Health Promoter

**Division**:
Chronic Disease & Injury Prevention

**Temporary Duration**:
Approximate Duration: 6 to 9 months

**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.

**Responsibilities**:
**Health Promotion Competencies**

**1. Demonstrate Knowledge Necessary for Conducting Health Promotion**

Research and identify public health issues and trends and effective strategies to facilitate healthy behaviours by reviewing epidemiological, behavioural and socio-demographic data and reports. Develop needs assessment tools and conduct needs assessment and research when necessary.

Maintain professional competency.

**2. Conduct a Community Needs/Situational Assessment for a Specific Issue**

Plan, implement and evaluate health promotion strategies and population health based approaches to meet the needs of the citizens of Niagara and the requirements of the Ontario Public Health Standards.

Monitor trends, issues, research, and legislation relevant to health related issues.

**3. Plan Appropriate Health Promotion Programs**

Evaluate and analyze the effectiveness of various health initiatives and activities. Provide expert advice and guidance to department staff, corporate staff, community professionals and the general public about population-based strategies and behaviours/factors associated with various programs and/or issue areas:

- Respond and present reports to the Public Health and Social Services Committee and Regional Council
- Respond to community requests, including the media, for information related to health topics and relevant reports
- Provide input into the development of annual operational plans for the program/division and project budget for the program/division
- Act as a resource to agencies, committees and community groups
- Distribute and disseminate health resources/information
- Assess, procure or develop education resources related to health promotion initiatives.

**4. Contribute to Policy Development and Advocacy**

Facilitate the establishment of healthy public policies and environmental supports to promote healthy behaviours through advocacy and negotiation in schools, health care facilities, businesses, workplaces and other community sites at federal, provincial