Community Health Specialist

The Community Health Specialist provides leadership in the development, coordination, implementation, and evaluation of community-based prevention and health promotion programs. This role partners closely with schools and community organizations to strengthen evidence-based prevention practices, support capacity building, and advance health equity. This part-time position will work 30 hours per week throughout Madison and St. Clair County areas. This is an 11-month position.

Chestnut Health Systems™ is a leading provider of integrated health care services. Since 1973, Chestnut has grown to more than 800 committed, compassionate employees providing substance use, mental health, and primary care treatment to patients in Illinois and Missouri. We provide fully integrated care for all our patients by combining behavioral health care services with our community-based primary care health centers. Chestnut also conducts research and training throughout the U.S.A.

• Develop, coordinate, implement, and evaluate community health and prevention programs, including youth prevention education curricula and other evidence-based initiatives.
• Provide leadership and technical assistance to schools and community groups in implementing evidence-based programs and organizational practices.
• Lead and facilitate meetings, support member recruitment, and maintain communication with schools and community partners.
• Develop and manage program budgets, submitting monthly budget reports to the supervisor.
• Conduct outreach and engagement with community stakeholders, providing data to support collaboration around identified health priorities.
• Design, administer, and analyze needs assessments and program evaluations.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate media campaigns and educational materials in alignment with research findings and grant requirements.
• Identify funding opportunities and coordinate the development and submission of grant and contract applications.
• Prepare and submit timely program and grant reports in accordance with funder and agency requirements.
• Take a lead role in mentoring and training staff and interns.
• Represent Chestnut in local, state, and national advocacy groups and collaborative efforts.
• Fulfill agency and funder responsibilities, including participation in meetings, committees, staff development, and monitoring relevant research.
• Promote trauma-informed, recovery-oriented practices in all interactions, emphasizing hope, empowerment, wellness, respect, and connectedness.
• Maintain confidentiality and security of all organizational and client information.
• Promote Chestnut’s culture of customer service excellence through adherence to behavioral standards.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree in education, public health or a behavioral health related field with a minimum of two years’ experience; or
• Master’s degree in a behavioral health related field Position requires either a a Master’s degree in a behavioral health related field. 
• Intermediate skills in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook), Zoom and online reporting systems. 
• Experience in public speaking with organizational skills and verbal and written communication skills.  
• Knowledge of community-based prevention and community organizing, prevention theory and strategies, and substance abuse and related research preferred. 
• Understanding of learning styles and curriculum development helpful. 
• Valid driver’s license, private automobile insurance and be insurable. 
• Position requires ability to travel to schools and other locations in the site plan area and home internet connection. 
• Must be able to obtain DCFS CANTS Child Abuse Clearance.

Are you intrigued by this job but don’t meet every single requirement? Chestnut is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. If you’re excited about any of our posted positions but your experience doesn’t line up perfectly, please apply anyway! We’d love to explore the possibilities with you.

Chestnut Health Systems is a leader in the effort to achieve health equity, providing high-quality health and human services in underserved communities. We deliver trauma-informed, fully integrated care by combining behavioral health with community-based primary health care. Chestnut’s research division is nationally recognized for its contribution to evidence-based practices. Our empathic and innovative employees live our mission of making a difference.

Chestnut offers a new salary structure and robust benefits!

EOE – Minorities/Females/Veterans/Disabled. Chestnut welcomes applications from qualified individuals with recovery experience.

The anticipated starting pay for new hires for this position is between $19.00 - $20.00 an hour. There are several factors taken into consideration in determining base pay, including but not limited to: job-related qualifications, skills, education, experience, local market conditions, and internal equity. Check out additional benefits here!