Community Health Educator Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the ever-evolving world of public health, the role of community health educators has never been more critical.

As health trends and challenges shift and grow, so does the demand for skilled professionals who can communicate, motivate and educate communities about their health.

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

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager searching for the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the impact of community health education,

You’re in the right place.

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

Let’s get started.

Community Health Educator Duties and Responsibilities

Community Health Educators work to improve the health of individuals and communities by promoting healthy lifestyles and behaviors.

They conduct outreach and education efforts to implement programs and improve access to services.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Assessing the health needs and concerns of the community or target group
• Planning, organizing, and implementing health education programs and workshops
• Promoting health and disease prevention by developing educational materials and conducting presentations
• Organizing health screenings and other preventive measures in the community
• Collaborating with health professionals, community leaders, and policy makers to address health issues and improve community health
• Advocating for improved access and quality in healthcare services
• Evaluating the effectiveness of health education programs and making necessary improvements
• Maintaining knowledge of current health issues and trends
• Providing referrals for health services and support

 

Community Health Educator Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated Community Health Educator to provide education and resources to our community members regarding various health issues.

The Community Health Educator will be responsible for developing and implementing health education programs, assessing health needs within the community, and promoting health and wellness through educational outreach efforts.

Our ideal candidate has a deep understanding of public health issues and effective strategies for promoting health and wellness.

They should be an excellent communicator who is passionate about making a difference in the lives of others.

 

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement health education programs and workshops
• Identify health needs within the community through data analysis and community feedback
• Create educational materials such as pamphlets, newsletters, and handouts
• Conduct presentations and workshops on various health topics
• Collaborate with local organizations and healthcare providers to coordinate services
• Advocate for public health policies and initiatives
• Track and report on program outcomes and effectiveness
• Stay current on public health issues and best practices in health education

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as a Health Educator or similar role
• Knowledge of current public health issues and strategies for promoting health and wellness
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills
• Ability to develop and implement health education programs
• Experience working with diverse populations
• Proficient in data analysis and program evaluation
• BSc degree in Health Education, Public Health or relevant field

 

Benefits

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

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Community Health Educator
• Work Environment: This position may require both office work and community outreach. Some local travel may be required for community workshops and events.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Public Health Director or Community Health Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $55,000 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 Community Health Educator Do?

A Community Health Educator works primarily in public health settings such as healthcare facilities, non-profit organizations, and government agencies.

Their role is vital in promoting wellness by sharing information and providing resources to individuals and communities.

They are responsible for developing and implementing strategies to improve the health of individuals and communities.

They provide relevant health education and promote behaviors that can enhance wellness.

Community Health Educators conduct assessments to identify community health needs, develop programs to address these needs, and then implement and monitor these programs.

They also facilitate workshops and seminars, create educational materials, and deliver presentations on a variety of health topics, such as nutrition, exercise, smoking cessation, infectious diseases, and preventive healthcare.

Community Health Educators act as a bridge between healthcare providers and the community to provide accessible health education and information.

They also advocate for community health, and assist individuals in finding and accessing necessary healthcare services.

They collaborate with other healthcare professionals, social workers, and community leaders to address health disparities and improve the overall health and well-being of their community.

They may also conduct research and collect data to evaluate the effectiveness of their programs and strategies.

 

Community Health Educator Qualifications and Skills

A Community Health Educator should have a combination of skills and qualifications that encompass both technical knowledge and interpersonal abilities, including:

• Expert knowledge of health education principles and strategies for the promotion of community health and wellness.
• Exceptional communication skills to effectively deliver health education and information to diverse community groups in a clear and engaging manner.
• Cultural sensitivity and awareness to understand and address health issues in diverse communities.
• Ability to design, implement and evaluate community health education programs, ensuring their effectiveness and relevance to the target population.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills to build and maintain relationships with community members, healthcare providers, and other stakeholders.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to identify community health needs and develop appropriate strategies to address them.
• Understanding of behavior change theories and models to effectively influence healthy behaviors in individuals and communities.
• Proficiency in using digital tools and social media platforms to disseminate health information and education.

 

Community Health Educator Experience Requirements

Entry-level candidates for a Community Health Educator role may have 1 to 2 years of experience, often through an internship, volunteer work, or part-time role in community health, public health, or health education.

