Public Health Project Coordinators serve to make a difference within the public health sector, addressing critical public health needs and growing the public health workforce. The member builds the capacity of the site in which they are placed to increase the reach and/or enhance the quality of services of the organization and the community served.
Service Activities
Public Health Capacity Building: Public Health Project Coordinators work to implement a site-based service plan that
aligns with broader public health goals. The services provided by Public Health Project Coordinators will support one
or more of the following categories:
• Community Education, Engagement, and Data Collection:
o Conduct or support community assessments including completion of a Health Profile of the organization’s jurisdiction
o Advance health and racial equity initiatives and prioritize partnering with historically underserved communities by:
o identifying gaps in service access or delivery
o Engaging community assets and resources to improve health in a community
o Create and implement sustainable plan for organization to address gaps beyond the program term
o Support data collection, including survey administration and collection, as necessary for strategic decision making
o Employ evidence-based approaches to address public health issues
o Conduct focus groups and engage community members in public health educational outreach, conversations, and other engagement activities
• Project Coordination and Management:
o Provide organizational capacity assessment
o Engage service site in public health modernization projects
o Support cross-sector coordination and planning efforts
o Engage in marketing and/or communication strategies
o Support curriculum development
o Coordinate volunteers who will support public health efforts
• Sustained COVID Response and Recovery:
o Implement awareness and education campaigns with the goal of increasing the number of people
receiving testing, vaccinations, and access to medical care.
o Navigate testing and vaccination information and resources
o Support efforts to recover from COVID-19, with a specific focus on mental health and trauma supports
o Assist with statewide preparedness for, response to, and recovery from disasters which includes
supporting schools and communities in disaster relief activities related to COVID-19 closures and social distancing procedures.
Public Health Career Planning:
• Public Health Project Coordinators will participate in ongoing training, coaching and planning to prepare for a career in the field of public health. They will participate in individual career planning support to identify clear pathways via further education, certification, or permanent public health positions post-service.
Community Need Addressed
As we continue to experience the effects of the global pandemic, there’s never been a more important time to support the health and wellness of our communities. As part of Public Health Corps, AmeriCorps members serve as Public Health Project Coordinators to help meet emerging public health needs and to grow the public health workforce.
Position Outcomes
Public Health Project Coordinators are placed at sites across the state to provide services that support community engagement, data collection, project coordination and sustained COVID-19 response and recovery. Public Health Corps provides members with valuable, hands-on experience in public health, plus training, career coaching and support from public health experts.
Benefits
Childcare assistance if eligible, Education award upon successful completion of service, Health coverage, Stipend, Student loan forbearance, Training
Education Benefits
GED/High School Diploma
Competencies You Will Develop
Communication
Demonstrate sensitivity and empathy, Listen to and consider others' viewpoints, Turn taking
Creativity & Problem Solving
Communicate the problem to appropriate personnel, Select and implement well-considered solution
Teamwork
Establish a high degree of trust and credibility with others
Decisions
Identify and prioritize the key issues involved to facilitate the decision making process, Quickly respond with a back-up plan if a decision goes amiss
Tools
Carefully consider which tools or technological solutions are appropriate for a given job
Planning
Create environment of contribution, Create plan of action, schedule tasks so that work is completed on time, Drive decision making, Set goals
Service
Evaluate customer or client satisfaction, Honor the privilege of being able to work with and for those being served, Understand and anticipate the needs of others