Community Health Specialist

Under general supervision, this position engages and educates communities within the North Central Health District to promote healthy lifestyles, prevent chronic disease, and reduce disparities in birth outcomes. The role partners with healthcare providers and human service agencies to deliver person-centered support, improve access to care, and assist individuals and families in navigating health and social service systems. It supports research, community health assessments, and needs evaluations through outreach, advocacy, and data-informed analysis, while building client capacity to improve knowledge, self-sufficiency, and long-term wellness. The position also conducts research and analysis to support program development, policy enhancement, and strategic planning; implements and evaluates processes aligned with departmental goals; collaborates with internal and external partners; and prepares reports and presentations on program outcomes. Administrative duties include scheduling, referrals, and billing and coding for insurance purposes.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Improve the health of individuals and communities through illness, injury, and disability prevention initiatives.

• Deliver home visits for perinatal patients and infants; provide care coordination and referrals.

• Educate families on breastfeeding, healthy lifestyles, and available health/social resources.

• Coordinate services with healthcare providers, agencies, and community organizations.

• Build and maintain community partnerships; represent program at outreach events.

• Maintain accurate patient records, service documentation, and treatment outcomes.

• Perform administrative tasks including insurance verification, scheduling, referrals, and inventory management.

• Prepare reports, presentations, and program documentation to communicate outcomes and support decision-making.

• Support community health assessments through outreach, advocacy, and evaluation of community needs.

• Conduct research and analysis to support program development, policy enhancement, and strategic planning.

• Complete ongoing professional training to enhance service delivery.

• Assist with other program duties as assigned.

This position is based at the North Central Health District’s Central Office in Macon, GA, and requires travel to provide home visits across Baldwin, Bibb, Hancock, Jones, Peach, Washington, and Wilkinson counties, with occasional visits to additional counties such as Crawford, Houston, Jasper, Monroe, Putnam, and Twiggs. This will change as the program expands. Candidates should reside within a reasonable commuting distance and be willing to travel to locations throughout our district as needed. Employees in this role are eligible to receive mileage compensation for work-related travel. This is an excellent opportunity to work directly with communities across the district and make a meaningful impact.

High school diploma/GED and completion of 90 quarter hours (60 semester hours) at an accredited college or university and four (4) years of job-related experience; or two (2) years’ experience required at the lower-level Planner 2 (GSP051) or position equivalent.

Preferred Qualifications

• Must demonstrate excellent customer service and oral communication skills to effectively interact with all levels of departmental personnel and outside customers.

• Operational knowledge of MS Word, Power Point, SharePoint, and Excel.

• Self-motivated, team player with a desire to succeed and learn.

• Experience in maternal and child health or home visiting programs

• Knowledge of community health systems and public health practices

• Experience with data collection, reporting, and program evaluation

• Knowledge of public health principles and community-based service delivery

• Organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities

The DPH Commissioner and agency leaders encourage all employees to engage in regular wellness activities and to make lifestyle choices that promote health and well-being. 

The use of physical activity breaks during the workday is authorized to support this philosophy and help employees meet their wellness goals. A maximum of 30 minutes of physical activity may be allocated per workday, typically in the form of two 15-minute breaks or one 30-minute break.

Employment Information

State of Georgia employees are subject to the rules of the State Personnel Board regarding salary.

DPH accepts educational credentials recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and/or the US Department of Education (DOE) as valid. DPH will contact educational institutions to verify degrees, diplomas, licensures, and other relevant credentials.

The candidate selected for this position may be subject to pre-employment drug screening and a criminal background check.

Relocation assistance is not provided.

In the event of an identified emergency, you may be required, as a term and condition of DPH employment, to assist in meeting the emergency responsibilities of the department. 

ADA Statement

DPH is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request a reasonable accommodation for the application or interview process, email DPH-HR@dph.ga.gov. 

DPH is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Due to the volume of applications received, we are unable to provide information on application status by phone or e-mail. All qualified applicants will be considered, but may not receive an interview.  DPH will contact selected applicants to proceed with the application process. Applicants who are not selected will not receive notification.

This position is subject to close at any time once a satisfactory applicant pool has been identified.

BENEFITS

Standard Benefits for Full-Time Salaried Employees
 In addition to a competitive salary, we offer a generous benefits package that includes a flexible schedule, training opportunities, health insurance, employee retirement plan (ERS GSEPS), deferred compensation, 13 paid holidays, vacation and sick leave, paid parental leave, dental, vision, long-term care, and life insurance.

 Standard Benefits for Part-Time Employees

Part-time employees are eligible to participate in the Georgia Defined Contribution Plan and receive paid parental leave.