Maternal Health Educator Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the evolving landscape of healthcare, the focus on Maternal Health Educators has never been more significant.

Healthcare progresses continually, and with each advancement, the demand for skilled individuals who can inform, guide, and advocate for maternal health escalates.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s really expected from a Maternal Health Educator?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the intricacies of maternal health education,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Maternal Health Educator job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Maternal Health Educator Duties and Responsibilities

Maternal Health Educators are responsible for educating women and their families about maternal health, including pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum care, and newborn care.

They use a variety of teaching methods to provide information and support to help women make informed decisions about their health and the health of their babies.

The duties and responsibilities of a Maternal Health Educator include:

• Assessing the learning needs and preferences of each individual or group
• Developing and implementing educational programs and workshops on a variety of maternal health topics
• Providing information and resources on prenatal care, labor and delivery, postpartum care, breastfeeding, newborn care, and family planning
• Teaching relaxation and pain management techniques for labor and delivery
• Helping women understand the physical and emotional changes they may experience during pregnancy and after childbirth
• Advocating for women’s health rights and access to quality maternal healthcare services
• Working with healthcare providers to ensure that educational content is accurate and up-to-date
• Monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of educational programs and making necessary adjustments

 

Maternal Health Educator Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are searching for a dedicated and compassionate Maternal Health Educator to join our healthcare team.

In this role, you will be responsible for providing education and support to expectant mothers and their families, covering areas such as prenatal care, childbirth, breastfeeding, and newborn care.

You should have excellent communication skills and a deep understanding of maternal health, childbirth, and postnatal care.

The ideal candidate is patient, empathetic, and able to provide information and guidance in a clear and supportive manner.

 

Responsibilities

• Provide education and support to expectant mothers about prenatal care, childbirth, and postnatal care.
• Conduct group classes or one-on-one sessions with expectant mothers and their partners.
• Develop educational materials and resources to aid in teaching and counseling.
• Address any concerns or fears regarding childbirth and postpartum period.
• Teach effective and safe exercises for pregnant women.
• Advise on proper nutrition during pregnancy and postnatal period.
• Collaborate with other healthcare providers to ensure comprehensive care.
• Stay updated on the latest research and best practices in maternal health education.

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Maternal Health Educator or similar role in healthcare.
• Strong knowledge of maternal health, childbirth, and postnatal care.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to provide information in a clear and compassionate manner.
• Experience developing and delivering educational programs.
• Current certification as a childbirth educator is a plus.
• Bachelor’s degree in Nursing, Midwifery, or a related field.

 

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities
• Employee wellness program

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Maternal Health Educator
• Work Environment: Hospital or healthcare facility. Some weekend or evening hours may be required.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Director of Maternal Health Services.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $45,000 minimum to $70,000 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 Maternal Health Educator Do?

A Maternal Health Educator, also known as a childbirth educator, works primarily in healthcare settings such as hospitals, clinics, or public health departments.

They can also operate in community centers or private practices.

Their primary role is to provide education and support to expecting mothers and their families before, during, and after pregnancy.

They teach about prenatal care, the stages of labor, childbirth procedures, postpartum recovery, and newborn care.

Maternal Health Educators often conduct educational classes or workshops where they discuss topics such as nutrition during pregnancy, birthing techniques, breastfeeding, and infant care.

They may use visual aids, videos, and hands-on demonstrations to help individuals understand the childbirth process.

In addition to educating, they provide emotional support and help mothers prepare for the physical and emotional changes that come with pregnancy and childbirth.

They work closely with other healthcare professionals, such as doctors, nurses, and midwives, to ensure the information they provide aligns with the medical care the mother is receiving.

Furthermore, Maternal Health Educators stay updated on the latest research and developments in maternal health to ensure they provide accurate and current information.

They also play an essential role in advocating for the mother’s needs and wishes regarding her birthing plan, helping to facilitate communication between the expectant mother and her healthcare team.

In summary, a Maternal Health Educator’s main objective is to empower and equip expectant mothers and their families with the knowledge and skills necessary for a healthy pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum period.

 

Maternal Health Educator Qualifications and Skills

A proficient Maternal Health Educator should possess the skills and qualifications that align with your job description, such as:

• Comprehensive knowledge about maternal health issues, prenatal and postnatal care, childbirth, breastfeeding, and infant care.
• Excellent communication skills to effectively educate mothers and families about various aspects of maternal health and child care, and to listen and understand their concerns or queries.
• Empathy and interpersonal skills to build relationships with mothers and families, ensuring they feel comfortable and supported during their pregnancy and postnatal period.
• Ability to design and deliver informative and engaging educational programs and workshops on maternal health issues.
• Problem-solving skills to provide appropriate information and guidance on maternal health concerns or complications.
• Counseling skills to provide emotional support and advice to expecting and new mothers.
• Ability to work well with other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care and education to mothers and families.
• Knowledge about the latest research and developments in maternal health to provide up-to-date information and advice.
• Excellent organizational skills to manage various tasks such as scheduling appointments, maintaining records, and coordinating with other healthcare professionals.

 

Maternal Health Educator Experience Requirements

Entry-level Maternal Health Educators often have 1 to 2 years of experience, usually through an internship, volunteering, or part-time role in maternal health or public health education.

This could involve working at hospitals, clinics, health departments, non-profits, or schools.

These professionals also gain their foundational skills and knowledge through a Bachelor’s or Master’s program in Public Health, Nursing, or a related field.

Coursework or research focusing on maternal health, women’s health, or reproductive health would be highly beneficial.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience often have a deeper understanding of maternal health issues, developed through roles such as a Public Health Educator, Nurse, Midwife, or Social Worker.

They are typically well-versed in designing and implementing educational programs, conducting workshops or seminars, and providing one-on-one counseling or guidance.

Those with more than 5 years of experience may have leadership experience, having managed teams or overseen projects in their past roles.

They may be ready for a managerial role or a position with more responsibility, such as a Director of Maternal Health Education.

In addition, they might have gained a significant level of community outreach experience and possess strong networking skills.

To further enhance their credibility, many Maternal Health Educators opt to become a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) or Master Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES).

These certifications require ongoing professional development and re-certification every five years, ensuring the educator remains current with the latest trends and practices in health education.

 

Maternal Health Educator Education and Training Requirements

Maternal Health Educators typically require a bachelor’s degree in nursing, public health, or a related field.

Some positions may require a master’s degree in a specific health education or public health discipline.

These programs provide fundamental knowledge in health education, women’s health, prenatal care, postnatal care, and newborn care.

Additionally, some specializations in areas such as lactation consulting, childbirth education, or perinatal psychology may be beneficial.

Aside from formal education, it is often required for Maternal Health Educators to be certified.

One common certification is the Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) credential, but specific certifications may vary depending on the exact role and responsibilities.

Many Maternal Health Educators also have prior experience in healthcare settings, such as nursing or midwifery, which can provide practical experience and context for education roles.

Ongoing learning and professional development is also important in this role, to stay updated with the latest research and best practices in maternal health.

Many professionals in this field choose to attend workshops, conferences, or additional courses to enhance their skills and knowledge.

 

Maternal Health Educator Salary Expectations

A Maternal Health Educator can expect to earn an average salary of $51,000 (USD) per year.

The salary may fluctuate depending on the educator’s level of experience, specific area of expertise, geographic location, and the type of organization they are employed by.

 

Maternal Health Educator Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Maternal Health Educator need?

Maternal Health Educators need to have excellent communication skills to effectively convey information about pregnancy, childbirth, and postnatal care to diverse groups of people.

They should have strong interpersonal skills to build relationships with expectant mothers and their families.

Knowledge of maternal health, neonatal care, and reproductive health is essential.

They should also have good problem-solving skills to address the concerns of the expectant mothers and provide appropriate solutions.

 

Do Maternal Health Educators need a degree?

Yes, Maternal Health Educators typically need a bachelor’s degree in health education, nursing, or a related field.

Some positions may require a master’s degree in public health or a related field.

Additionally, certification as a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) can be beneficial.

 

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

A Maternal Health Educator’s resume should exhibit their educational background in health education or a related field, along with any specialized training in maternal and child health.

Work experience, particularly in teaching health education or working with expectant mothers, is also important.

Certifications such as the Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) designation can be an added advantage.

 

What qualities make a good Maternal Health Educator?

A good Maternal Health Educator is empathetic and patient, being able to understand the concerns and fears of expectant mothers.

They must have excellent communication and presentation skills to effectively convey complex health information in an understandable manner.

They should also be culturally sensitive, as they will be working with diverse groups of women.

Being organized, detail-oriented, and having the ability to multitask are also valuable qualities in this role.

 

What is the role of a Maternal Health Educator in prenatal care?

A Maternal Health Educator plays a crucial role in prenatal care by educating expectant mothers about the importance of prenatal health, the changes they can expect during pregnancy, signs of complications, and the importance of proper nutrition and regular checkups.

They also teach relaxation and pain management techniques for labor, breastfeeding techniques, and care for the newborn.

They serve as a resource and provide support to expectant mothers throughout their pregnancy journey.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve shone a light on the real essence of being a Maternal Health Educator.

Guess what?

It’s not just about teaching.

It’s about shaping the future of maternal and child health, one lesson at a time.

With our go-to Maternal Health Educator job description template and real-world examples, you’re all set to take the next step.

But why stop there?

Dive deeper with our job description generator. It’s your next step to crafting impeccably precise job listings or refining your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Each lesson imparted is a step towards a healthier future.

Let’s nurture that future. Together.

How to Become a Maternal Health Educator (Complete Guide)

Work Smarter, Not Harder: Remote Jobs That Reward You Generously!

Weirdly Wonderful: The Most Unusual Jobs on the Market

Elite Employment: The Most Prestigious Jobs to Elevate Your Life

Freedom-Focused Careers: The Most Flexible Jobs for the Independent