Outreach Technician - Southwest Michigan

MPHI is a Michigan-based and nationally engaged, non-profit public health institute. We are a team of teams, process and content experts, dedicated to building A world where tomorrow is healthier than today!

Title: Outreach Technician - Southwest Michigan

$21.48 - $29.50 / Posted Thru: 4-24-24

Work Location: Remote, within commuting distance of Southwest, MI (Berrien, Kalamazoo, Barry, Allegan, Calhoun)

Travel required

Purpose: This position supports the Community Outreach Unit within the Community Education and Outreach Section of the Division of Environmental Health at the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. The Outreach Technician will play a critical role in meeting division goals related to providing relevant and timely public health protective information and resources by clearly and consistently communicating in communities throughout Michigan, primarily covering Berrien, Kalamazoo, Barry, Allegan, and Calhoun counties.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Interact with communities, primarily within the vicinity assigned, and engage with community members to provide information and strategies to prevent/mitigate negative environmental health outcomes.
• Travel to communities, primarily within the vicinity assigned, and engage with community members impacted by environmental contaminants by providing health-protective information and awareness at community events, meetings, and other venues.
• Interact with community members and stakeholders.
• Maintain positive relationships with community members, groups, and stakeholders in partnership with the Community Engagement Coordinator.
• Participate in program planning, development, implementation, and evaluation.
• Implement new and existing health education and outreach programs.
• Assist with program-related projects and activities as needed.
• Always represent the best interests of MDHHS and MPHI.
• General administrative duties as needed.

Qualifications/Requirements:

Education: High school diploma or equivalent

Experience: Experience conducting outreach and community engagement fieldwork is preferred.

Important Skills and Characteristics:

• Strong cultural competency and collaboration skills with the ability to work effectively in an environment with diverse cultures, multiple perspectives, and competing needs.
• Commitment to providing compassionate and empathetic service to diverse community members.
• Experience in working with community members and stakeholders.
• Knowledge of health disparities, environmental justice, and social justice.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing to a range of audiences.
• Excellent ability to provide public health education in 1-1 or in small group settings.
• Ability and willingness to deliver presentations suitable for diverse stakeholders and community members.
• Commitment to ongoing learning and continuous improvement.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team and on own initiative.
• Maintain confidentiality as required by state and federal laws.
• Proficient in various computer applications such as Outlook, Microsoft Word, and Excel.
• Basic knowledge or willingness to learn basics of toxicology, risk communications, behavior change, environmental health, and/or chemical exposure.
• Flexibility to work evenings and weekends.
• Ability to stay organized.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements: Physical requirements consistent with a standard office environment. Transport supplies to sites around the state on an occasional basis. Items and supplies can be bulky and weigh up to 40lbs. May go door-to-door to educate residents and may be exposed to cold, hot, or wet weather conditions.

Requires valid vehicle operator's license and travel within the State, including evenings, weekends, or occasional overnights. Less occasionally, travel may be required outside the State.

Travel: This position will require regular travel throughout Southwest MI and on occasion throughout Michigan. Sometimes including nights and weekends.

Responsibility for the Work of Others: No assigned responsibility.

Impact on Projects, Services, and Operations: This position has an impact on the organizational ability of dynamic community outreach responses to sites of environmental contamination.

Required Communication

"For purposes of employment standards, this classification is "Non-Exempt" from the overtime provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act."

MPHI works with you to promote health for everyone. Together, we will build a world where tomorrow is healthier than today!

MPHI is an EEO/AA employer that participates with e-verify.