Health Workforce Sustainability Specialist

Health Workforce Sustainability Specialist

The Role

The Health Emergency Response Office (HERO) is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Health Workforce Sustainability Specialist. Qualified candidates will be experienced in areas of mental health, secondary and vicarious trauma, burnout, group facilitation, evaluation and communications. The chosen candidate will provide expert, evidence-based guidance and recommendations to leaders, supervisors, and workers in the MN healthcare ecosystem, including MN Department of Health and hospitals, on workforce sustainability practices. Work is performed under supervision of the Deputy Director.

Background

From December 2024 through June 2026 HERO engaged in the Preparedness Alliance Project with the MN Department of Health to reflect on COVID 19 pandemic experiences and identify gaps and opportunities to be better prepared for a future coordinated response. One recommendation from the project was to give special consideration to preparing a more sustainable workforce, particularly in regard to healthcare worker mental and emotional wellbeing. This position will implement that recommendation through a set of identified activities. Note that the grant has ended.

This is a casual, 14-hour or less per week position.

Duties and Essential Functions

1. Trainings and Presentations
   1. Develop and conduct training for healthcare professionals, administrators and middle management leaders on best practices and interventions to prevent health sector burnout and attrition from job related stress.
   2. Complete 3-4 training sessions or presentations to different groups, including:
      1. In-person or online training for helping professionals/frontline health care workers, i.e. aligning with "Bearing Witness: Traumatic Stress and the Helping Professional".
      2. Presentations at conferences.
      3. Training with wellbeing officers or ad hoc "community of practice" through Minnesota Medical Association partnership.
      4. Convenings of MDH or subgroups within the agency.
2. Resource Hub
   1. Provide content and design consultation on an online resource hub for workforce sustainability, to be housed on MDH's website.
   2. Determining audiences, i.e. frontline health care worker, administrator, family, etc.
3. Best Practice Report
   1. Develop a written report of evidence and best practice recommendation to MDH for addressing and preventing health sector mental health issues related to burnout and secondary trauma.

All required qualifications must be documented on application materials.

Required Qualifications

• Master's degree or higher in a mental health field with least 6 years of experience in trauma, secondary trauma, burnout and related specialty areas.
• Ability to plan and organize groups and activities, including the design and facilitation of group trainings.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, to individuals and groups, in both verbal and written formats.
• Ability to evaluate research and evidence on interventions for workforce sustainability and well being.
• Demonstrated team player with ability to work independently as well.
• Problem solver and self-starter.
• Cultural sensitivity and humility.

The Health Emergency Response Office (HERO) is responsible for the development of campus-level plans and procedures that address a variety of health incident and emergency scenarios.

Pay Range: $95-$105/hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience.

Retirement plan options are available for Civil Service, Faculty, Labor-Represented, Professional & Administrative, and Temp Casual classifications. Learn more about retirement plans.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.