These professionals can also gain on-the-job experience in roles such as Health Assistant, Health Outreach Worker, or other health-related roles.

Entry-level candidates typically have a Bachelor’s degree in health education or a related field.

Candidates with 2 to 3 years of experience are generally more familiar with developing and implementing health education programs, conducting community assessments, and using data to inform program development.

They may also have some experience with grant writing and program evaluation.

Those with more than 3 years of experience typically have a Master’s degree in public health or a closely related field.

They have often developed their technical skills and knowledge in previous Community Health Educator roles, or in roles such as Health Program Coordinator or Health Services Manager.

Candidates with more than 5 years of experience likely have substantial experience with strategic planning, policy development, and community partnership building.

They may have some leadership experience and may be ready for a managerial or director-level position within a community health organization.

All Community Health Educators are typically expected to have certification from the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing or a similar credentialing body.

This demonstrates a standardized level of competency in the field.

 

Community Health Educator Education and Training Requirements

Community Health Educators typically require a bachelor’s degree in public health, health education, health promotion, or a related field.

They receive training in identifying community health needs, developing effective health education strategies, and implementing and evaluating these strategies to improve community health.

Many positions, particularly those in leadership or policy-making, may require a master’s degree in public health, health education, or a closely related discipline.

In addition to formal education, Community Health Educators must also possess a strong understanding of the key principles of public health, including the social and environmental determinants of health, health disparities, and health policy and management.

Moreover, obtaining a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) or Master Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES) credential is highly desirable.

This certification, overseen by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, signifies a commitment to professional standards and continuous learning in the field of health education.

Work experience in a public health setting or a related field can also be beneficial for enhancing practical skills and gaining a deeper understanding of community health issues.

 

Community Health Educator Salary Expectations

A Community Health Educator earns an average salary of $46,910 (USD) per year.

The salary can fluctuate based on factors such as professional experience, educational qualifications, and the geographic location of the job.

 

Community Health Educator Job Description FAQs

What are the key skills required for a Community Health Educator?

Community Health Educators should have excellent interpersonal and communication skills as they will need to effectively convey complex health concepts to a diverse community.

They should also have strong problem-solving skills to develop and implement health programs that address community needs.

In addition, cultural sensitivity, empathy, and a strong desire to help others are also important qualities.

 

What qualifications does a Community Health Educator need?

A Community Health Educator typically requires a Bachelor’s Degree in Health Education, Public Health, or a related field.

A Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) credential can also be beneficial and is often preferred.

Some roles may require a Master’s Degree in Public Health or related field.

Community Health Educators must also have a good understanding of health promotion principles, prevention strategies, and the social determinants of health.

 

What does a typical day for a Community Health Educator look like?

A Community Health Educator’s day can vary greatly depending on the community they serve.

They may spend their time conducting health education workshops, developing health promotion materials, advocating for health policy changes, or evaluating the effectiveness of health programs.

They often collaborate with other health professionals and community leaders to identify health needs and implement appropriate interventions.

 

What qualities make a good Community Health Educator?

A good Community Health Educator is passionate about improving community health and is knowledgeable about health education principles and practices.

They should be able to work well with diverse populations and have the ability to influence and motivate others.

They should also be organized, detail-oriented, and have strong analytical skills to assess the needs of the community and evaluate the effectiveness of health education programs.

 

How do I know if a Community Health Educator is right for my organization?

A Community Health Educator that is right for your organization will have a solid educational background in health education or a related field and, ideally, some experience working with the community or population your organization serves.

They should also share your organization’s values and vision for community health and demonstrate a commitment to continued learning and professional development in the field of public health.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve unraveled the intricacies of being a community health educator.

And guess what?

It’s not just about sharing health information.

It’s about molding healthier communities, one health lesson at a time.

With our comprehensive community health educator job description template and real-world examples, you’re all set to take the next step.

But why stop there?

Explore further with our job description generator. It’s your route to crafting precise job listings or polishing your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every health lesson contributes to the wellbeing of the community.

Let’s shape healthier communities. Together.

How to Become a Community Health Educator (Complete Guide)

Epic Stress Levels: A Peek Into the Most Intense Jobs!

The Future of Work: The Latest Trending Jobs in the Industry

Crazy Career Choices: The Weirdest Jobs Ever

The AI Job Challenge: Careers Facing a Tech Takeover