PUBLIC HEALTH POLICY COMMUNITY OUTREACH SPECIALIST

THE ORGANIZATION
America On Track, an award-winning nonprofit organization, was founded in 1995 and currently serves more than 44,000 Orange County children and families each year. America On Track’s mission is to inspire brighter futures by building youth leaders, supporting families, and strengthening communities through life-transforming programs. Please check out our website: AmericaOnTrack.org for more information.
 
PROJECT OVERVIEW
This is a great opportunity for anyone interested in advancing Public Health policy! Since 1997, America On Track has been taking a leading role in Orange County to successfully implement tobacco and vape use prevention programs.  Our projects are designed to change social norms regarding tobacco use and vaping, lower youth access to tobacco, and reduce residents’ exposure to secondhand smoke through policy work. The ultimate goal is to end the tobacco epidemic in Orange County.
 
Our ongoing initiatives are driving positive change in our communities, having already led to the passage of 6 city ordinances and the adoption of hundreds of voluntary policies. This position offers the opportunity to shape public health policy, potentially saving lives and significantly reducing tobacco-related diseases in the community. The work you do will not only influence local ordinances but will also have a lasting effect on future generations' health.

ABOUT YOU
Are you passionate about public health issues and ready to help us create change? If you have the vision, patience, and drive to see impactful public health policies through from start to finish, this is the job for you. We are looking for someone who thrives on making a lasting difference in the community and is eager to take on complex challenges.
 
SUMMARY OF DUTIES 
The Community Outreach Specialist reports to the Project Coordinator and shares the responsibility for the success and growth of America On Track’s Tobacco Prevention Policy Projects.  The Community Outreach Specialist will be instrumental in advocating for smoke-free city policies to reduce secondhand smoke exposure, as well as Tobacco Retail License (TRL) policies to protect youth from a lifetime of nicotine addiction. This role focuses on engaging with community residents, stakeholders, and policymakers to promote public health initiatives, gather feedback on policy proposals, and assist in implementing city ordinances.
 
The ideal candidate will have a passion for public health, experience working with diverse communities, and a deep understanding of the importance of smoke-free environments and lowering youth access to tobacco in promoting overall well-being. This individual will collaborate with various local organizations, government officials, and residents to help achieve the goals of reducing tobacco access and secondhand smoke exposure.

The Community Outreach Specialist’s duties will include, but are not limited to, the following key responsibilities.

Key Responsibilities:

• Create and maintain a respectful and trustworthy relationship with the America On Track team and all stakeholders involved in our tobacco prevention policy projects.
• Aid in the implementation of the projects by participating in appropriate trainings, meetings and program activities.

• Build strong relationships with the team and stakeholders.
• Deliver educational presentations on tobacco, vaping, and secondhand smoke.
• Coordinate outreach and educational activities, including community meetings, focus groups, and events.
• Facilitate workgroup meetings and maintain communication with members.
• Develop project materials, such as flyers, presentations, and social media posts.
• Gather community feedback for shaping policy recommendations.

• Work with local government agencies, elected officials, and other stakeholders to educate them on the benefits of a smoke-free city policy and a tobacco retail license.
• Assist in the development and dissemination of educational materials, including fact sheets, reports, and presentations.
• Track and report on policy progress, legislative developments, and public sentiment related to policy initiatives.

• Stay up to date on tobacco control policies and best practices.
• Maintain accurate files and databases.
• Collect, analyze, and summarize data for program reporting and submit reports.

• Work closely with public health organizations, community groups, and government agencies to coordinate efforts around policy development and implementation.
• Attend, and participate in, relevant meetings, conferences, and events to stay informed about emerging trends and policies related to second- and thirdhand smoke exposure as well as tobacco and vape products.

• Lead public education campaigns to raise awareness about the dangers of flavored tobacco, second- and thirdhand smoke and the benefits of smoke-free policies and tobacco retail licenses.
• Develop and distribute educational materials that inform residents about the health risks of flavored tobacco and secondhand smoke and how to advocate for public health policies in their communities.