Behavioral Health Educator Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In this era of increasing focus on mental health, the role of behavioral health educators has never been more critical.

As society grows more aware and understanding of mental health, the demand for skilled professionals who can educate, guide, and support others in their mental wellness journey grows stronger.

But let’s delve deeper: What is truly expected from a behavioral health educator?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker looking to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the ideal candidate,
• Or simply curious about the intricacies of behavioral health education,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable behavioral health educator job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Behavioral Health Educator Duties and Responsibilities

Behavioral Health Educators play a vital role in promoting mental health, preventing behavioral health issues, and helping individuals manage existing conditions.

They work in a variety of settings, including healthcare facilities, schools, and community organizations.

Their primary responsibilities include:

• Develop and implement educational programs and workshops on mental health, substance abuse, and other behavioral health topics
• Provide information and resources to individuals, families, and communities about behavioral health issues
• Design and execute health promotion campaigns and events
• Conduct assessments to identify individuals at risk of developing behavioral health problems
• Collaborate with healthcare professionals to develop treatment plans and provide support to individuals with behavioral health issues
• Facilitate group discussions or support groups on behavioral health topics
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of educational programs and interventions
• Stay updated on the latest research and trends in behavioral health education
• Advocate for policies and practices that promote mental health and prevent behavioral health problems
• Develop educational materials and resources, such as brochures, newsletters, and web content on behavioral health topics

 

Behavioral Health Educator Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated Behavioral Health Educator to join our team.

The candidate will be responsible for developing and implementing health education programs aimed at improving community and individual health outcomes.

The candidate should have extensive knowledge of behavioral health concepts, prevention strategies, and health promotion.

The ideal candidate is compassionate, empathetic, and has excellent communication skills to educate individuals and communities about behavioral health issues.

 

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement behavioral health education programs
• Conduct assessments to identify community health needs
• Design materials to aid in health promotion and disease prevention
• Collaborate with other health professionals to address community health issues
• Perform research to stay current on behavioral health trends and best practices
• Evaluate the effectiveness of health education programs and make necessary improvements
• Provide counseling and guidance on health behaviors
• Organize health awareness campaigns and events

 

Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s degree in Health Education, Psychology or a related field
• Experience in behavioral health education or a similar role
• Knowledge of various methods of health education and behavioral change theories
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to work collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team
• Strong research and analytical skills
• Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) or Master Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES) credential is preferred

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Behavioral Health Educator
• Work Environment: Combination of office setting and community outreach. Some travel may be required for health events or community engagements.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Health Education Program Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $50,000 minimum to $80,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Behavioral Health Educator Do?

Behavioral Health Educators typically work in hospitals, clinics, community health organizations, schools, or private practices.

They can also operate as freelancers or consultants, providing services to various organizations.

Their primary role is to educate individuals, families, and communities about behaviors that promote wellness and prevent diseases.

They develop and implement educational programs designed to encourage healthy lifestyles and environments.

Behavioral Health Educators often work closely with other healthcare professionals to assess the needs of their clients and create personalized education plans.

These plans aim to help individuals manage mental health conditions, substance abuse problems, stress, and other behavioral health issues.

They facilitate workshops, seminars, or classes on topics such as stress management, depression, anxiety, and substance abuse prevention.

They may also create awareness campaigns about mental health to reduce stigma and misconceptions in society.

Additionally, Behavioral Health Educators are responsible for evaluating the effectiveness of their programs and services, adjusting them as necessary to better meet the needs of their clients.

They also often advocate for policies and practices that promote mental health at the community, state, and federal levels.

In all their roles, Behavioral Health Educators aim to empower individuals with the knowledge and resources they need to live healthier, more balanced lives.

 

Behavioral Health Educator Qualifications and Skills

A successful Behavioral Health Educator should possess a combination of academic qualifications and practical skills that will enable them to effectively carry out their duties.

These include:

• Strong knowledge and understanding of the principles of behavioral health, psychology, and mental health education to facilitate effective teaching and create awareness in the community.
• Excellent communication skills for effectively conveying information and principles related to behavioral health to diverse audiences, including students, patients, and professionals.
• Interpersonal skills to establish rapport with the people they educate, understanding their unique challenges and tailoring their teaching approach to meet individual needs.
• Empathy and patience to understand and respond to the challenges faced by people dealing with behavioral health issues.
• Analytical skills to study behavior patterns and devise strategies to encourage healthier behaviors.
• Problem-solving abilities to identify behavioral health challenges in a community and formulate effective solutions.
• Ability to work collaboratively with a range of professionals, including doctors, counselors, and social workers, to provide comprehensive care and education.
• Organizational skills to manage various responsibilities such as creating and implementing educational programs, managing resources, and monitoring progress.

