HEALTH EDUCATOR II

DEFINITION

This is mid-level professional work for the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services in developing and coordinating public health education and health promotion activities.

This description may not include all of the duties, knowledge, skills or abilities associated with this classification.

EXAMPLES OF WORK

Collects and reviews data regarding major health concerns and formulates health education plans.

Participates in the development and implementation of specialized health education, behavioral risk reduction, and health promotion programs for schools, worksites, communities, and individuals; provides health intervention strategies that meet specified and measurable objectives.

Collects, analyzes, and disseminates information regarding major health problems, behavioral risk factors, and health attitudes and knowledge, using epidemiological procedures; formulates disease prevention and health promotion strategies.

Assists state and local health leaders, consultants and task groups to define health promotion goals, establish objectives, determine program priorities and evaluation criteria.

Works with senior level health educators in the development and implementation of health education, behavioral risk reduction, and health promotion programs, or independently handles assigned components of a health education program.

Maintains extensive public contacts; acts as a liaison with local health department staff, community organizations, government agencies, businesses and schools; provides technical assistance and training at the local, regional or state level.

Provides technical assistance and in-service training to program personnel.

Establishes and maintains liaison with other agencies and organizations to fulfill program objectives; serves as a resource and facilitator.

Compiles reports, prepares speeches and delivers addresses to civic and professional groups.

Maintains knowledge and skills in health education and health promotion research through review of professional literature, participation in conferences and continuing education.

Develops various educational materials such as brochures, exhibits, videotapes and slides; employs mass media, group process, and counseling techniques in health education, health promotion, and behavioral risk reduction program activities.

Conducts surveys and participates in research projects.

Provides assistance regarding the submission of applications for health education program funds; monitors existing programs for compliance with federal and state regulations.

Exercises significant independence and initiative in the performance of responsibilities; receives general administrative direction.

Performs other related work as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs)

Intermediate knowledge of the current principles, practices and processes employed in the health education and health promotion component of a public health program.

Intermediate knowledge of the principles, techniques and application of behavioral epidemiology as related to health education and health promotion.

Intermediate knowledge of the psychological, social, economic and cultural determinants of behavior and methods to promote healthy lifestyles.

Intermediate knowledge of educational methods, learning theories and techniques of developing and presenting health education to individuals and groups.

Intermediate knowledge of community organization principles, resources and community health needs.

Intermediate knowledge of current trends and developments in public health, medical sciences and health care.

Intermediate knowledge of research methods as applied to health education and health promotion.

Ability to plan, administer, implement, and evaluate health education and health promotion programs for various populations.

Ability to prepare surveys, statistical reports, and conduct research.

Ability to effectively communicate complex medical information and present ideas effectively to civic and community groups and public officials.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, community groups and the general public.

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION

(The following requirements will determine merit system eligibility, experience and education ratings, and may be used to evaluate applicants for Missouri Uniform Classification and Pay System positions not requiring selection from merit registers. When practical and possible, the Division of Personnel will accept substitution of experience and education on a year-for-year basis.)

A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a minimum of 24 earned credit hours in Health Education or Health Promotion; and,

Two or more years of responsible health education and/or health promotion experience in one or a combination of the following: public health, community or worksite health promotion, comprehensive school health education, patient education, health education research, or teaching at the college/university level.

(24 earned graduate credit hours from an accredited college or university in the specified areas of Health Education, Health Promotion, or Public Health with 15 or more earned credit hours in Health Education may substitute for a maximum of one year of the required experience.)

(Revision 5/24/06)