Position Summary The Health Promotion Specialist (HPS) advances population health by planning, designing, implementing, and evaluating evidence informed health promotion programs, services, and communication campaigns. Working within a population health promotion framework, the role serves community members, partner organizations, and internal teams by applying principles of equity, collaboration, and public health science. The HPS identifies community needs, mobilizes partnerships, and develops strategies that improve health outcomes and reduce inequities. Through research, analysis, and strategic engagement, this role drives initiatives that strengthen community capacity and support the goals of the Ontario Public Health Standards. Key Outcomes • Develops, delivers, and evaluates comprehensive health promotion initiatives that address priority population needs and align with public health standards. • Strengthens community capacity and engagement by leading partnerships across sectors, regions, and disciplines. • Improves access to accurate, relevant, and culturally responsive health information through high quality communication strategies. • Informs public health decision making through rigorous assessment, analysis, and evaluation of community needs and program impacts. • Advances health equity by applying an equity lens to program design, implementation, and community engagement. • Enhances organizational effectiveness by providing expertise, consultation, and leadership in health promotion best practices. Core Responsibilities • Plan and implement comprehensive health promotion strategies tailored to priority populations. • Coordinate and evaluate public health projects, grants, and studies to support program goals. • Build and sustain partnerships with community groups, service providers, and regional/provincial networks. • Conduct assessments and design evaluation tools to identify and measure community health needs. • Provide consultation, training, and technical assistance to internal staff and external stakeholders. • Identify opportunities to influence healthy public policy decisions, gather resources, and action strategies in alignment with organizational goals and workplans. • Develop written communication materials including reports, educational resources, and campaign content. • Create and refine public health messaging for media, social platforms, and community outreach. • Engage local and municipal leaders to address emerging health promotion issues and opportunities. • Apply principles of diversity, inclusion, and equity across all health promotion activities. • Deliver timely, accurate, and high quality service to public, partners, and stakeholders. • Support organizational initiatives by collaborating across departments and contributing health promotion expertise. Qualifications Required • Master’s Degree from an accredited University in Public Health, Health Planning, Health Education, Health Promotion or related degree with proof that it provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities listed for this position. • Minimum one year experience working in the area of health promotion program development, implementation and evaluation • Must possess a minimum of one year knowledge and experience in program area applying for (i.e. Environmental Health, Chronic Disease; Family Health; Infectious Disease) Preferred • Previous experience working in a health unit is an asset • Proficiency with Microsoft 365, collaboration tools, and emerging technologies, including AI-enabled tools • Experience using data analysis software (example, SAS, SPSS, Stata,) and survey tools (example, fluid surveys) • Completion of a Practicum Placement or Internship in Public Health is an asset Other Requirements • Design evaluation studies and analyze results • Provide recommendations for the development of overall community health promotion and education goals and objectives, and provide ongoing evaluation of these goals and objectives • Develop grant proposals, board letters/reports, and other official documents Identify and obtain support of community leaders for public health programs • Establish effective working relationships with management, employees, employee representatives and the public representing diverse cultures and backgrounds • Treat WECHU employees, representatives of outside agencies and members of the public with courtesy and respect • Exercise appropriate judgment in answering questions and releasing information; analyze and project consequences of decisions and/or recommendations • Communicate effectively with a variety of individuals representing diverse cultures and backgrounds and function calmly in situations which require a high degree of sensitivity, tact and diplomacy Union Status: CUPE or ONA Reports To: Program Manager Supervises: n/a Hours of Work: 8:30am – 4:30pm with occasional evenings and weekends Work Environment: Office, hybrid may be offered, community Travel: Minimal – within city Competencies: Core Competencies for Public Health in Canada: Release 2.0 Equity and Inclusivity: • Demonstrates inclusive, respectful practice when working with colleagues and the community • Applies an equity lens to decisions, interactions, and service delivery • Contributes to culturally safe environments, including engagement in required training
All WECHU staff are required to show proof of immunity to measles, mumps, rubella and varicella through immunization records or blood work AND provide a two-step Mantoux tuberculin skin test or one-step Interferon Gamma Release Assay test PRIOR to employment start. A Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check (CRJMC) or a Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC) will be required as a condition of employment. This position includes the option of hybrid work, whereby employees may be able to work remotely or from the office, based on departmental needs, job duties and personal work preferences. The successful candidate must reside within the province of Ontario and must be available to attend the office upon request.
The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 and the Ontario Human Rights Code, the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit will provide accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment, selection, and/or assessment process. If selected to participate in any part of the process, please inform Human Resources staff of the nature of any accommodation(s) that you may require.
