Oral Health Educator

Augusta , Maine , United States | Life & Physical Sciences | Full-time | Partially remote

Apply by: May 24, 2024

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Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)Public Health Educator IIIOpening Date: May 6, 2024Closing Date: May 24, 2024Job Class Code: 4374

Grade: 04-23 (Pro/Tech)

Salary:$47,840.00 - $64,542.40 / yr.Position Number: 02000-4116Location: This is a full-time position located in Augusta. This opportunity allows partial telework with management approval.

Limited Period Position

The Maine CDC’s Oral Health Program is seeking an Oral Health Educator to join our team in promoting and improving the oral health of all Maine citizens. This position will work under the direction of the Program Manager and will be responsible for developing, implementing, and evaluating oral health education and outreach initiatives for the public, healthcare providers, and community-based organizations.

In this position, you will work across Maine CDC programs, the department, and outside partners to promote oral health education and evidence-based prevention activities, including screenings and referrals, education, etc. You will also work with established clinical partners, including primary care providers, to increase awareness and implementation of oral health screenings within healthcare settings as part of COVID 19 response activities for Maine CDC. Children’s oral health has been impacted greatly under the pandemic, with limited access to basic check-ups and treatments.

Core Responsibilities

As a key member of the Rural Health and Primary Care team, your core responsibilities will include:

• Develop oral health promotional materials and public health education interventions that improve public health status.

• Oversee and develop an online resource library, educational literature, and other educational materials related to oral health, infection control, and Federal CDC guidance on reducing COVID-19 exposures.

• Engage with state, local partners to assist in the development and implementation of health promotion activities and education to disseminate up to date information related to COVID-19 and other oral health related materials.

• Work with partners across the department and state to develop workforce trainings to the dental allied health professionals.

• Develop programs to collectively work with other health programs that would support the systemic oral health linkages.

• Develop and maintain up to date resource manual for non-profit dental centers within the State of Maine, educational materials on children’s oral health care.

• Work with the Office of MaineCare Services on oral health related activities such as care coordination, coding, and billing.

• Work with Program Manager on budgetary needs, federal grant funding opportunities and contract Management.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

A Bachelors Degree in Public Health, Community Health Education, Health Education and two (2) years experience in community or health education program planning, development, implementation, and evaluation. Directly related work experience may be substituted for education on a year-for-year basis.

Preferred candidates will also have:

• Knowledge of oral health practice and prevention strategies

• Knowledge of the capabilities of various computer systems

• Ability to manage and oversee multiple programmatic projects and activities simultaneously

• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing

• Knowledge of the methods and techniques of disseminating health education materials

• Knowledge of modern educational theory, principles, and techniques

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships

Thinking about applying?

Research shows that people from historically excluded communities tend to apply to jobs only when they check every box in the posting. If you’re currently reading this and hesitating to apply for that reason, we encourage you to go for it! Let us know how your lived experience and passion set you apart.

Agency information:

TheDepartment of Health and Human Services (https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/) (DHHS) is dedicated to promoting health, safety, resilience, and opportunity for Maine people. The Department provides health and social services to approximately a third of the State's population, including children, families, older Mainers, and individuals with disabilities, mental illness, and substance use disorders. The Department also promotes public health, operates two state psychiatric hospitals, and provides oversight to health care providers.

The mission for the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC), within which this position is located, is to develop and deliver services to preserve, protect, and promote the health and well-being of the citizens of Maine.

For additional information about this position please contact Kate Christiansen, Oral Health Program Manager, at (207) 446-8145 or katelyn.christiansen@maine.gov.

To apply, please upload a resume and cover letter with your application.

Please submit all documents or files in PDF format.

To request a paper application, please contact Ashley.Smith@Maine.gov (Ashley.Vigue@Maine.gov) .

Benefits of working for the State of Maine:

No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto—"Dirigo" or "I lead"—as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce's health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including:

• Work-Life Fit – Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays , 12 days of sick leave , and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.

• Health Insurance Coverage – The State of Maine pays 85%-100% of employee-only premiums ($10,523.28-$12,380.40 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.

• Dental Insurance – The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($350.40 annual value).

• Retirement Plan – The State contributes the equivalent of 13.41% of the employee's pay towards the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS).

• Parental leave is one of the most important benefits for any working parent. All employees who are welcoming a child—including fathers and adoptive parents—receivesix weeks of fully paid parental leave. Additional, unpaid leave may also be available, under the Family and Medical Leave Act .

  State employees are eligible for an extensive and highly competitive benefits package (https://www.maine.gov/bhr/state-jobs/compensation-benefits) , covering many aspects of wellness. Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness (https://www.maine.gov/bhr/oeh/) .

  Note: Benefits may vary somewhat according to specific collective bargaining agreements and are prorated for part-time employment.

There's a job and then there's purposeful, transformative work. Our aim is to create a workplace where you can learn, grow, and continuously refine your skills. Applicants demonstrate job requirements in differing ways, and we appreciate that many skills and backgrounds can make people successful in this role.

As an Equal Opportunity employer, Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness. We are committed to creating a strong sense of belonging for all team members, and our process ensures an inclusive environment to applicants of all backgrounds including diverse race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, familial status or genetics.

If you’re looking for a great next step, and want to feel good about what you do, we’d love to hear from you. Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.