Health Educator II (Health Start) - Benson/Sierra Vista at Cochise County – Benson, Arizona

NATURE OF WORK: Under general supervision performs work of moderate difficulty in a public health setting; providing home visiting services, which include education, support and advocacy through public health programs to pregnant and postpartum women, and families with children up to the age of 2; conducts outreach to community organizations; may perform other related work as assigned.
As defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following tasks, knowledge, skills, and other characteristics. This list is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by incumbents of this class.

TYPICAL DUTIES: (Illustrative Only) Uses established guidelines to evaluate and determine eligibility for the Health Start program; visits clients in their home; conducts health and developmental screenings for early identification of developmental delays, physical handicaps, or behavioral health needs and evaluates results; implements state-approved educational plans; provides preventive health and safety education; evaluates individuals and/or families for other health, economic, and social needs; maintains referral and outreach networks; conducts marketing and outreach to increase services; provides referrals of other social programs to enrolled families; ensures accurate documentation and recordkeeping; follows and adheres to a state-approved curriculum when delivering home visiting services.
Associate Degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher learning recognized by the US Department of Education in public health, health care, medical care, early childhood, special education, elementary education, secondary education, social work, or a related field PLUS one (1) year of related experience OR three (3) years of related experience including public health, health care, medical care, early childhood, special education, elementary education, secondary education, or social work. Must possess and maintain a valid Arizona driver's license and the ability to be covered by county insurance.

An equivalent combination of education and/or experience from which comparable knowledge, skills, and abilities have been achieved may be considered.
Working knowledge of:

• health education strategies and evidence-based home visiting practices;
• fundamental theories, concepts, and methods of health education;
• teaching and counseling methods applicable to health education;
• public health programs, functions, and services;
• basic health care practices and collection of health information;
• culturally responsive and family-centered service delivery;
• the principles of child learning and teaching skills;
• dynamics of social interaction and behavior.

Working skill in:

• communicating health information clearly and effectively to individuals and families;
• building rapport and establishing trusting relations with clients;
• gathering & evaluating data;
• implementing health education programs;
• interpreting and following policies and procedures;
• eliciting information through interviews and collecting client information;
• teaching and counseling techniques;
• demonstrating strong attention to detail and accuracy in all tasks;
• office practices and procedures to include the use of computer programs.

Ability to:

• conduct home visits with clients in a respectful, professional, and culturally responsive manner;
• perform home visits while maintaining professional boundaries and safety protocols;
• establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients, coworkers, other agencies, and the public;
• build rapport quickly with clients and provide support as appropriate;
• follow the program policies and procedures manual;
• prepare and maintain records, charts, and reports;
• follow written and verbal instruction;
• read, write, and speak English;
• communicate effectively verbally and in writing;
• work well with people of varied socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: Work is primarily performed under general supervision. Incumbent generally performs work in a typical office setting with appropriate climate controls. Visits to client homes and other offsite outreach locations may include unpredictable climate control and ventilation. Required to drive throughout the county.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Essential functions of this position require: lifting, manual dexterity, fine or large motor skills, ability to communicate.

Light Work: Exerting up to 20 pounds of force frequently lifting or carrying of objects weighing up to 10 pounds requires a good deal of walking or standing.

Mental Application: Utilizes memory for details, verbal instructions, emotional stability, critical thinking, adaptability and creative problem-solving skills are important.