05/22/2011 39110

PUBLIC HEALTH EDUCATOR 1

DEFINITION:

This is beginning level professional work in public health education.

An employee in this job participates in planning and implementing public health educational services for a district, or performs specialized public health education functions in one or more fields, such as immunization, injury prevention, wellness promotion, cancer prevention, or tobacco education on a state-wide basis. Work includes assisting in evaluating needs, determining the best methods to meet those needs and advising and educating community groups or the public about health issues, concerns, options and solutions. Work also includes helping to define the best methods to accomplish goals, gathering data, writing reports and articles, and preparing and giving oral presentations to interested groups. Duties are performed with increasing independence as experience is gained and with professional development. Work is directed by a professional or administrative supervisor and reviewed through periodic conferences, reports, and project evaluations.

EXAMPLES OF WORK:

Participates in planning and implementing public health education services such as specialized presentations, workforce development trainings, educational fairs, publications, posters, pamphlets, or videos for a district office.

Performs specialized state-wide public health education functions in one or more specific field(s), such as immunization, injury prevention, wellness promotion, cancer prevention or tobacco education.

Plans and conducts meetings and presentations to promote public health education.

Prepares and delivers oral presentations on assigned health topics or objectives and services of the public health agency.

Maintains a lending/resource system of print and audiovisual public health educational materials for public and professional use.

Compiles and analyzes data to identify behavioral and community patterns impacting on health status.

Serves as a public health advisor to agency programs and community groups or as a representative on appropriate boards and committees.

Provides advice and referral assistance to callers seeking health-related information.

Researches, compiles, writes or disseminates health educational material, in collaboration with the agency's Press Office, for the media.

Assists in planning, coordinating and evaluating public health initiatives.

Performs other related duties.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of public health principles and practices.

Knowledge of disease treatment and control methods in community settings.

Knowledge of public health services and resources.

Knowledge of data collection, manipulation and analysis techniques.

Ability to analyze and interpret written information.

Ability to present public health information.

Ability to communicate effectively orally.

Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING:

A bachelor’s degree including or supplemented by 24 credits in public health, public health education, health education, community health, health science, epidemiology, or a related field;

                                                                                                                                        or

An equivalent combination of experience and training that includes 24 college credits in public health, public health education, health education, community health, health science, epidemiology, or a related field.