Health Promoter

**Division**:
Family Health

**Temporary Duration**:
Approximate Duration: 6 to 12 months

**About Us**:
Serving a diverse urban and rural population of more than 475,000, Niagara Region is focused on building a strong and prosperous Niagara. Working collaboratively with 12 local area municipalities and numerous community partners, the Region delivers a range of high quality programs and services to support and advance the well-being of individuals, families and communities within its boundaries. Nestled between the great lakes of Erie and Ontario, the Niagara peninsula features some of Canada’s most fertile agricultural land, the majesty of Niagara Falls and communities that are rich in both history and recreational and cultural opportunities. Niagara boasts dynamic modern cities, Canada’s most developed wine industry, a temperate climate, extraordinary theatre, and some of Ontario’s most breathtaking countryside. An international destination with easy access to its binational U.S. neighbour New York State, Niagara attracts over 14 million visitors annually, as well as a steady stream of new residents and businesses.

Please note that the Niagara Region requires that all newly hired employees are to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition of being hired and provide proof of full vaccination, or provide proof of a bona fide medical or Human Rights Code exemption on a form issued from and approved by Niagara Region.

**JOB SUMMARY**:
Reporting to the Program Manager, the Health Promoter is an integral member of a multidisciplinary team. The Health Promoter applies their expertise in determinants of health, health promotion and community development to support programming under the Ontario Public Health Standards (2008) and the relevant legislation such as the Health Protection and Promotion Act. The Health Promoter identifies program priorities by reviewing existing epidemiological, behavioural and socio-demographic data, and thorough assessments of community assets and needs. Through facilitating community mobilization, the Health Promoter builds capacity and partnerships around shared health priorities. The Health Promoter maintains current knowledge of the literature and best practices and critically appraises research to assist with setting priorities, targeting programs and developing public health strategies and health promotion interventions. The Health Promoter may be assigned to one of several programs in the divisions as noted above.

**QUALIFICATIONS**:
**EDUCATION**:

- Bachelor’s degree required in Health related discipline

**KNOWLEDGE/EXPERIENCE**:

- Two to three years’ experience in community based health promotion.
- Demonstrate knowledge about the following concepts: the health status of populations, inequities in health, the determinants of health and illness, and strategies for health promotion.
- Must possess knowledge of and experience working with Health Promoter competencies (see p. 3-5).

**SKILLS**:

- Strong communication (written and oral) and interpersonal skills are required.
- Proven skills in conducting research and needs assessments.
- Knowledge of current Public Health issues, procedures and legislation (Ontario Public Health Standards).
- Excellent organization and time management skills.
- Strong computer skills including Internet use.
- Ability to work in a multi-disciplinary team.
- Strong initiative.
- Knowledge and skills in the following areas; community mobilization; healthy public policy development; mass/multi-channel media and communications; social marketing; behaviour change; and advocacy.
- Contingent on program assignment:

- Knowledge of one or more of the following program areas - chronic disease and injury prevention, family health, infectious disease control, sexual health, STIs and HIV, vaccine preventable disease, and environmental health.

**SPECIAL CONDITIONS**:

- Must be capable of maintaining professional objectivity in order to perform consistently with the philosophy and objectives various programs.
- Must display an acceptable comfort level with various health related topics.
- Must provide own transportation and be able to travel throughout the Niagara region to various locations.
- An annual influenza vaccine is recommended.

**Closing Statement**:
Uncover the wonder of the Niagara Region and join a team dedicated to meeting tomorrow’s challenges TODAY