Health Educator

TITLE:                  Health Educator

DIVISION:           Public Health

REPORTS TO:   Health Education Director

FLSA:                   Non-Exempt, Non-Medical (NE-NM)

CLASS:                Bargaining Unit

SALARY RANGE: $22.73 - $23.87 hourly 

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Health Educator is responsible for planning, coordinating, and providing health and wellness education throughout the lower seven counties in Illinois as assigned by the Health Education Director.  This position serves as a liaison between Southern Seven Health Department and various schools, communities, agencies and businesses.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Prepares and presents evidence-based health education curricula.
• Develops and presents educational material and presentations to schools, agencies, churches, and other community groups as assigned by his/her supervisor.
• Works with other staff members and follows all policies and procedures to ensure implementation and success of multiple health education programs.
• Coordinates programming and multiple projects to ensure that all grant deliverables are met.
• Completes and submits required reports, data forms, and narratives in a timely manner.
• Completes surveys, assessments, and assists in evaluating effectiveness of health education programs.
• Organizes and conducts focus groups within the community.
• Plans and coordinates community events according to specific program (s) guidelines.
• Promotes health for all age groups, including children, adolescents, and adults including appropriate and recommended health screenings and exams.
• Assists in creating community health plan that defines strategies for public health priorities.
• Reviews literature and attends meetings and trainings to keep abreast of scientific, educational, and medical developments in health education that may enhance the effectiveness of health education methodology and strategy.
• Collaborates with the Health Education Director in pursuing, preparing, and managing grants for program support, enhancement, or expansion.
• Assures the protection of human subjects for grants which require evaluation.
• Develops flyers, pamphlets, and/or other materials for the promotion of health sessions as per Southern Seven Health Department guidelines to ensure consistency of printed materials.
• Participates in appropriate staff and agency meetings (including but not limited to the Health Educator Team meeting).
• Participates in appropriate community and coalition meetings as a representative of Southern Seven Health Department as assigned by his/her supervisor.
• Complies with all standard operating procedures of Southern Seven Health Department regarding employee health and safety, including but not limited to OSHA regulations, CLIA, EPA regulations regarding waste disposal, use of appropriate personal protective equipment, and adheres to Exposure Control Plan.
• Assists other staff as clinic needs warrant.
• Complies and is familiar with the requirements of the policies and procedures adopted by Southern Seven Health Department as required by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Plans, sets up, and attends exhibits (outreaches) and/or health information with the seven-county service area to promote health and wellness.
• Participates in Emergency Preparedness Planning/Training.
• Serves on various agency committees as assigned by his/her supervisor but not limited to the following committees: safety, IPLAN, Healthy Lifestyles, Seven County Staffing, etc.
• Prepares and presents various health topics to Public Health and Head Start staff.

 TRAINING COMPONENT

Participates in continuing education and staff development through coaching, seminars, conferences, or work shops at personal or departmental expenses.

 ADDITONAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

     A. All duties necessary to meet requirements of agency programs.

 QUALIFICATIONS:

     A. Education, Training and Experience:

1. 1. 1. Requires a Bachelor degree in Health Education or an approved related degree
      2. Community Health Education Specialist (CHES) certification preferred and recommended.

      B. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge and use of modern office practices and procedures including basic computer skills.
• Knowledgeable and capable of dealing with persons of diverse socio-economic, educational, and cultural backgrounds.
• Knowledge and use of appropriate telephone etiquette.
• Ability to carry out detailed but basic oral and written instructions.
• Communicate effectively in written and verbal forms to small and large groups.
• Ability to plan, organize, and work cooperatively with others.

Self-motivated, acts independently, and initiates programmatic ideas.

    C. Certification and Other Requirements: 

          1.  Requirements: background/criminal check,  employer physical assessment, Mandated Reporter, valid                           driver’s license & auto liability insurance, and Initial Review Board (IRB) Training/Certification for persons                     working in grants requiring evaluation

          2. Recommendations: Hepatitis B Vaccine, CPR/First Aide

          3. Maintain home or message telephone

      D. Physical Requirements:

1. 1. Strength: Lift/carry up to 25 pounds on occasion and 10 pounds frequently.
   2. Movement:
      1. Routine: Sit, walk, or stand for prolonged periods of time.
      2. Lift horizontally and vertically, bend and stoop, push/pull, twist, carry, crouch, squat, kneel, crawl, climb, reach above shoulder level.
      3. Hear and understand speech at normal room levels and on the telephone.
      4. Occasion: Use near visual acuity to review both written documents and text on computer monitor. 
      5. Drive an automobile.
      6. Operate a telephone, keyboard and mouse.

      E.   Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure:  Minimal to moderate Occupational Exposure

"Southern Seven Health Department is an "Equal Opportunity Employer/Vet/Disabled"