Community Health Educator

POSITION SIMMARY

The Community Educator is responsible for providing high-quality outreach and sexuality education with the goal of increasing community access to information and sexual and reproductive health services in the priority communities in region 2.

The Community Educator is also responsible for providing accurate Family Planning Benefit Plan information and agency referrals to maximize access to reproductive health care, program awareness and enrollment. Flexibility in the work schedule is essential; some evenings and weekends required. This is a full-time community-facing position located in Region Two – Southern Central New York and North Country. This position involves travel within the region and New York State about 20% of the time.

The Community Educator will provide support and assistance for special projects within the CE Department and in partnership with other PPGNY departments and PP affiliates to help meet deliverables or engage in activities that align with PPGNY’s mission to provide education and care that is equitable and accessible education to all.

This role is ideal for individuals passionate about creating inclusive, culturally responsive educational environments and empowering all individuals, particularly those from marginalized communities, through comprehensive and equitable sexuality education.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Program Administration

• Support the manager in revising and updating workshops as needed.

• Complete required documentation to track progress in meeting program deliverables.

•Contribute to grant reporting on program activities.

• Assist with Community Engagement and Education & Training departments’ activities as needed.

• Work as a member of the Equity and Engagement Division staff and maintain high standards of professionalism.

• Perform other educational and experience related duties or projects as outlined by the Equity and Engagement annual Work Plan or as outlined in grant.

• Assist and provide documentation for program(s) budget spend down

• Coordinate and schedule requests for programming via phone, email, and in- person.

• Collect demographic, monitoring and evaluation data from workshop and training participants; compile data appropriately and prepare submission and periodic reporting.

• Conduct Educational Materials Review Committee meetings according to grant and departmental guidelines.

Community Engagement

• Maintain and grow community relationships by representing PPGNY at community meetings, and engaging professionally with community stakeholders, organizations, youth, parents, and professionals

• Attend meetings and professional development training sessions as requested by supervisor.

• Represent the department at selected internal and external meetings as needed.

• Performs other educational and experience related duties or projects as outlined by the Community Engagement annual Work Plan or as outlined in grant applications.

• Provide linkages and/or referrals for workshop participants to health centers.

• Deliver Culturally Competent Curriculum: Create and implement educational programs that integrate a strong analysis of race, culture, and intersectionality while addressing topics such as sexual health, consent, relationships, gender identity, sexual orientation, and reproductive health with a focus on how these issues intersect with racial and cultural identities.

• Facilitate Workshops and Classes: Lead interactive and inclusive sessions for diverse audiences, ensuring content is relevant, accessible, and culturally sensitive. Tailor programs to meet the unique needs of various racial and ethnic communities.

• Provide Individual Guidance: Offer one-on-one support that respects and understands the cultural and racial contexts of individuals seeking information or assistance related to sexual health and relationships.

Education and Outreach

• Successful completion of training provided by PPGNY on various sexual and reproductive health issues, outreach, and facilitation skills.

• Facilitate Family Planning Education to community members, organizations, adults, and families in accordance with grant and work plan objectives.

• Prepare materials, including but not limited to replenishing outreach supplies and handouts as well as evaluation surveys.

• Assist clients in making appointments to PPGNY centers; make general referrals for program participants to health and social services as needed.

• Collect demographic and required data from workshop and training participants.

• Promote and engage in meaningful outreach programs to community members, organizations, and professionals.

• Participate in regular team meetings and engage in ongoing feedback with supervisor and colleagues.

• Stays current on research related to sexuality and reproductive health. Helps to identify articles to be read by other Education and Training staff.

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Mission Alignment: A demonstrated commitment to PPGNY’s mission related to bodily autonomy, health equity, and gender and racial justice.

• Equity values and competencies: A demonstrated commitment to learning about and enhancing practices related to racial equity and its impact on healthcare systems.

• Equity values and competencies: Strong relationship building and communication skills, including an ability to work and build trust across cultural differences related to related to race, class, age, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, national origin or ability; and to reflect on one’s personal identity with humility.

• Community-facing equity competencies: Ability to provide compassionate, non-judgmental, medically accurate and culturally responsive education across race, class, age, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, national origin or ability.

• Promote Inclusivity and Cultural Competence: Ensure all educational materials and approaches are inclusive of different racial and cultural backgrounds. Address systemic barriers and challenges faced by marginalized communities in accessing sexual health education and services.

