Health Educator II - Healthy Texas Babies Program

Overview

This grant-funded position within the Community Health Division focuses on advancing maternal and infant health outcomes through the Healthy Texas Mothers and Babies (HTMB) program. The role requires coordinating the HTMB Community Coalition, leading outreach efforts, supporting data-driven strategies to lower infant mortality disparities, and ensuring grant compliance and reporting to the Texas Department of State and Health Services.

Key Responsibilities

• Organize and implement HTMB program activities such as safe infant sleep education, breastfeeding promotion, and maternal health initiatives.
• Create culturally relevant educational content and outreach strategies tailored to enhance maternal and infant wellbeing.
• Conduct community-based training sessions for parents, caregivers, and partner agencies on topics including safe infant sleep, breastfeeding support, and care continuity.
• Collaborate with healthcare facilities to review discharge procedures and identify gaps impacting care continuity.
• Lead partnerships with local coalitions to progress HTMB goals.
• Assist employers in obtaining the Texas Mother-Friendly Worksite designation and advocate for workplace lactation support.
• Host informational sessions on the TMFW program for community groups and employers.
• Gather and analyze program data such as attendance, surveys, and performance metrics to assess program effectiveness.
• Monitor maternal and infant health trends locally to guide planning and focus outreach on high-need neighborhoods using health data indicators.
• Develop reports and dashboards to communicate progress to stakeholders.
• Engage effectively with diverse populations in both English and Spanish.
• Respond to community and partner inquiries regarding HTMB resources.
• Deliver presentations to various audiences on HTMB initiatives.
• Utilize technology for documentation, virtual meetings, presentations, and social media aligned with program messaging.
• Design communication campaigns promoting HTMB objectives through social media, advertisements, and printed materials.
• Evaluate program progress continually and participate in professional development to stay abreast of best practices.
• Manage grant documentation and reporting to ensure compliance with funding requirements and health department policies.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Knowledge and Skills

• Strong command of English and Spanish grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
• Knowledge of health education principles and maternal/infant health topics including breastfeeding, safe sleep, and lactation support.
• Understanding of health behavior theories, social determinants of health, and maternal/child health initiatives.
• Experience with community outreach, coalition-building, data analysis, budgeting basics, and confidentiality standards.
• Familiarity with social media platforms, virtual meeting tools (e.g., Webex, Teams), and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for reporting, grant writing, and presentations.
• Ability to plan and facilitate community education and outreach effectively.
• Strong problem-solving aptitude and capacity to build and maintain community partnerships.
• Adaptability to changing public health priorities and teamwork skills.
• Professionalism in public representation and commitment to meeting deadlines and maintaining confidentiality.
• Valid Texas Driver License and good driving record required.

Physical and Work Environment

• Predominantly an indoor office environment with occasional outdoor activities.
• Light physical effort involving lifting up to 10 pounds occasionally.
• Exposure to some hostile individuals and extreme heat sometimes; rare exposure to communicable diseases.
• Frequent local travel required, occasional regional and national travel.

Minimum Qualifications

• Associate degree or completion of 60 college credit hours from an accredited institution.
• Minimum of three years' experience in health education and wellness promotion; phlebotomy training preferred.
• Valid Texas Driver License or ability to obtain one within six months if currently out-of-state.
• Proof of TB test/screening prior to employment.
• Employment contingent on background check, drug and alcohol testing per City policy.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The City of Laredo is committed to an inclusive workplace, encouraging applicants of all genders, races, ethnicities, abilities, and backgrounds who align with its values to apply. Accommodations are available upon request for candidates with disabilities.