Health Education Specialist I (UC Cooperative Extension)

Please Note - Funding for this position is subject to approval by the County of San Luis Obispo Board of Supervisors. Anticipated Board approval date is June 16th, 2026.The UC Cooperative Extension is hiring a Health Education Specialist I. Working for the UC Cooperative Extension in San Luis Obispo County is a rewarding opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the local community through education, research, and public service. Employees have the chance to collaborate with university experts, local farmers, youth programs, and community organizations to address important issues such as agriculture, natural resources, nutrition, and community development. The work environment is mission-driven, innovative, and deeply connected to the unique needs of the Central Coast, offering both professional growth and the satisfaction of helping improve the quality of life for residents across the county.Typical Tasks and Representative Duties(Not in order of importance)Collects and analyzes data to identify community needs prior to planning, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating programs designed to encourage healthy lifestyles, policies, and environments.Prepares, obtains and disseminates health information through individual client contacts and/or workshops, seminars, reports, bulletins, pamphlets, posters, exhibits, news releases, radio scripts, social media, and other communication methods.Participates in evaluating the effectiveness of program materials and methods.Provides liaison and networking among departmental staff, and other public and private agencies, community organizations and professional groups, including, but not limited to food distribution medical, nutrition, physical activity, school and childcare organizations, youth development programming, adult education, clientele and policy makers for developing effective health awareness campaigns and educational programs.Leads and supervises adult and youth volunteers in the development and delivery of public education programming, including (but not limited to) UC Master Food Preserver and UC 4-H Youth Development.Plans, organizes and participates in health information and educational programs, conferences, and meetings.Makes presentations and provides health information and guidance to individuals and community groups.Implements community needs assessment surveys and outreach plans.Researches and develops policies and procedures.Assists in preparing health plans.Writes or assists in writing grant proposals.Participates in staff development activities.Prepares a variety of reports and correspondence.Conducts compliance checks on certain legal or regulatory requirements.Fosters a spirit of teamwork and support when interacting with staff and others.Develops and maintains public support and the cooperation of public officials, community groups and agencies relative to community health concerns.Supports and follows the UC Cooperative Extension Department's policies, goals, guiding principles, and Mission-Vision-Values Statement.Maintains confidentiality of information.Maintains a safe and orderly work area.To see the complete job description for Health Education Specialist I, Click Here.To learn more about the UC Cooperative Extension Click Here.Knowledge of:The principles, methods and practices of health information, promotion, education, and information disseminationTraining needs, assessment, and evaluation techniquesCommunity organizations and resources related to the health and education fieldsCommunication techniques and media relations for print, voice, video, internet, and any other communication medium.Effective interpersonal techniques using tact, patience, and courtesyAbility to:Communicate effectively both verbally and in writingFormulate, promote and implement a variety of information and educational programsEstablish and maintain effective working relationships with public officials, community groups, agencies, local media, county employees, and/or clienteleConduct training and make public presentationsProofread and edit written copyCommunicate effectively with people of diverse socio-economic backgrounds, age, gender, and temperamentsOperate a variety of audiovisual and computer presentation equipmentUse basic and advanced computer software to conduct business and communicate (such as generate reports, complete data analysis, develop informational and educational materials, and maintain web-based information).Develop and maintain positive working relationships; communicate and work effectively with othersOperate a computer and assigned office equipmentEducation and Experience:A combination of education, training, and experience resulting in the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. An example of qualifying education and experience includes:Health Education Specialist I: A bachelor's degree in health education, community health, communications, kinesiology, nutrition or another related field.Licenses and CertificatesCertain positions within this classification may require driving. When driving is an essential function of the position, a valid CALIFORNIA driver license will be required at the time of appointment and must be maintained throughout employment.Certification as a Registered Dietitian (RD) or Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) is desirable.Applications, including answers to supplemental questions, must be submitted online by the final filing date. Apply for this position at governmentjobs.com/careers/slocountycaMost County recruitments require you to respond to supplemental questions as part of the application process. We recommend that you review these questions prior to beginning your application.An initial application review will be conducted. Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications and are best qualified will be invited to participate in selection activities which may include online assessments, performance exams, written exams, and interviews.Final candidates will be required to have an in-depth background review performed before proceeding in the process. Please note that references will not be contacted until the end of the process.If you have questions or would like to discuss the opportunity further, please contact Human Resources at hr@co.slo.ca.us. Confidential inquiries are welcomed.For further information regarding the County of San Luis Obispo, visit our website at www.slocounty.ca.gov.