•Strong relationship building and communication skills, including an ability to work and build trust across cultural differences related to related to race, class, age, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, national origin or ability; and to reflect on one’s personal identity with humility

REQUIRED SKILLS/ABILITIES:

• Stay Informed on Intersectionality: Keep up-to-date with the latest research, trends, and best practices in sexual health education, with a particular focus on how race, culture, and systemic inequities affect sexual health and well-being.

• Collaborate with Community Stakeholders: Work with schools, healthcare providers, community organizations, and other stakeholders to deliver culturally competent sexuality education. Engage with community leaders to ensure programs are respectful of cultural values and practices.

• Assess and Evaluate Programs: Regularly assess the effectiveness of educational programs through feedback, surveys, and other evaluation tools. Ensure that evaluations consider the diverse cultural and racial backgrounds of participants and make adjustments as needed.

• Advocate for Equitable Sexual Health Education: Support and advocate for comprehensive and equitable sexuality education that addresses racial disparities within the community. Work with policymakers, educators, and community leaders to promote awareness and understanding of the intersection between race and sexual health.

Plus:

• 1+ years of experience providing educational workshops and presentations

• English proficiency, bilingual Spanish preferred

• Excellent oral and written communication skills

• Experience working with and adults

• Experience working with diverse populations and knowledge of sexual and reproductive health

• Flexible schedule.

• Ability to develop and maintain effective, professional relationships with internal and external stakeholders

• Demonstrated experience engaging the community.

• Demonstrated ability to take initiative and work independently and be creative and flexible.

• Excellent listening and relationship building skills.

• Comfort using virtual tools for program delivery and community networking

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite or similar software.

• Travel required. Valid driver’s license and use of personal vehicle.

Personal Attributes:

• Cultural Sensitivity: A deep understanding of and respect for the cultural and racial backgrounds of the individuals and communities served.

• Commitment to Equity: A strong dedication to promoting equity and inclusion in all aspects of sexual health education.

• Empathy and Compassion: An ability to approach sensitive topics with care, respect, and understanding of diverse experiences.

• Open-Mindedness: Willingness to engage with new perspectives and continuously learn about the complexities of race, culture, and sexuality.

• Adaptability: Ability to tailor educational content and delivery methods to suit the cultural and racial needs of different communities.

• •Willingness and ability to travel throughout New York State
• •Ability to work evenings and weekends as needed
• •Ability and willingness to carry or move program materials (>25lbs) to partner sites

• Requires prolonged sitting and repetitive tasks including use of a computer. Frequent standing, walking, bending, repetitive motions of hands and wrists, reaching, pushing and pulling. Requires frequent lifting or moving of up to 50 pounds. Requires walking up and down stairs. Visual acuity sufficient to perform frequent work on a computer screen and review printed reports and other materials. Requires the ability to hear and to communicate orally with others. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, and filing cabinets.

• This job operates mainly in a professional office environment but requires working outdoors on the exterior of facility and property, at times in inclement weather. Potential exposure to communicable diseases and other conditions in a health center environment. Requires travel to other facilities. Requires flexible schedule and during peak activity periods work in excess of 7.5 hours per day and/or 37.5 hours per week.

PPGNY's benefits package includes:

Generous PTO and holiday schedule

Medical, dental and vision coverage options for you and eligible dependents

FSA, HSA, Commuter pre-tax reimbursement funds

Short and Long Term Disability, Free Basic Life and AD&D

401(k) Retirement Plan with Safe Harbor contributions after 1 year of employment

All positions at PPGNY require:

Proof of immunization or immunity to certain communicable diseases (including influenza during the flu season and Covid-19) and testing for tuberculosis. These certifications are required by the NYC DOHMH Health Code, NYSDOH and OSHA.

Planned Parenthood of Greater New York (PPGNY) is a leading provider, educator, and advocate of sexual and reproductive health care in New York State. PPGNY is proud to provide a wide-range of family planning services at our 22 health centers and mobile care units. We care for everyone regardless of their immigration status, zip code or ability to pay. PPGNY’s education and outreach programs are backed by medically-accurate, evidence-based information that allows people to make informed decisions about their health and future. As a voice for reproductive freedom, PPGNY supports legislation and policies that ensure all New Yorkers have access to the full range of reproductive health care and education.

At PPGNY, we provide the absolute best care to our patients and our communities through innovative health care delivery and education programming. We care for everyone who walks through our doors regardless of insurance, ability to pay or immigration status. As a leading voice for reproductive freedom, PPGNY fiercely advocates for policies to ensure that all New Yorkers will have access to the full range of reproductive health care services and information.

PPGNY is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We believe we are most impactful when people with a wide range of backgrounds, experiences, and identities come together with common purpose. We encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply.