보건 교육자 또는 지역 보건 종사자

Working Schedule

• Health Educators work in offices but might need to travel locally as part of their job. Community Health Workers spend even more time out and about, working with people in their community and hosting or attending events. Both roles are full-time, with occasional evening or weekend responsibilities. 

일반적인 업무

• Create and oversee education and training programs to serve local populations
• Determine citizen health and wellness needs; gather health data and study metrics
• Build relationships with individuals and groups; keep track of plans and programs 
• Promote healthy diets, exercise, and mental wellness measures
• Conduct outreach to underserved and at-risk communities
• Learn about local resources and direct people to suitable offices, as applicable
• Push community leaders to improve and emphasize health policies or fund projects
• Follow up with persons in high risk categories to ensure they’re on track and making progress on recommended courses of action
• Perform simple medical checks and screening
• Educate people about various health risks and precautions/preventative measures they can take, such as hygiene, dental care, diet, etc. 
• Advise survivors of domestic violence and keep in contact with appropriate agencies
• Check-in with women who are pregnant or recently gave birth
• Liaison with state agencies, including Medicaid or social services; help individuals become self-sufficient
• 추가 책임
• Offer feedback to local providers related to access barriers or other problem areas
• Be sensitive to cultural differences; work with non-native English speakers to explain programs and how they work
• Offer parenting training to include explaining child medical needs such as immunizations
• Partner with other health workers on area projects
• Serve on or lead health education teams
• Attend meetings; advertise services via flyers, social media, and other methods

소프트 스킬

• 동정심
• Cultural sensitivity and awareness
• Desire and aptitude to help others succeed
• Empathy and patience
• Great customer service skills
• Awareness of signs and symptoms of trauma
• Persuasive and motivated
• Resilience and composure 
• Resourcefulness 
• Skills for coordinating and instructing activities
• Sound judgment and decision-making, sometimes under pressure
• Clear communication skills (being bilingual is a bonus)
• Ability to understand the meaning of others when verbal communication is unclear
• Understanding of basic psychology

기술 능력

• Familiarity with computers and how to use web resources 
• Knowledge of printers, scanners, and photocopy equipment
• Spreadsheets and office applications
• Medical software such as MEDITECH
• Databases such as CDC WONDER, Blackboard
• Customer Relationship Management programs
• General website-building skills

• Government agencies
• Family and social service offices     
• Religious organizations    
• Hospitals and outpatient care centers    

Health Educators and Community Health Workers often serve on the frontlines, interfacing with individuals and community groups who’ve encountered significant hardships or barriers to access routine healthcare. In some cases they might engage with persons who’ve been exposed to illnesses or trauma. These critical yet sometimes underappreciated workers bear an enormous responsibility to help those in need, through education, counseling, support, or even direct general medical care. Sometimes their work can take an emotional toil, depending on the types of cases being handled and how frequently they encounter people who’ve survived extreme hardships. It’s up to the worker to stay resilient and calm, in order to best offer assistance. 

The job outlook for these careers is bright because local governments are recognizing the value of what Health Educators and Community Health Workers bring to the table. By educating people and directing them to proper resources, they’re able to improve outcomes and lower overall healthcare costs. 
 
For example, frequent emergency room visits by uninsured persons can be mitigated by aiding at-risk individuals who might struggle with health problems related to their environment and lifestyle. In many situations, community members have come from diverse backgrounds and may experience cultural or language barriers to getting help they need, so these workers can intervene and ensure such members’ issues are recognized and taken care of adequately. 

Health Educators and Community Health Workers are deeply compassionate people who may have developed their empathy by overcoming challenges of their own. They may have always enjoyed helping others, and perhaps were interested in finding ways to solve problems. They’re resilient and optimistic even in the face of adversity. In school they might have enjoyed social studies, biology, nutrition, physical education, or psychology. As “people persons,” they’re likely outgoing and comfortable working with groups.