Public Health

Health Education Specialist

SOC 21-1091.00 · ESCO 2263

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Role snapshot

Overview

Develops and delivers programs that teach communities about nutrition, disease prevention, and healthy habits. Evaluates program effectiveness using surveys and health outcome data to improve public health outcomes. This role involves planning, implementing, and assessing health education strategies and interventions.

Improves community health by empowering individuals with knowledge and resources to make healthier choices, reducing disease incidence and promoting overall well-being.

On the job

  • Assess community health needs and develop targeted health education programs
  • Design and distribute health education materials, such as brochures, presentations, and social media content
  • Conduct workshops, classes, and presentations on various health topics for diverse audiences
  • Collaborate with community leaders, healthcare providers, and other stakeholders to promote health initiatives
  • Evaluate the effectiveness of health education programs through data collection and analysis, and make recommendations for improvement
Health Education Specialist at work

Tools & technology

Microsoft Office SuiteSurveyMonkeyCanvaPublic Health DatabasesSocial Media Platforms

Average salary

$65K
MEDIAN SALARY Annual · USD
$45K Bottom 10%
$90K Top 10%

Job outlook

Growing

Job growth is expected to be above average over the next five years.

Education & training

Bachelor's degree in public health, health education, or a related field. Master's degree often preferred for advanced roles.

Career pathways

WHERE YOU COULD GO

Senior Health Education Specialist
Health Program Manager

CURRENT ROLE

Health Education Specialist

Public Health

ADJACENT MOVES

Public Health Analyst
Community Health Worker
Health Promotion Coordinator
Health Education Intern

STARTING POINTS

Who thrives here

Interest profile

S

social · SIC

People who enjoy teaching, helping others, and working with communities to promote healthy living, often through structured programs and data-driven evaluation, tend to thrive in this role.

Personality characteristics

Open-minded

Eager to explore new health education methods and adapt to diverse community needs.

Organized

Systematically plans, implements, and evaluates health programs, managing multiple projects effectively.

Engaging communicator

Comfortable presenting complex health information clearly and persuasively to varied audiences.

Collaborative

Enjoys working with community members, partners, and colleagues to achieve shared health goals.

Resilient

Maintains composure and effectiveness when facing community challenges or program setbacks.

Best for

  • Individuals passionate about health promotion and community well-being.
  • Those who enjoy both creative program design and systematic evaluation.
  • People who thrive in collaborative environments and enjoy public speaking.

Watch out for

  • Requires frequent interaction with various community groups, which may be challenging for those preferring solitary work.
  • Program evaluation and data analysis demand attention to detail and analytical skills.
  • Occasional weekend work may be required for community events and health fairs.

A week in the life

A representative working week for a Health Education Specialist — where the deep work, meetings, and admin actually land.

8am9am10am11am12pm1pm2pm3pm4pm5pm6pm
Mon
Team program planning meeting
Research best practices for health campaigns
Develop presentation materials for upcoming workshop
Community needs assessment data review
Tue
Outreach calls to community partners
Design health promotion flyers and social media content
Site visit to local school for program coordination
Respond to community inquiries
Wed
Deliver 'Healthy Eating' workshop at community center
Post-workshop participant feedback collection
Collaborate with epidemiologist on disease prevention strategy
Draft grant proposal for new initiative
Thu
Analyze survey data from recent health campaign
Prepare impact report for stakeholders
Attend professional development webinar on health communication
Fri
Weekly check-in with supervisor
Update program budget and administrative tasks
Plan next week's community engagement activities
Deep work Meeting External Social Admin

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