Health Educator and Community Health Worker Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the modern world, the importance of health educators and community health workers has never been more evident.

As healthcare continues to evolve, so too does the need for skilled individuals who can inform, guide, and foster healthier communities.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s really expected from a health educator and community health worker?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply interested in the intricacies of community health work and health education,

You’re in the right place.

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

Let’s dive right into it.

Health Educator and Community Health Worker Duties and Responsibilities

Health Educators and Community Health Workers are responsible for promoting wellness by educating individuals and communities about behaviors that encourage healthy living and prevent diseases.

They work closely with individuals and families, as well as public health officials to identify community health needs and develop programs to address these issues.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Educating individuals and communities about health topics such as the importance of proper nutrition, how to manage a health condition, and preventive care
• Developing programs and events to teach people about health topics or manage their conditions
• Advocating for improved health resources and policies that promote health
• Collecting data and discussing health concerns with members of specific populations or communities
• Assessing the health needs of the communities they serve
• Providing referrals for health services
• Assisting individuals in overcoming obstacles to health such as finding a doctor or applying for health insurance
• Conducting outreach programs to reach vulnerable or marginalized communities
• Documenting and reporting on the impact of their programs on community health

 

Health Educator and Community Health Worker Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated Health Educator and Community Health Worker to improve the health standards of our community.

Responsibilities include organizing health education programs, providing information to individuals and community groups, and acting as a liaison between community members and healthcare professionals.

Our ideal candidate is highly knowledgeable about public health matters and has a passion for helping others.

Ultimately, the role of the Health Educator and Community Health Worker is to build healthier communities by promoting good health practices and preventative healthcare.

 

Responsibilities

• Educate individuals and communities about health issues and services available
• Conduct assessments and surveys to identify health needs within the community
• Organize health education workshops and seminars
• Develop and implement health improvement programs and events
• Act as a bridge between the community and healthcare providers
• Advocate for individual and community health needs
• Collect data and maintain records for reporting and evaluation purposes
• Follow up with clients to track their progress

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as a Health Educator or Community Health Worker
• Knowledge of public health principles and practices
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to work with diverse populations and groups
• Proficiency in record-keeping and data collection
• Ability to organize and conduct educational programs and workshops
• BSc degree in Health Education, Public Health, or related field

 

Benefits

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

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Health Educator and Community Health Worker
• Work Environment: This role typically works in a community setting and may involve travel within a specific geographic area.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Community Health Supervisor 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 $65,000 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 Educator and Community Health Worker Do?

Health Educators and Community Health Workers typically work for health organizations, government agencies, nonprofits, and educational institutions.

They can also be self-employed or work as consultants.

Their primary role is to educate individuals and communities about behaviors that promote wellness.

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

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

Community health workers provide a link between the community and healthcare professionals.

They develop relationships within the community and facilitate access to services such as preventive medical care, by breaking down the barriers to access.

These professionals advocate for individual and community health needs, and provide services such as basic first aid, healthcare referrals, and health screening tests.

They often conduct outreach to engage community residents, create and maintain community partnerships, and deliver health education presentations or workshops.

Both roles involve educating individuals and communities about maintaining and managing their health, and they often work together to maximize their impact on community health and wellness.

 

Health Educator and Community Health Worker Qualifications and Skills

A proficient Health Educator and Community Health Worker should have the skills and qualifications that match with your job description, such as:

• Strong understanding of medical terminology and various health subjects to effectively educate communities and individuals.
• Excellent communication skills to deliver health information and guidance in a clear, accessible manner to different audiences.
• Interpersonal skills to work with diverse communities and build trusting relationships with community members and stakeholders.
• Cultural sensitivity to understand the specific needs, values, and health beliefs of various populations.
• Problem-solving skills to identify and address potential health issues within communities, and to devise effective education and prevention strategies.
• Organizational skills to manage multiple projects and initiatives, and to effectively collect and analyze data.
• Ability to work collaboratively with other healthcare professionals, community leaders, and policy makers.
• Empathy and compassion to understand and address the health concerns and struggles of community members.
• Passion for promoting health and wellness and improving quality of life within communities.

 

Health Educator and Community Health Worker Experience Requirements

Health Educator and Community Health Worker roles often require candidates to have a relevant degree in public health, health education, or a related field.

These professionals can gain their initial experience through internships, volunteering, or part-time roles at community health centers, hospitals, or non-profit organizations.

