Health Disparities Research Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

Under the supervision of the Chief Development and Communications Officer, the Director of Community Health Education will lead the development and execution of a robust plan focused on eliminating health care disparities and building a culture of health and wellness within communities served by Edgewater Health. The Director will enhance Edgewater Health’s partnerships with community members, leaders, and organizations to improve health inequities and provide strategic leadership, oversight, development, and management of a portfolio of health equity programs and projects.

The Director of CHE will develop and implement plans for new community-based health education programs aimed at preventing disease and promoting healthier, more active lifestyles.

The Director will be involved in writing grant funding to pioneer health initiatives, assessing the community's needs, developing health education programs, training community health workers, supervising staff, allocating health funding resources, analyzing data, and drafting health policy changes.

The Director of CHE will represent Edgewater Health’s expanded commitment to understand and actively address health disparities. The Director of CHE will lead this initiative with a broad view of health equity issues and the ability to implement effective strategies to address health disparities while engaging institutional and community partners who seek to improve conditions in housing, employment, education, transportation, food insecurity and health care access.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

A. Administrative

• Lead the development and implementation of community health projects including community health needs assessments, program evaluations, and community engagement efforts.
• Educating Edgewater Health and community members on existing health disparities and inequities and the impact of health equity.
• Creating a repository of community health data and Edgewater outreach programs/initiatives and disparities research.
• Developing, enhancing, and/or organizing community partnerships to build safer and healthier communities and facilitate implementation strategies.
• Serving as the key organization contact for community health requests/needs.
• Exploring and understanding gaps/barriers to access (to health care) for Edgewater Health patients and community members, making recommendations for policy and procedural enhancements to help eliminate barriers.
• Ongoing identification of opportunities for collaboration, funding, and new programming.
• Lead and/or assist in the preparation of grant proposals and program reports for funders, with oversight from other relevant team members.
• Creating and implementing a tactical plan to manage the ongoing work in this area.
• Developing, monitoring, and communicating health equity performance measures and report progress regularly.
• Providing expert advice, direction, and motivation to Edgewater Health leaders in prioritizing health equity and implementing interventions.
• Identifying volunteer opportunities and engaging interested Edgewater Health team members in community areas of need.
• Developing programs to teach people about conditions affecting well-being and promoting wellness by helping people adopt healthy behaviors.
• Devising effective community-based health initiatives that educate local citizens and promote healthy lifestyle choices across the community.
• Represent Edgewater Health in meetings and conference calls with collaborating organizations, advisory groups, and funders.
• Produce relevant qualitative and quantitative data visualizations and written summaries for a range of audiences including policymakers, community stakeholders, funders, executive leaders, and others.
• Lead writing and editing of reports, presentations, manuscripts, meeting materials, and other deliverables for multiple audiences, with oversight from the Chief Development and Communications Officer or designee.
• Identify, review, and synthesize data and information from published literature and web-based resources on various public health topics.
• Support Edgewater Health projects and perform other duties as identified and appropriate.
• Supervise and train junior staff and interns to support and facilitate Edgewater’s community health education initiatives.

General

• Conduct all professional activity in an ethical manner.
• Conform to all applicable policies and procedures.
• In conjunction with other staff assist in identifying and eliminating any situation which jeopardizes the health and/or safety of clients, staff, or others who meet community mental health center operations.
• Utilize literature, workshops and other training aids to continually improve clinical and administrative skills.
• In conjunction with supervisor, complete and implement Individual Professional Development Plan.

SUPERVISED BY: Chief Development and Communications Officer

WORKERS SUPERVISED: Community Outreach Coordinator and Interns

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Education – A master’s degree in public health, health administration, social work (MPH, MHA, MHSA, MSW, MSSW), or closely related field required.
• At least 5 years of related experience.
• Preference will be given for experience in health services research with focus on safety net populations (e.g., uninsured, rural populations), and/or at the community level.
• A deep understanding of the public health ecosystem, including topics of community health, health equity, health disparities, and social determinants of health.
• Experience working collaboratively with partners across sectors and with diverse communities in culturally and linguistically appropriate ways.
• Health equity or disparities research experience is a plus, including analytic skills, such as the ability to evaluate community needs and health impact assessments.
• Experience with and ability to lead qualitative research, including focus groups, key informant interviews, and analysis.
• Experience conducting program evaluation and communicating actionable results to stakeholders.
• Strong writing, editing, and presentation skills, including the ability to explain complex analysis to a variety of audiences, and the ability to write in plain language for lay audience.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills, intellectual curiosity, and initiative.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks, and ability to complete projects under time constraints.
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills, including the demonstrated ability to initiate, build and maintain strong relationships with partners, diverse community, and people.
• Ability to be self-motivated, flexible, and to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to meet assigned deadlines, work well under pressure, and on multiple projects.
• Demonstrated ability to organize, coordinate and manage implementation projects and to work cooperatively with other professionals on a project team.
• Successful grant proposal writing and project management.
• Excellent computer skills including proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook
• Experience with successful community engagement.