NICOTINE PREVENTION SPECIALIST

TITLE: NICOTINE PREVENTION SPECIALIST

This is a grant funded position expected to run through October of 2027.

The hours for this position are not to exceed 19 hours per week.

The pay rate for this position is $19 per hour.

DEPARTMENT: HUMAN RESOURCES, HEALTH

GENERAL SUMMARY OF DUTIES
This is a part-time, 19‑hour‑per‑week position responsible for supporting the regional Underage Nicotine Prevention Program. The role focuses on outreach and engagement with local retailers and the youth community to increase awareness of nicotine risks, promote cessation resources, and deliver evidence‑based prevention strategies. This position is grant‑funded at a rate of $20 per hour and is funded through June 30, 2027. The schedule is flexible and will include some normal business hours as well as night and weekend work depending on departmental and program needs.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Community Education

• Disseminate nicotine prevention and health education materials, including infographics, fact sheets, brochures, and posters through social media, health fairs, community events, schools, and healthcare settings.
• Promote and raise awareness of Connecticut-based nicotine cessation resources such as VapeFreeCT, Commit to Quit, and My Life My Quit.
• Develop and distribute nicotine quit kits and wellness kits to support individuals seeking to quit nicotine use.
• Utilize town-level data to customize and promote positive community norms campaigns developed through the Underage Nicotine Prevention Program.

Retailer Outreach

• Consult with stakeholders to gather and review current local data related to nicotine and vaping trends.
• Conduct environmental scans to deliver education, compile data, and inform best practices for preventing underage sales.
• Participate in regional vaping workgroup meetings to collaborate with community partners and public health professionals.
• Work with local partners to identify and address community challenges related to nicotine prevention, including:
  • Retail density and proximity to schools
  • Unregulated products
  • Storefront point‑of‑sale practices and advertising
  • Enforcement challenges

Youth Engagement

• Plan and host substance‑free community events for youth, such as game nights and wellness activities, to promote healthy lifestyles and reduce nicotine use.
• Conduct focus groups with parents of students under age 21 to gather qualitative data and better understand community needs related to nicotine prevention.

Participate in other health department activities as needed.

SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS

• Interest or background in public health, health education, community health, or a related field.
• Experience working with youth or community-based programs preferred.
• Ability to collaborate with community partners and public health organizations.
• Comfort using social media platforms and communication tools (e.g., Facebook, Instagram, Canva, Word).
• Strong skills in active listening, problem-solving, and critical thinking.
• Confidence in coordinating and facilitating group discussions.
• Experience with data collection protocols and tools (e.g., Excel, Google Forms, SurveyMonkey).
• Strong community engagement and outreach planning skills.
• Strong oral, interpersonal, and written communication abilities.
• Ability to analyze information, identify patterns, and make well‑informed decisions.
• Familiarity with the West Haven community is a plus

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE

Currently pursuing or holding a Bachelor’s degree in Public Health, Health Sciences, or a closely related field; or at least two years of professional experience in a public health setting, community health program, or similar environment.

Must possess a valid driver’s license.

The City of West Haven is an Affirmative Action/ Equal Opportunity Employer