Healthy Smiles Ontario - HPS - CUPE

CUPE 543.3 band 9

ONA

Contract - up to 12 months

Oral Health Department

Windsor Site

posting close date: February 13, 2026

Position Summary

Reporting to the Program Manager, the Health Promotion Specialist (HPS) works as part of a multi-disciplinary team within a population health promotion framework. Guided by the principles of need, impact, capacity, partnership and collaboration, the HPS provides research and analysis and has a key role in the planning, design, development, and evaluation of health promotion, programs, services, communication campaigns and policies as described in relevant sections of the Ontario Public Health Standards: requirements for Programs, Services, and Accountability (2018). The position involves working inter-departmentally as well as with human service professionals, workplace contacts, community groups, media coalitions etc.

This position supports the on-going operations of the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit. The successful candidate must work in compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and all policies and procedures of the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit. ­

Position Responsibilities:
 

The main responsibilities and desired qualities of a health promotion specialist are listed below and are based on the Pan-Canadian Health Promoter Competencies areas: Public Health Sciences; Assessment and Analysis; Policy and Program Planning, Implementation and Evaluation; Partnerships, Collaboration and Advocacy; Diversity and Inclusiveness, Communication, Leadership (PHAC, 2014).

The list of duties is not all-inclusive and may be modified as public health programs change and as health unit need requires. Specific duties include:

·        Develops, coordinates, implements, monitors and evaluates comprehensive community public health education/promotion strategies designed to meet the needs of various target groups within the community and in accordance with the     principles of health promotion and related competencies

·        Initiates, coordinates, implements and evaluates public health education/promotion projects, grants and studies

·        Serves as liaison to and coordinates activities locally, regionally and provincially          

·        Serves on community advisory boards

·        Provides direction and support to other health unit staff on a project basis

·        Designs, develops, implements and analyzes results of evaluation tools used to assess the community’s public health needs

·        Identifies the need for, develops, coordinates and conducts public health in-service training for health care, social service, and community groups

·        Confers with county and municipal officials, community leaders, and their WECHU manager regarding health promotion issues and needs

·        Provides technical assistance and consultation to community agencies, health care organizations, schools, industries and other community groups

·        Develops and prepares appropriate written and communication materials for WECHU, including reports, educational pamphlets, brochures and posters, social media messages

·        Plans, writes, coordinates and/or edits public health information materials related to assigned program areas for use by the media

·        Provides responsive, high quality service to Windsor – Essex County employees, representatives of outside agencies and members of the public by providing accurate, complete and up-to-date          information, in a courteous, efficient and timely manner

·        Apply an Equity lens to all aspects of work

Position Qualifications:
 

Education, training, & experience

• 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
• Completion of a Practicum Placement of Internship in Public Health is an asset
• 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 the program area you are applying for.
• Previous experience working in a health unit is an asset
• Ability to speak a second language considered an asset

Skills and Abilities to:

·        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

·        Initiate and maintain relationships with appropriate regional and local groups

·        Develop, organize, coordinate, direct and evaluate comprehensive community health promotion and education programs

·        Develop a wide range of educational materials, including pamphlets, flyers, posters, news releases and audio-visual materials

·        Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing

·        Provide community health promotion consultation to key community leaders, administrators, health and social service professionals, schools, industries, hospitals, and other community groups

·        Motivate communities and groups towards positive health change

·        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

·        Proficiency with current computer applications (examples: Microsoft Office Suite), social media platforms, and data analysis software (example, SAS, SPSS, Stata,) and survey tools (e.g., fluid surveys)
 

Additional Requirements:

·        Immunizations and TB screening as per WECHU policies

·        Satisfactory vulnerable sector police clearance

·        Ability to work weekend and evening work as required by the program

·        A valid Ontario Driver’s Licence, access to a reliable motor vehicle during working hours, and 2 million dollars in liability insurance for ONA and 1 million for CUPE.

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.

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