Health Educator
The incumbent assumes responsibility for university-wide wellness programming in the areas such as: nutrition & weight management, tobacco cessation, responsible alcohol use, illicit drug use, self-management, sexual health, healthy lifestyles, protective behaviors, and reducing high-risk behaviors within the University community, particularly students. This is accomplished by conducting and utilizing various assessments; coordinating programs/initiatives applicable to the KU-Lawrence campus; and by collaborating with appropriate partners within the KU and local communities.
Some nights and weekends will be required for programming. In addition to programming, the incumbent may be responsible for the supervision of student employees and/or Peer Health Educators; and providing CPR instruction.
The incumbent in this position will see, hear, and possibly have access to confidential information that must be handled in accordance with all relevant state and federal laws and University policies and procedures regarding its use and disclosure.
WHS utilizes computer technology in all aspects of its operations, including an electronic health record system. The incumbent must become familiar with and be able to use the appropriate computer hardware and software programs associated with this position.
The incumbent must become familiar with and adhere to the WHS Customer Service Plan to ensure appropriate interaction and positive outcomes with both internal and external customers.
WHS is a unit within Student Affairs.
Job Description:
60% Responsible for planning and providing university-wide programming, in assigned health areas, to promote healthy lifestyles, encourage protective behaviors, and reduce high-risk behaviors within the University community, particularly students.
- Develops education programs concerning health and health behaviors in assigned priority areas by: 1) researching the health topic for appropriate issues; 2) designing the curriculum and any related materials; and 3) developing presentations for university students, staff, and faculty that are accurate and reflect optimum health care.
- Provides onsite education presentations on assigned topic areas at planned events and upon request by campus or community entities.
- Serves as the subject matter expert in assigned priority areas.
- Creates health education materials to be distributed.
- Uses multimedia programs and social media as part of the health education programs, as appropriate.
- Conducts and utilizes various assessments to identify most common health priorities and issues applicable to the KU-Lawrence campus; uses findings to design evidence-based health education programs; and evaluates programming efforts.
- Assists in other health center education related programs as requested.
- Provides a report on all activities on a routine basis to the Health Education Resource Office Program Manager.
- Meets with students on an individual basis regarding issues within assigned topic areas, providing education and counseling.
15% Supervise paid and volunteer Peer Health Educators, as required. Responsible for interviewing and hiring; proper training and resources; time management; and performance evaluation.
10% Provide CPR instruction to students, faculty, and staff as required.
5% Attend seminars, workshops, and meetings on health care topics and health education; utilizes acquired knowledge to develop and/or improve health education programs.
5% Participate on both WHS and University committees or work groups, as appropriate.
5% Perform work-related duties as requested by supervisor.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree from a 4 year college or university in Community Health Education or other-related field.
- Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) certification eligible.
- Minimum 6 months experience in assessment and data collection as well as program development and management.
- Minimum 2 years of college health work experience with a focus on programs/initiatives to reduce high-risk behaviors. One year of this experience may include internship, graduate assistantship, or master's degree projects.
- Work experience that required managing projects and delivering results.
- Current CPR certification.
Position Requirements:
- Must be available for programming during some evenings and weekends.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master’s degree from an accredited 4 year college or university in Community Health Education or other-related field.
- CHES certification.
- Certifications or ongoing training in specific areas of health and wellness (nutrition certifications, BASICS, trauma informed response, meditation, social justice, etc.)
- Computer proficiency in Microsoft Office.
- Experience with brief motivational interviewing.
- Experience working with college-aged students.
- Excellent communication skills as demonstrated by application.