Opioid Program Outreach Coordinator

Primary Purpose

Performs intermediate professional work forming collaborative efforts, developing and administering strategies to inform and educate audiences about programs and services. Performs intermediate professional public information and public relations work. Work is performed under regular supervision of the Opioid Program Manager.

An employee in this class is responsible for planning, organizing, and implementing various objectives established for the Craven County Opioid Epidemic Response Department. Employee creates and implements communications, strategic marketing, and public education campaigns. Work includes developing collaborative approaches to solve problems, media relations and preparation and distribution of educational and prevention materials; maintaining website content and sharing information through various social media resources; developing and giving presentations and speeches to organizations to promote awareness; connecting individuals to local resources and services based on individual needs. 

Essential Functions

Develops and implements Craven County’s Opioid Epidemic Response approved initiatives and communication strategies aimed at opioid and other substance use prevention education and related public health concerns. Serves as the Opioid Epidemic Response community liaison and the point of contact for Naloxone education and distribution requests from community members and partners. 

Coordinates, develops, and performs outreach efforts, manages educational initiatives, and collaborates with community partners and stakeholders to reduce overdose and harm resulting from use of opioids and other substances. Develops and maintains schedule of recognized observances in accordance with department initiatives and coordinates related outreach events. Maintains knowledge of current trends, research, and best practices in opioid prevention and substance use treatment.

Provides coordination of and administrative support to Craven County’s Opioid Epidemic Response team and collaborative partners. Develops program budget and establishes and maintains a materials inventory. Works with Craven County Opioid Epidemic Response and community collaborative partners members to develop and complete grant and award applications.

Communicates information generated from Craven County’s Opioid Epidemic Response collaborative efforts including creating and implementing messages, responding to media queries, drafting public service announcements, publications, advertisements, brochures, and other written materials to disseminate information through a variety of channels to ensure equitable access to all county residents.

Manages Craven County’s Opioid Epidemic Response social media presence/platforms including development of web pages, web content and notifications. Maintains and updates portions of the county website and internal portal.

Work involves establishing and maintaining cooperative relationships with representatives of community partners and coordinating activities with other agencies, divisions, community partners and private organizations. Responds to requests for information from interested parties. Serves as a point of contact for information related to community resources and recovery support services. 

Assists with linking community members to appropriate treatment and recovery services and resources. Identifies barriers to accessibility and collaborates with necessary partners and stakeholders to eliminate such barriers. 

Prepares reports, projects, agency displays and exhibits. Maintains detailed, accurate records related to outreach events, contacts, tasks, and goals. Assists Opioid Program Manager with gathering and analyzing data required by the NC Opioid Settlement MOA for reporting purposes. Uses computer applications or other automated systems such as spreadsheets, word processing, calendar, e-mail and database software in performing work assignments.

Attends committee meetings as assigned; may be assigned as a participating member. 

Coordinates a variety of special events and activities, represents County at various public functions.

Develops and executes presentations and conducts outreach activities to a variety of public and private groups and organizations on County programs, services, and initiatives. Provides presentations to organizations to cultivate support and awareness for Craven County’s Opioid Epidemic Response initiatives.

Uses measurement and analytical tools to report outcomes on the impact of outreach efforts and spending and evaluate effectiveness of various efforts. Evaluates the effectiveness of marketing, advertising and social media campaigns for County programs, services and events. Work requires the exercise of independent judgment and initiative. 

Minimum Education and Experience

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university preferably with a major in communications, marketing, health education and promotion, public health or English and four years of experience in communications, public relations, public health education or an equivalent combination of education, training or experience. Preferred experience includes local government experience, consensus building, building collaborative efforts and partnerships, and case management or care coordination. Experience relative to the opioid epidemic or substance use prevention, treatment, harm reduction, and recovery preferred.

Special Requirements
Possession of a valid North Carolina driver’s license. 
Work on evenings and weekends may be required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of public health education, as well as behavioral health, or human services especially as relates to the opioid epidemic and substance use, prevention, treatment, harm reduction, and recovery. Considerable knowledge of methods and techniques of disseminating health educational information to the public and community partners. Thorough knowledge of effective communication techniques. Considerable knowledge of display techniques and skill in the arrangement of exhibits. Ability to organize and direct the activities of committees. Ability to establish and maintain favorable working relationships with a wide variety of community groups and the public. Ability to speak effectively before various groups and create a positive and professional image of Craven County. Ability to perform special projects that require skills such as research, meeting and event planning, and coordination with various other governmental agencies and community partners. Thorough knowledge and skills around written and verbal communication with the ability to communicate in an articulate manner for public speaking. Ability to establish rapport, provide support and advocate for a diverse range of populations, especially those who use substances.
 
Knowledge of journalistic principles and techniques for disseminating information to the public through a variety of media. Thorough knowledge of the methods of planning, writing, and editing publications. Considerable knowledge of the principles and methods of planning an agency public information program. Ability to write according to correct English usage and accepted standards for press publications. Knowledge of the principles, practices and processes involved in budgeting and grant writing, administration and reporting. Considerable knowledge of the application of information technology and social media resources. Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing; ability to design, organize and gain input from a variety of sources for various publications and written materials; ability to operate office equipment and computers and applicable software applications required by the position; excellent interpersonal skills. General knowledge of the organization and functions of County government. Ability to prepare and maintain detailed files and records; to plan work and work independently; to work as part of a team; and to manage multiple tasks and short deadlines. Ability to safely and efficiently operate a motor vehicle; ability to attend work regularly; and ability to maintain confidentiality of information obtained during work operations.

Additional Information

Other projects and work as assigned by the Opioid Program Manager, Human Resources Director and County Manager. May be required to serve during times of disaster.