10/22/1998 L0610

PUBLIC HEALTH EDUCATOR - LOCAL GOVERNMENT

DEFINITION:  This is professional work in the field of public health education.

An employee in this class performs professional work in the program of public  health education and is responsible for planning and implementing a public  health education program for a County Area Agency on Aging (AAA).  Work involves  the evaluation 
of area needs, determination of the best methods for serving  those needs, advising community groups and individuals on aspects of the AAA's  health educational program, and providing consultation for other health  disciplines.  Work may involve the 
determination of the best means and methods  of completing projects, consultations with community groups to gather data,  writing reports and articles, and preparing and giving oral presentations to  interested groups.  Work is performed under the direction 
of a professional or  administrative superior and is reviewed through periodic conferences, reports,  and evaluation of program effectiveness.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Plans and coordinates the AAA's public health education  program or assists in developing and administering a generalized program of  health education in an assigned region.

Assists in planning and directing workshops, health fairs, health screenings,  institutes, forums, and discussion groups to promote public health and health  education.

Assists in promoting health education packages for injury prevention,  incontinence, exercise and nutrition, medication management, depression/mental  health, alcoholism and chronic disabling conditions (e.g. osteoporosis, cancer  and stroke).

Prepares and delivers oral presentations on assigned health topics and on the  objectives and services of the AAA to interested groups.

Advises on the use of and maintains files on health related resources,  pamphlets, audio-visual aids, etc.

Conducts studies and surveys of public health education among older persons.

Coordinates volunteer and community resources, both public and private, on  behalf of health related services to the elderly.

Acts as a liaison to the Prime Time Health Committee to keep them informed on  the various health related programs and services being offered.

Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of the facilities, media,  methods and techniques of disseminating education information to the public.

Knowledge of educational psychology, adult education, group dynamics and  community organization.

Ability to learn the principles of public health education.

Ability to learn the programs and objectives of the local AAA.

Ability to use initiative and resourcefulness in gathering data and composing  articles and speeches on public health topics.

Ability to present ideas accurately, effectively and concisely, both orally and  in writing.

Ability to interpret public health subjects to community groups and individuals.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with  associates, representatives of state and local agencies and with community  groups.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: One year of experience as a health educator in  a public or private health agency or organization and the successful completion  of a Bachelor's Degree in Health Education or Public/Community Health Education 
from an accredited college or university;

                                  or

The successful completion of a Master's Degree in Public Health with a major in  Public Health Education from an accredited college or university.