Occupational Health Practitioner Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the modern era, the role of Occupational Health Practitioners has never been more critical.

As workplace health and safety standards continue to evolve, the demand for skilled professionals who can manage, improve, and secure occupational health systems is growing.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from an Occupational Health Practitioner?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to comprehend the core responsibilities of this role,
• A hiring manager creating an outline of the ideal candidate,
• Or simply interested in understanding the nuances of occupational health practices,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we introduce a versatile Occupational Health Practitioner job description template, specifically designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Occupational Health Practitioner Duties and Responsibilities

Occupational Health Practitioners, also known as Occupational Health Nurses or Occupational Health Physicians, play a crucial role in maintaining the health and wellbeing of employees in the workplace.

They use their expert medical knowledge and understanding of workplace environments to prevent and treat occupational diseases and injuries.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Performing health surveillance and health assessments for employees
• Identifying and preventing workplace factors that can cause illness and injury
• Providing health education and counselling to employees
• Developing and implementing occupational health and safety standards
• Collaborating with employers to create health promotion and disease prevention strategies
• Conducting research on occupational health and safety topics
• Providing first aid and emergency treatment in the workplace
• Assessing the suitability of employees for specific jobs
• Managing the rehabilitation of employees returning to work after illness or injury
• Advising management on policies and programs to improve the health and productivity of employees
• Maintaining confidentiality and privacy of employee health information

 

Occupational Health Practitioner Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for an experienced Occupational Health Practitioner to join our healthcare team.

The successful candidate will be responsible for assessing the physical and mental well-being of employees, identifying health risks in the workplace, and implementing strategies to promote better health and safety conditions.

The ideal candidate is an analytical thinker with excellent problem-solving skills, and a strong understanding of health and safety regulations.

 

Responsibilities

• Conducting health assessments and screenings for employees
• Identifying workplace health risks and providing advice on how to mitigate these risks
• Implementing workplace health and safety policies and procedures
• Providing health education and counseling to employees
• Coordinating with management to develop health promotion initiatives
• Monitoring compliance with health and safety regulations
• Responding to workplace emergencies and managing occupational health crises
• Maintaining accurate records of health assessments and interventions

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as an Occupational Health Practitioner or in a similar role
• A licensed Registered Nurse (RN) or Nurse Practitioner (NP) with a specialization in occupational health
• Knowledge of occupational health and safety regulations
• Excellent communication and counseling skills
• Proficient in health assessment tools and medical software
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to handle sensitive information confidentially
• BSc or higher in Nursing, Occupational Health, or relevant field

 

Benefits

• 401(k) retirement plan
• Comprehensive health insurance
• Dental and vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Occupational Health Practitioner
• Work Environment: This role typically works in an office or clinic within a company or organization. Some travel may be required to visit various work sites.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Director of Occupational Health.
• Salary: Salary is based on candidate’s experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $89,130 minimum to $123,670 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 an Occupational Health Practitioner Do?

An Occupational Health Practitioner, also known as an Occupational Health Nurse or Occupational Health Professional, plays a significant role in maintaining the health and safety of workers in a variety of industries.

Their primary responsibilities include the prevention and management of occupational and environmental injury, illness, and disability, and the promotion of health and productivity of workers.

They work closely with employers and employees to identify health and safety needs in the workplace.

They may develop policies and programs that promote occupational safety and health, as well as respond to emergencies and manage care for injured employees.

An Occupational Health Practitioner may also be involved in conducting workplace risk assessments to identify potential hazards, implementing health promotion initiatives, and coordinating health screenings, vaccinations, or wellness programs.

In some cases, they might be required to provide training sessions on a range of topics, from stress management to proper lifting techniques, to ensure a safe and healthy working environment.

Their role often involves collaborating with a range of professionals such as human resources, safety officers, and management to create a safe workplace and promote the wellbeing of employees.

 

Occupational Health Practitioner Qualifications and Skills

Occupational Health Practitioners play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and well-being of employees at their workplace.

Key skills and qualifications for this role include:

• Knowledge of occupational health and safety regulations, laws, and best practices to ensure the workplace adheres to mandatory health standards and maintains a safe environment.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, to effectively communicate health and safety protocols to staff, management, and stakeholders.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities to identify potential health and safety risks and devise effective solutions.
• Proficiency in conducting health assessments, examinations, and screenings to detect potential health problems among workers.
• Demonstrated ability to develop, implement, and manage health and safety programs and initiatives.
• Interpersonal skills to build relationships with employees and management, fostering a culture of safety and health awareness within the organization.
• Ability to remain calm and composed in emergency situations, providing appropriate guidance and support.
• Medical training or background is often required, including knowledge of first aid and CPR.