Entry-level Health Educator and Community Health Workers may have 1 to 2 years of experience, often through such roles.

These professionals also gain invaluable on-the-job experience in various roles such as Health Assistant, Public Health Intern, or other community-based health roles.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience often have developed their health education and community interaction skills in entry-level Health Educator or Community Health Worker roles.

These professionals may also have gained experience in planning and implementing health-related programs and initiatives.

Those with more than 5 years of experience typically have some leadership experience in their background.

They may have coordinated health education programs or led teams of Community Health Workers.

Such seasoned professionals could be ready for a supervisory or managerial role in the health education and community health sector.

 

Health Educator and Community Health Worker Education and Training Requirements

Health Educators and Community Health Workers typically require a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in health education, health promotion, public health, or a related social science field.

In these programs, students learn about various topics like theories of health behavior, health education methods, and program planning.

They also acquire practical skills like designing and implementing health education programs, evaluating program effectiveness, and communicating health information.

Community Health Workers often undergo on-the-job training after being hired.

This training usually covers topics like outreach techniques, local health resources, and disease prevention methods.

They often have a background in a specific community or population, or in an area like diabetes or HIV prevention.

Some roles may require Health Educators to have a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) credential.

This certification demonstrates that the Health Educator has a broad understanding of health education and is committed to professional development.

For Community Health Workers, some states have certification programs that require completion of a formal training program and a certain number of hours of supervised experience.

Although not mandatory, a master’s degree in public health (MPH) or a related field may improve career prospects.

This advanced degree could indicate a candidate’s leadership potential and dedication to continuous learning.

In addition to these formal education and training requirements, Health Educators and Community Health Workers need excellent interpersonal, listening, and speaking skills.

They must be able to build strong relationships with the communities they serve, and clearly communicate health-related information in a way that is easy to understand.

 

Health Educator and Community Health Worker Salary Expectations

The average salary for a Health Educator and Community Health Worker is approximately $46,910 (USD) per year.

However, this salary can fluctuate depending on factors such as experience, education level, and geographical location.

Additionally, those employed by government or private sector organizations may have different earning potentials.

 

Health Educator and Community Health Worker Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Health Educator and Community Health Worker need?

Health Educators and Community Health Workers should have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, as they are often required to interact with diverse populations and coordinate with other healthcare professionals.

They should also possess critical thinking skills to analyze and interpret health information and trends.

Cultural competence, empathy, and the ability to motivate others are equally important.

 

Do Health Educators and Community Health Workers need a degree?

Yes, a Health Educator typically needs a bachelor’s degree in health education, public health, or a similar field.

Some roles may require a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) credential.

Community Health Workers often hold a high school diploma, although some jobs may require postsecondary education in public health or a related field.

Both roles typically require knowledge of health topics and community resources, which can be obtained through formal education or on-the-job training.

 

What should you look for in a Health Educator and Community Health Worker resume?

Look for a degree in health education or a related field for Health Educators.

For Community Health Workers, a high school diploma is often sufficient, but additional education may be beneficial.

Experience working with specific populations, like children or the elderly, can also be valuable.

Look for evidence of strong communication skills, ability to build relationships, and knowledge of community resources.

 

What qualities make a good Health Educator and Community Health Worker?

A good Health Educator and Community Health Worker are dedicated to promoting health and wellness in their communities.

They have a strong ability to communicate complex health concepts in a way that is easy to understand.

They are empathetic, understanding, and patient, able to connect with diverse groups of people.

They are also well-organized and good at problem-solving, able to effectively manage resources and navigate complex health systems.

 

What are the daily duties of a Health Educator and Community Health Worker?

Daily tasks can vary widely depending on the community and specific role.

However, common duties include assessing the health needs of the community, developing programs and events to promote health, educating individuals and groups about health topics, connecting community members with health services, and advocating for health policy changes.

They may also collect data and report on the effectiveness of their programs.

 

Conclusion

There you have it.

Today, we’ve unveiled the true essence of being a Health Educator and Community Health Worker.

Guess what?

It’s not just about educating people on health issues.

It’s about shaping healthier communities, one health education session at a time.

With our comprehensive Health Educator and Community Health Worker job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to take the plunge.

But why limit yourself?

Dive deeper with our job description generator. It’s your next step to creating detail-rich job listings or tailoring your resume for success.

Remember:

Every health education session contributes to a bigger picture.

Let’s build healthier communities. Together.

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