Health Education Specialist Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the era of ever-growing health awareness, the role of a Health Education Specialist has never been more crucial.

As health issues evolve and public awareness rises, the demand for skilled professionals who can educate, promote, and protect our health literacy escalates.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a Health Education Specialist?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager mapping out the perfect candidate,
• Or simply captivated by the intricacies of health education,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we reveal a customizable Health Education Specialist job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Health Education Specialist Duties and Responsibilities

Health Education Specialists focus on improving public health by implementing and evaluating health education programs that promote wellness, prevent disease, and encourage healthy behaviors.

Their job duties and responsibilities include:

• Assessing the health needs of the communities or populations they serve
• Designing and implementing health education programs and campaigns
• Evaluating the effectiveness of health education programs
• Developing educational materials and resources for diverse audiences
• Advocating for health and health education at local, state, and national levels
• Collaborating with health professionals, stakeholders, and community members to maximize the reach and impact of health programs
• Organizing and conducting training programs for community health workers, volunteers, and other health professionals
• Keeping up-to-date with the latest research and development in the health education field
• Providing consultation and technical assistance to organizations and individuals working in health education
• Ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal health regulations and standards

 

Health Education Specialist Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking an experienced Health Education Specialist to join our team.

This role involves developing and implementing health education programs and initiatives designed to improve the health of individuals and communities.

The Health Education Specialist will be responsible for identifying the health needs of the population, designing education materials, and conducting community outreach and training.

Our ideal candidate has a strong background in public health education, excellent communication skills, and a passion for promoting healthy lifestyles.

 

Responsibilities

• Assess the health needs and concerns of the community or targeted population
• Develop and implement health education programs that promote wellness and disease prevention
• Create educational materials and resources to support health education initiatives
• Conduct community outreach and deliver health education presentations
• Work closely with healthcare professionals to coordinate services and referrals
• Evaluate the effectiveness of health education programs and make necessary improvements
• Stay informed on the latest health education research and trends
• Advocate for health policies that improve community health

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Health Education Specialist or similar role
• Knowledge of various health education strategies and tactics
• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Ability to work with diverse populations and communities
• Experience in project management and program evaluation
• Bachelor’s degree in Health Education, Public Health, or related field
• CHES (Certified Health Education Specialist) or MCHES (Master Certified Health Education Specialist) credential preferred

 

Benefits

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

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Health Education Specialist
• Work Environment: This role may involve travel to various community locations for outreach and education sessions.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Health Education Coordinator or Public Health Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $45,000 minimum to $75,000 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 Health Education Specialist Do?

Health Education Specialists work in a variety of settings such as hospitals, non-profit organizations, government, doctors’ offices, private businesses, and colleges.

They can also operate as independent consultants.

Their primary role involves educating people about behaviors that promote wellness.

They develop and implement strategies to improve the health of individuals and communities.

Health Education Specialists collect and analyze data to identify community needs prior to planning, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating programs designed to encourage healthy lifestyles, policies, and environments.

They serve as a resource to assist individuals, other healthcare workers, or the community, and may administer fiscal resources for health education programs.

They often collaborate with health professionals, including doctors, nurses, and scientists, to evaluate and enhance the health education needs of diverse groups.

Health Education Specialists also advocate for health education by working with government and educational officials to improve the quality of health education in schools and the community.

They might also write grants to obtain money for health education programs.

They may also conduct research and publish scholarly articles that contribute to the field of health education.

 

Health Education Specialist Qualifications and Skills

Health Education Specialists utilize a blend of specialized knowledge, interpersonal skills, and teaching abilities to promote health and wellness within a community, including:

• Understanding of health education theories and practices to create effective health programs
• Communication skills to clearly convey health and wellness concepts to a diverse audience
• Interpersonal skills to build relationships with community members and health professionals
• Planning and organizational skills to develop, implement, and assess health education programs and initiatives
• Problem-solving abilities to identify health issues within a community and develop strategies to address them
• Critical thinking skills to analyze data and make informed decisions
• Cultural competence to understand and address the diverse health needs of various communities
• Ability to motivate and inspire individuals and groups to adopt healthy behaviors

 

Health Education Specialist Experience Requirements

Health Education Specialists usually hold a bachelor’s degree in health education, public health, or a related field.

This education provides the initial theoretical and practical experience required to enter the field.

Internships or part-time roles in public health, health education, or community outreach programs are common routes to gain experience.

These positions allow individuals to gain hands-on experience in designing and implementing health education programs, evaluating their effectiveness, and working directly with diverse populations.

Entry-level Health Education Specialists usually have 1 to 2 years of experience, typically gained through these internships or part-time roles.

Candidates with 3 to 5 years of experience often develop their skills in coordinating health programs, collaborating with healthcare providers, and promoting health policies.

They may also have experience working with a specific population, such as children, seniors, or those with chronic diseases.

Those with more than 5 years of experience typically have significant program management experience and may have contributed to the development of health education strategies at a community or organizational level.

They may be ready to take on roles as Senior Health Education Specialists or Health Program Managers.

In addition to experience, many employers prefer or require Health Education Specialists to be Certified Health Education Specialists (CHES) or Master Certified Health Education Specialists (MCHES), which further validates their skills and experience in the field.

 

Health Education Specialist Education and Training Requirements

Health Education Specialists generally need a bachelor’s degree in health education, health promotion, or a related field.

Some roles may require a master’s degree in public health or a related discipline.

Their education should focus on topics such as epidemiology, behavioral sciences, health policy, and health education techniques.

They may also cover subjects like human body function, nutrition, and disease prevention.

In addition to their degree, Health Education Specialists often need to be certified.

The National Commission for Health Education Credentialing (NCHEC) provides the Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) credential, which is a standard requirement in the field.

To qualify, candidates must have completed a relevant bachelor’s or master’s degree and pass an exam.

Continuing education is vital for Health Education Specialists, as it allows them to stay up-to-date with the latest health information and education strategies.

This can include attending workshops, conferences, and courses, or pursuing additional certifications.

Some roles may require Health Education Specialists to have specific skills or knowledge, such as experience with community health, familiarity with certain health issues, or fluency in a second language.

 

Health Education Specialist Salary Expectations

A Health Education Specialist earns an average salary of $56,500 (USD) per year.

The actual earnings can significantly vary based on experience, certifications, location, and the employing organization.

 

Health Education Specialist Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Health Education Specialist need?

Health Education Specialists should have strong communication and interpersonal skills to connect with different types of people, from students to adults in various settings.

They should be able to assess the health needs of different groups and design effective education programs accordingly.

They should also have good problem-solving skills, as well as knowledge about public health principles and health promotion strategies.

 

What are the educational requirements for a Health Education Specialist?

A Health Education Specialist usually holds a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in health education, public health, or a related field.

Some positions may require a master’s degree.

It’s also often required to be certified as a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES), which involves passing an examination.

 

What should you look for in a Health Education Specialist resume?

A Health Education Specialist’s resume should show a solid background in health education or public health.

The resume should detail experience in designing and implementing health education programs, conducting health assessments, and collaborating with different community resources.

Additionally, a certification such as CHES would be a valuable asset.

 

What qualities make a good Health Education Specialist?

A good Health Education Specialist should be passionate about promoting health and wellness and have the ability to connect with diverse populations.

They should be creative and resourceful in designing effective health education programs.

Excellent communication skills are vital for conveying health information in a way that’s easy to understand.

They should also have strong analytical skills to assess the health needs of a community and measure the effectiveness of their programs.

 

What are the daily duties of a Health Education Specialist?

A Health Education Specialist may spend their day conducting research on the latest health issues, designing and implementing health education programs, and evaluating their effectiveness.

They may also provide health education to individuals or groups, coordinate with other health professionals, and advocate for health education resources and policies.

The specific duties can vary depending on the setting they work in, such as schools, hospitals, or community health organizations.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve shone a light on what it truly means to be a Health Education Specialist.

And guess what?

It’s not just about distributing brochures or giving talks.

It’s about sculpting a healthier future, one health intervention at a time.

With our ultimate Health Education Specialist job description template and real-world examples, you’re primed and ready for action.

But why rest on your laurels?

Immerse yourself further with our job description generator. It’s your next stepping stone to precision-crafted job postings or refining your resume to excellence.

Remember:

Every health intervention is a piece of the larger wellness puzzle.

Let’s shape that healthier future. Together.

How to Become a Health Education Specialist (Complete Guide)

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