 

Occupational Health Practitioner Experience Requirements

Occupational Health Practitioners generally gain their initial experience through a degree in occupational health, nursing, or a related field.

This is often supplemented by practical placements or internships, which offer hands-on experience in the field.

Entry-level Occupational Health Practitioners might have 1 to 2 years of experience, often gained through part-time roles or internships in the occupational health field.

During this time, they can gain essential skills such as assessment and management of occupational health risks, health promotion, and disability management.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience often build on their foundational knowledge and skills through roles such as Occupational Health Nurse or Occupational Health Advisor.

They may have developed specialist knowledge in areas such as occupational health law, ergonomics, or occupational psychology.

Those with over 5 years of experience in the field are likely to have taken on more responsibilities and leadership roles.

They may have experience managing occupational health services, devising occupational health strategies, or leading teams of occupational health professionals.

In addition to professional experience, Occupational Health Practitioners also require ongoing professional development to keep abreast of the latest research and developments in the field.

This can be achieved through a combination of continued learning, attending conferences, and maintaining professional memberships.

 

Occupational Health Practitioner Education and Training Requirements

Occupational Health Practitioners usually require a bachelor’s degree in occupational health, public health, safety or a related field.

This degree lays the foundation by covering topics such as health education, health policy, environmental health, and disease prevention.

For many positions, a master’s degree in occupational health, public health, or a related discipline may be preferred or required.

This advanced study often includes coursework in toxicology, industrial hygiene, epidemiology, and occupational disease.

To practice, Occupational Health Practitioners are generally required to be licensed or registered, with requirements varying by state.

Usually, this involves passing a certifying examination after completing a degree.

Continuing education is vital in this field, as it keeps practitioners updated on the latest research, regulations, and best practices.

Therefore, many Occupational Health Practitioners pursue additional courses and certifications in specialized areas, such as occupational health nursing, industrial hygiene, or safety management.

Some professionals may also consider obtaining a certification such as Certified Occupational Health Nurse (COHN) or Certified Occupational Health Nurse-Specialist (COHN-S), which can demonstrate their expertise and dedication in the field.

These certifications typically require a combination of education, work experience, and successful completion of an examination.

 

Occupational Health Practitioner Salary Expectations

An Occupational Health Practitioner can expect to earn an average salary of $70,982 (USD) per year.

The actual salary may vary depending on the individual’s level of experience, specific qualifications, geographical location, and the employing organization.

 

Occupational Health Practitioner Job Description FAQs

What skills does an Occupational Health Practitioner need?

Occupational Health Practitioners need to have strong communication skills to interact with employees, employers, and various health and safety organizations.

They should have excellent problem-solving abilities and be able to conduct risk assessments.

Knowledge of medical conditions and understanding how they affect people’s work capabilities are also essential.

They should also have good documentation and record keeping skills.

 

Do Occupational Health Practitioners need a degree?

Yes, Occupational Health Practitioners generally need a degree in health sciences, nursing, or a related field.

They also need to be licensed or registered in their respective field of practice.

Some roles might require additional certification in occupational health.

 

What should you look for in an Occupational Health Practitioner’s resume?

An Occupational Health Practitioner’s resume should include a relevant degree, licensure, and any additional certifications.

Look for experience in a similar role where they’ve managed health and safety issues.

They should also have knowledge of federal and state laws related to occupational health and safety.

Strong candidates may also have experience with health promotion and employee wellness programs.

 

What qualities make a good Occupational Health Practitioner?

A good Occupational Health Practitioner is compassionate, understanding, and able to build trust with employees.

They should be approachable and have the ability to explain complex health concepts in a manner that is easy to understand.

They need to be detail-oriented to accurately document and maintain records.

They must also have a strong ethical standing, as they will be dealing with sensitive and confidential health information.

 

What are the daily duties of an Occupational Health Practitioner?

Daily duties include conducting health assessments, developing and implementing workplace health programs, monitoring the health of employees, providing advice on occupational health and safety issues, and maintaining health records.

They may also provide health education and counseling, manage cases, and work closely with management to promote a healthy and safe work environment.

 

Conclusion

And there we have it.

Today, we’ve unveiled the underlying responsibilities and challenges of being an occupational health practitioner.

Surprised?

It’s not just about workplace safety measures.

It’s about ensuring a healthy and productive work environment, one health policy at a time.

With our comprehensive occupational health practitioner job description template and real-world examples, you’re fully equipped to take the next step.

But don’t just stop there.

Dig deeper with our job description generator. It’s your ideal tool for creating highly-targeted job listings or refining your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every health policy contributes to a stronger, safer workplace.

Let’s create that healthier future. Together.

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