Search #: 495969
Work type: Full-time
Location: Storrs Campus
Categories: Student Programs and Services

JOB SUMMARY

The mission of the Health Promotion team within Student Health and Wellness (SHaW) is to mobilize the UConn community to cultivate the conditions that foster student wellbeing, empower students, and address health inequities – amplifying the voices of oppressed communities specifically racially/ethnically marginalized students, Queer and Trans students, first-generation, low-income, and international students. Under the direction of a Health Promotion Manager and alongside a team of health education, mental health, and health promotion professionals, the Health Educator contributes to this mission by promoting, coordinating, developing, implementing, and evaluating race-conscious mental health education programs. Taking a public health and pro-equity approach, the Health Educator is committed to delivering and enhancing innovative, sustainable, evidence-based mental health promotion and education initiatives designed to raise awareness of the environmental factors that impact student mental health, and to increase the confidence and skills of every student, staff, and faculty member to improve student well-being.

SHaW is committed to diversity and inclusion, competence in working with culturally and ethnically diverse populations, and awareness of how issues of difference, power, and privilege manifest in higher education environments. The ideal candidate promotes health equity and reduces health disparities by demonstrating and supporting an understanding, sensitivity, and appreciation for health equity, social justice, cultural humility, and inclusiveness.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Serves as a content expert in the coordination, development, and facilitation of race-conscious mental health promotion and education programs for faculty, staff, and students. Ensures programs honor intersectionality, promote equity, and are developmentally appropriate for the audience.
• Researches best practices in mental health promotion strategies and remains up to date with evidence-informed and evidence-based interventions.
• Contributes to the overall development of UConn’s community wellness education program as aligned with the emerging student development framework.
• Assists management with conducting educational needs assessments, compiles program and student data, and prepares reports to aid in evaluating initiative and program effectiveness. Recommends changes or improvements.
• Facilitates orientation programs and engages in other orientation events as a representative of SHaW.
• In partnership with the department’s Instructional Designer, creates online content to complement and enhance the overall student mental health promotion and education program.
• Coordinates the creation and distribution of marketing and promotional materials for all assigned programs and initiatives.
• Processes and maintains necessary paperwork and records, including financial records and files required to support program initiatives.
• Supports planning of mental health outreach programs, conferences, meetings, and seminars; creates and presents training and outreach materials.
• Responds to inquiries from program participants, students, faculty, and others and explains program policies, procedures, and requirements, making referrals as appropriate.
• Serves as an expert resource to the community on matters related to race-conscious students' mental health and wellness needs and practices, including but not limited to racially/ethnically marginalized students and international students.
• Serves as an expert resource to the community on matters related to Queer and Trans students’ mental health and wellness needs and practices.
• May recruit and supervise student workers, volunteers, and/or peer educators associated with mental health promotion and initiatives.
• Serves on campus-wide committees related to community health and wellness, as well as other workgroups as assigned.
• Assists in identifying resources and funding sources and may assist in drafting applications to those sources, as needed.
• Performs related work as required including some evening and weekend activities to reach desired audiences and program objectives.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in psychology, sociology, ethnic and gender studies, human development, education, or a related field and 5 years of relevant experience; OR Master’s degree in counseling, social work, public health, or related field with 3 years of relevant experience.
• Above experience must include one year of experience serving as a project or program lead.
• Demonstrated experience developing and delivering race-conscious mental health education and promotion programs and campaigns.
• Articulated understanding of the intersection between identity, systemic racism, and mental health.
• Articulated knowledge of trends and issues in collegiate mental health and wellness.
• Demonstrated understanding of and stated commitment to diversity, inclusion, and equity.
• Demonstrated experience working with diverse populations.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate information effectively.
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills necessary for effective work relationships.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s degree in counseling, social work, applied psychology, public health, or related field.
• Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES), Certified in Public Health (CPH), College Health and Wellness Professional (CHWP) certification or eligible to become certified.
• Demonstrated experience delivering mental health promotion and education programs in a higher education setting.
• Demonstrated experience integrating principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion into all aspects of program management.
• Demonstrated understanding of public health approaches to creating and sustaining healthy communities.
• Previous experience supervising professional, student, and/or volunteer staff.

APPOINTMENT TERMS

This is a full-time, 12-month position with an anticipated start date as soon as possible. Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Employment at the University of Connecticut is contingent upon the successful candidate’s compliance with the University’s Mandatory Workforce COVID-19 Vaccination Policy. This Policy states that all workforce members are required to have or obtain a Covid-19 vaccination as a term and condition of employment at UConn, unless an exemption or deferral has been approved.

Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check.

TO APPLY

Please apply online at https://hr.uconn.edu/jobs, Staff Positions, Search #495969 to upload a resume, cover letter, and contact information for three (3) professional references. Candidates selected to interview may be asked to facilitate a presentation or other activity related to the core job functions. Evaluation of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

Student Health and Wellness (SHaW) is expanding services and is currently hiring for a variety of positions related to students’ mental health and wellness. SHaW encourages qualified applicants to apply for multiple positions of interest.

All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics which may be found at http://www.ct.gov/ethics/site/default.asp.

The University of Connecticut is committed to building and supporting a multicultural and diverse community of students, faculty and staff. The diversity of students, faculty and staff continues to increase, as does the number of honors students, valedictorians and salutatorians who consistently make UConn their top choice. More than 100 research centers and institutes serve the University’s teaching, research, diversity, and outreach missions, leading to UConn’s ranking as one of the nation’s top research universities. UConn’s faculty and staff are the critical link to fostering and expanding our vibrant, multicultural and diverse University community. As an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity employer, UConn encourages applications from women, veterans, people with disabilities and members of traditionally underrepresented populations.

Advertised: Feb 17 2022 Eastern Standard Time
Applications close: