of programs, gauge student impact and increase the reach of the health promotion initiatives.

• Ensure timely reporting of data.

• Monitor Peer Health Leader budget

• Participates in UCO’s Healthy Campus Initiative.

• Serve as a content expert for the university community about high impact practices related to public health initiatives, trends, data, theory and research.

• Maintain accurate records and ensure confidentiality of student information that may be

collected through health assessment, programming, onsite screenings or other health

promotion activities.

• Perform other related duties as assigned. The duties listed in this job description are intended only as illustration of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

Experience in the operation of microcomputers and software such as Microsoft Word,

PowerPoint, Excel and Zoom. Must have a demonstrated ability to be a self-starter. Ability to work independently and meet deadlines.

Qualifications

Minimum Education

4 year degree in public health, health promotion, wellness, student development, psychology, or related degree from and accredited university.

Minimum Experience

Background and/or professional work experience in the administration of health education/promotion/prevention programs and public speaking.

Preferred Education

Master’s degree in health education, health promotion, public health or related field.

Preferred Experience

A minimum of three years' work experience in health education, health promotion, wellness programs

or related field with focus on planning, program development, innovation, program prioritization

and assessment. Delivery of health education/promotion services or programming experience on a college campus; evidence of research and scholarly activity and ability. Experience working in higher education. Two years' experience in training or working with students of college age.

Preferred Other

Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES)

Success in assessing student learning, health behavior change, and

Success in working collaboratively with multiple stakeholders.

Experience conducting individual, community, and /or environmental needs assessments and using results to guide programmatic decisions.

Demonstrated skills in social marketing and health communications strategies.

Proficiency in a variety of computer software applications.

Physical Demands

Reasonable accommodations (in accordance with ADA requirements) may be made, upon request, to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.