Community Health and Wellness Specialist

PURPOSE

The Community Health and Wellness Specialist is a pivotal role within the school district, tasked with leading the development and implementation of strategies to promote the health, wellness, and safety of historically underrepresented groups of students. This position focuses on creating systemic, long-term solutions to foster an inclusive, supportive environment, with an emphasis on equity and belonging. The specialist will collaborate with a wide range of stakeholders, use data-driven insights to guide decisions, and implement action plans to ensure that focal students are safe, supported, and valued within the district.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general direction from an assigned supervisor. Methods of performing tasks are the responsibility of the employee so long as performed within the established policies or as prescribed by rules and regulations. Work is reviewed periodically to assure compliance to standards and measured results

Exercises functional and technical supervision, including written evaluations, over assigned personnel.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE JOB

May include, but are not limited to, the following

1. Leads the development of a comprehensive, district-wide strategy to promote the health, wellness, and safety of historically underrepresented students.
2. Takes a systemic approach to equity, ensuring strategies address both institutional barriers and student experiences.
3. Establishes and maintains policies and practices that promote inclusivity for focal students across all aspects of school life.
4. Trains, directs, and assists in evaluating the performance of assigned staff.
5. Reviews and coordinates the assignment and completion of tasks and initiatives by assigned staff.
6. Assists with recruiting and hiring for assigned, open positions.
7. Conducts qualitative and quantitative assessments of the district’s climate regarding the needs of focal student groups, using methods such as interviews, focus groups, surveys, and reviewing existing data.
8. Analyzes various data sources (e.g., local data, research, Panorama data) to identify trends, gaps, and opportunities for improvement.
9. Develops and implements systems for ongoing data collection and analysis, focusing on key indicators such as student attendance, belonging, and overall engagement.
10. Uses assessment data to inform programmatic decisions and improvements.
11. Builds and facilitates Advisory Groups, ensuring diverse perspectives are included in decision-making and strategy development.
12. Liaises with district leadership to integrate health and wellness initiatives into broader district priorities.
13. Collaborates with community organizations, school staff, parents, and other stakeholders to promote a comprehensive and inclusive approach to student wellness for historically marginalized student groups.
14. Engages with students to ensure their voices and experiences are reflected in the district’s health and wellness initiatives.
15. Translates assessment findings and stakeholder recommendations into actionable strategies, ensuring alignment with the district’s goals for health equity.
16. Designs and delivers staff training focused on bias awareness, cultural competency, and inclusive communication.
17. Develops and implement systems to create safe communication channels and enhance safety during school events and extracurricular activities.
18. Addresses gender- and sexuality-based bullying and harassment by developing clear policies and support systems for affected students.
19. Coordinates care and resources for students and families, ensuring a responsive, well-rounded support system.
20. Leads the evaluation of implemented strategies and measure their effectiveness against key performance indicators (KPIs).
21. Regularly reports on progress, challenges, and outcomes to district leadership, advisory groups, principals, and the school board.
22. Ensures continuous improvement by developing assessment priorities and refining strategies based on ongoing evaluation and feedback from stakeholders.
23. Performs related duties consistent with job description and assignments.

Minimum Qualifications

1. Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Public Health, Nursing, Education, or a related field.
2. A current and valid Driver’s License authorizing the operation of motor vehicles in the State of Oregon.
3. Experience in diversity, equity, and inclusion work, particularly related to health and wellness.
4. Strong understanding of equity issues, including social, emotional, and academic needs of historically marginalized student groups.
5. Experience in data analysis and program evaluation, with the ability to translate data into actionable strategies.
6. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with experience working collaboratively with diverse stakeholder groups.
7. Ability to design and facilitate trainings for diverse audiences.
8. Strong project management skills and the ability to handle multiple initiatives simultaneously.
9. Commitment to promoting an inclusive and equitable educational environment for all students.

Preferred Qualifications

Master’s degree in Social Work, Public Health, Nursing, Education, or a related field.

Work Environment

Climate controlled office settings for office work. When observing/working in schools and other district settings, may be subject to inside and outside environmental conditions with routine exposure to the weather including seasonal heat and cold. Subject to frequent loud noises in the environment. High level of contact with district staff, students, families, and agencies/community partners. Occasional travel within and beyond the district may be required for events, meetings, and professional development.

Physical Requirements

Frequent reaching, handling, fingering, talking and hearing.  Mobility to work in a typical office setting and use standard office equipment, stamina to remain seated and maintain concentration for an extended period.  Hearing and speech to communicate in person or over the telephone. 

Vision:  Frequent near acuity; occasional far acuity.  Vision to read printed materials, computer screens and/or other monitoring devices.

Strength:   Sedentary/Light – Exert force to 15 pounds occasionally or a negligible amount of force frequently to lift, carry, push, pull or move objects.