 

Behavioral Health Educator Experience Requirements

Behavioral Health Educators typically require a Master’s degree in Public Health, Health Education, or a related field.

This should be complemented with at least two years of experience in the health education or behavioral health field, often gained through internships, clinical practice, or part-time roles.

Entry-level candidates may have experience in roles such as Health Assistant, Health Coordinator, or Social Worker.

These roles often provide the necessary exposure to community health issues, preventive health care, and behavioral health concerns.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience often have experience in developing, implementing, and evaluating behavioral health education programs, or comparable health promotion strategies.

They may also have a background in conducting needs assessments and facilitating group education sessions.

Those with more than 5 years of experience often have management experience, having overseen health education programs and supervised teams of health educators.

They may also have expertise in working with specific populations, such as adolescents, the elderly, or marginalized communities, and may be prepared for roles with increased responsibility or managerial positions.

In all cases, it is essential for Behavioral Health Educators to have experience in, and a deep understanding of, the principles and theories of behavioral health and health education.

They should also have a strong background in community outreach and engagement, along with excellent communication skills.

 

Behavioral Health Educator Education and Training Requirements

A Behavioral Health Educator typically requires a bachelor’s degree in fields such as psychology, public health, social work, or a related health education field.

They need to have a strong understanding of mental and behavioral health issues, prevention strategies, and treatment methods.

It is also beneficial to have an understanding of educational theory and methods to effectively educate individuals and communities about behavioral health issues.

Many positions require a master’s degree in a related field, such as a Master of Public Health (MPH) or a Master of Social Work (MSW).

Licensure may be required for some positions, especially those that involve clinical work.

Requirements for licensure vary by state and may include completing a certain amount of supervised clinical experience and passing an exam.

Certification in health education, such as the Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) or Master Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES) credential, can be beneficial and may be preferred by some employers.

Continued professional development through workshops, seminars, or additional courses is also beneficial to keep up-to-date with the latest research and developments in the field of behavioral health.

 

Behavioral Health Educator Salary Expectations

A Behavioral Health Educator can expect to earn an average salary of $46,760 (USD) per year.

The actual earnings can greatly vary depending on factors such as years of experience, certifications, geographical location, and the specific organization they are employed by.

 

Behavioral Health Educator Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Behavioral Health Educator need?

A Behavioral Health Educator should have strong interpersonal skills to engage with different kinds of individuals effectively.

They should have excellent listening skills and empathy to understand the concerns of patients, students, or clients.

They also need good communication skills to convey complex health concepts in a manner easily understood by all.

Moreover, they should be knowledgeable about behavioral health issues, wellness strategies, and educational methods.

 

Do Behavioral Health Educators need a degree?

Yes, Behavioral Health Educators typically need at least a bachelor’s degree in public health, health education, psychology, or a related field.

Some positions might require a master’s degree or higher.

Additionally, certification as a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) or Master Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES) can be beneficial and may be required by some employers.

 

What should you look for in a Behavioral Health Educator resume?

A Behavioral Health Educator’s resume should highlight their educational background in a related field, any certifications they hold, and their experience in health education.

Look for demonstrated skills in program planning and implementation, health counseling, and communication.

Experience in community outreach, patient education, or working with specific populations, such as children or the elderly, can also be advantageous.

 

What qualities make a good Behavioral Health Educator?

A good Behavioral Health Educator should be empathetic, patient, and capable of building trust with their clients or students.

They should be passionate about promoting health and wellness and dedicated to helping others improve their behaviors and lifestyle choices.

They need to be creative and flexible in their teaching methods to cater to diverse learning needs.

Good organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects and tasks at once are also key qualities.

 

How does a Behavioral Health Educator interact with patients?

Behavioral Health Educators typically interact with patients by providing health education and counseling.

They may conduct individual or group sessions to discuss health-related behaviors and strategies for improvement.

They may also develop and implement health education programs or interventions, and assess their effectiveness.

The goal of these interactions is to equip patients with the knowledge and skills necessary to make healthier behavioral choices.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve pulled back the layers of what it truly means to be a Behavioral Health Educator.

And guess what?

It’s not just about giving advice.

It’s about shaping the future of mental health, one person at a time.

With our comprehensive Behavioral Health Educator job description template and real-life examples, you’re ready to take the next step.

But why stop there?

Dig deeper with our job description generator. It’s your ultimate tool to craft precise job listings or sharpen your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every piece of advice is a step towards a healthier society.

Let’s shape the future of mental health. Together.

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