PUBLIC HEALTH EDUCATOR-TOBACCO USE PREVENTION




Purpose of Job


The purpose of this classification is to implement comprehensive tobacco use prevention and control plans among adults and pregnant women developed in conjunction with the Tennessee Department of Health. Public Health Educators are responsible for planning, organizing, implementing, and evaluating population-based health education programs for the community with a specific focus on engaging community stakeholders in a strategic planning process to improve health and quality of life.

Position Reports to: Program Manager


Direct Reports: None


Essential Functions:



  • Project Management: Plans, implements and evaluates community interventions aligned with grant deliverables, including policy systems and environmental (PSE) changes following evidence-based guidelines.

  • Community Outreach & Technical Assistance: Serves as a resource on public health topics to community groups and partners.

  • Facilitation: Facilitates Power to Quit, the Health Department’s smoking cessation program for pregnant women.

  • Communications and Public Relations: Develops key messages for educational materials and public outreach campaigns in collaboration with Community Relations Department.

  • Health Education: Coordinates health education services with community partners.

  • Professional Development: Maintains knowledge of current trends and developments in the field by reading professional literature, participating in professional workgroups and attending related seminars and conferences; serves as a preceptor (as needed).

  • Other Responsibilities: Develops and maintains community partnerships to promote tobacco prevention and education among adults; provides one-on-one counseling using motivational interviewing skills to promote smoking cessation among pregnant women; participates in community coalitions as needed.


Required Qualifications:



  • Education: Bachelor's; Master's Preferred in Public Health Education, Social Work, Nursing, or a related field

  • Certifications (Required By Hire): None

  • Certifications (Required After Hire): None

  • Experience: Minimum of three to five years of project management

  • Preferences: Certification as a Health Education Specialist preferred

  • Other Requirements: Must possess and maintain a valid TN driver's license; must have reliable transportation and maintain automobile liability insurance that meets Tennessee’s financial responsibility law on personal automobile


Substitutes for Requirements:



  • Any equivalent combination of education, training and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills and abilities may be considered for employment into the position.
    Pre-Hire Requirements:

  • Background check will be conducted prior to hire. Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) review will be conducted prior to being authorized to drive for county business.


Key Knowledge:



  • Basic understanding of grant management, including but not limited to budgeting, adherence to scope of work/program fidelity, and revision of work plans.


Key Skills:



  • Proficient in Windows OS and Microsoft Office.

  • Strong attention to detail.

  • Works collaboratively as part of a team.


Abilities:



  • This position requires the ability to engage in occasional light physical activity.


Additional Job Functions:



  • Local and occasional overnight travel are required.

  • Occasional after hours/evening/weekend work may be necessary.

  • Respond to and report immediately if called upon by local, regional, or central office supervisors, as part of a coordinated emergency response by the Knox County Mayor’s Office.

  • Ensure regular, punctual attendance during scheduled work hours.

  • Perform other duties as required.


Occupational Hazards:



  • None


Working Conditions:



  • Work is primarily performed in an office environment with occasional duties at community events and off-site locations.


Position in the Career Ladder:


Division Director of Health Promotion and Outreach
Program Manager
Health Planner
Public Health Educator


The Knox County Health Department was the first health department in Tennessee to achieve national voluntary accreditation and is dedicated to ensuring the conditions in which every resident can be healthy. We offer a competitive benefit package and actively foster a healthy, supportive workplace culture where our team members can develop, advance, and make meaningful impact in the community.
Knox County Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Knox County Government may provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

Type : INTERNAL & EXTERNAL

Location : HEALTH DEPARTMENT

Posting Start : 10/26/2026

Posting End : 11/09/2026

MINIMUM HOURLY RATE: $26.83