Health Education Specialists
What is a Health Education Specialist?
Health Education Specialists are professionals dedicated to promoting health and wellness through education and the dissemination of information. They work in a variety of settings, including schools, healthcare facilities, community organizations, and governmental agencies, aiming to enhance the quality of life and prevent diseases by improving health literacy among different populations. Their roles involve assessing the health needs of communities, developing educational programs, and implementing strategies that encourage individuals to adopt healthier lifestyles. Additionally, Health Education Specialists often evaluate the effectiveness of these programs, ensuring that health messages are clear, correct, and culturally relevant, and they may advocate for health policies that support positive health outcomes. By combining knowledge of health, education, and public policy, these specialists play a critical role in improving public health and empowering individuals to make informed health choices.
Tasks
- Prepare and distribute health education materials, such as reports, bulletins, and visual aids, to address smoking, vaccines, and other public health concerns.
- Develop and maintain cooperative working relationships with agencies and organizations interested in public health care.
- Maintain databases, mailing lists, telephone networks, and other information to facilitate the functioning of health education programs.
- Document activities and record information, such as the numbers of applications completed, presentations conducted, and persons assisted.
- Develop and present health education and promotion programs, such as training workshops, conferences, and school or community presentations.
Technology Skills
- Data base user interface and query software
- Web page creation and editing software
- Graphics or photo imaging software
- Presentation software
- Spreadsheet software
Tools Used
- Photocopiers
- Notebook computers
- Personal digital assistant PDAs or organizers
- Liquid crystal display projector
- Digital video disk players or recorders
Knowledge
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Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
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Education and Training
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
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English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
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Administrative
Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
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Psychology
Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
Skills
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Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
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Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
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Writing
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
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Learning Strategies
Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
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Active Learning
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Abilities
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Oral Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
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Oral Comprehension
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
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Speech Clarity
The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
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Written Comprehension
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
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Written Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
Education
How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?
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Associate's degree
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Bachelor's degree
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High school diploma or equivalent
or: GED, High School Equivalency Certificate
Work Activities
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Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
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Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
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Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
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Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
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Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others
Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Detailed Work Activities
- Provide educational materials to community members.
- Develop working relationships with others to facilitate program activities.
- Maintain social services program records.
- Plan programs to address community health issues.
- Present social services program information to the public.
Work Interests
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Social
Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.
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Investigative
Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
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Conventional
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
Job Outlook
Projected salary and job growth
$39630.0 - $107920.0
This career will grow rapidly in the next few years.
Assessment
Related assessments and tests
No assessment available.