Health Educator
For more than 55 years, Family Health Centers of San Diego's (FHCSD) mission has been to provide caring, affordable, high-quality health care and supportive services to everyone, with a special commitment to uninsured, low-income and medically underserved persons.
FHCSD is one of the top 10 largest federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) in the country. We operate more than 90 sites across San Diego County, including 29 primary care clinics, 23 behavioral health facilities, 10 physical rehabilitation clinics, nine dental clinics, five vision clinics, four outpatient substance use treatment programs, three mobile medical units, two mobile counseling centers, two urgent care centers, and a pharmacy.
Our staff provides care to over 227,000 patients each year, of whom 91% are low-income and 29% are uninsured. FHCSD provides care to all. Services include, but are not limited to adult care, chronic disease management, pediatrics, comprehensive women's care including obstetrics, dental, vision, case management, physical rehabilitation, speech therapy for children, vaccinations, infectious diseases, behavioral health, substance use counseling and a host of specialty services including cardiology, podiatry, endocrinology, dermatology, among others. FHCSD also offers supportive services to those who are unsheltered and in need of intensive case management.
The breadth of our clinic locations, services and programs has grown over the last five decades, making us the largest community clinic provider of health care to the uninsured in the county and one of the top 10 largest community clinic organizations in the nation. We are also the largest health care safety-net provider, largest school-based health care provider and the largest mental health provider in the San Diego region.
Job Roles
As a Health Educator for Family Health Centers of San Diego, you support the planning, implementation, and delivery of health education topics for our patients. You provide individual and group education, and participate in community events and engagement activities. You support the mission of FHCSD by creating culturally and linguistically appropriate curriculums, planning programs, delivering education, and evaluating effectiveness. You have a passion for community health promotion, for serving the medically underserved, and you understand how to communicate health topics in meaningful, relevant ways.
Assists in project data collection, evaluation activities, and required reporting. Completes all required documentation accurately, in a timely manner, and thoroughly in accordance with department standards; in addition, documentation complies with program/grant requirements.
Individually and/or with a team, plans, creates, and develops health education topic outlines and curriculums, incorporating various learning techniques and formats (i.e., group discussion, lectures, role-play, etc.). Reviews and assists in determining the linguistic and cultural appropriateness of materials, teaching aids, activities, methods, strategies, programs, etc. Review the efficacy of materials and programs and provides positive, action-oriented feedback. Assists with the translation and/or revisions of translated materials as appropriate.
Performs group/individual assessments and counseling and provides patients with current, accurate health information. Ensures maximum utilization of schedules by proactively managing visits, including scheduling follow-up appointments, calling no-shows, working with recall technicians, PSRs, and Case managers.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Provides group classes and staffs community events for health education topics, ensuring correct material is delivered in culturally appropriate and relevant ways.
Education/Certifications/Licenses/Registrations
2 years of experience delivering health education, preferably in a community health setting.
Bachelor's degree in Health Education, Health Science, Nutritional Science, Public Health, Communications, or closely related field required. Master's degree preferred.
Or equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the skills, knowledge and ability to perform the essential job duties, and which meets any required state or federal certification requirements.
Specific Certifications may be required or preferred depending on assignment (i.e., CA HIV Test Counselor, limited CPT certification for waived testing, lactation certification, etc.)
FOR THE FAMILY PLANNING DEPARTMENT (105) ONLY: FPHW Certification Required upon hire, or obtained within 90 days of hire. CPSP Certification Required upon hire, or obtained within 7 days of hire.
FOR THE PRENATAL SUPPORT SERVICE DEPARTMENT (119) ONLY: FPHW Certification Required upon hire, or obtained within 90 days of hire. CPSP Certification Required upon hire, or obtained within 7 days of hire.
Experience/Specialized skills (including Language)
Ability to conduct research and investigate latest trends and best practices on health education topics.
Ability to work effectively with patients and community members from diverse social, cultural and economic groups.
Ability to work well in both a team-based environment and independently.
Basic computer literacy ability to comply with department needs and expectations (i.e., electronic medical record documentation, obtaining background information and reports on patients, following up on appts, etc).
Bilingual in Spanish/English or other language may be required depending on assignment.
Demonstrated ability to be culturally sensitive and respect diversity.
Good written and verbal communication skills.
Knowledge of adult and child education techniques, practices, and tools.
Knowledge of current health science theories and best practices, and ability to translate best practices into meaningful, culturally appropriate resources.
Knowledge of the community resources, health and social service systems in San Diego County and skill in establishing working relationships with community partners.
Strong interpersonal and customer service skills.
Physical Requirements/Working Environment
Bending (neck): OCCASIONALLY (1 - 3 HRS)
Bending (waist): OCCASIONALLY (1 - 3 HRS)
Carrying 0 - 10 lbs: FREQUENTLY (3 - 6 HRS)
Carrying 11 - 25 lbs: OCCASIONALLY (1 - 3 HRS)
Carrying 25 - 50 lbs: RARELY (0-1 HRS)
Carrying 51 - 75 lbs: NEVER
Carrying 75 lbs: NEVER
Climbing (ladder): NEVER
Climbing (stairs): RARELY (0-1 HRS)
Driving: To drive from one clinic or another, or in the community: REGULAR DRIVING (MORE THAN 3 DAYS PER WEEK)
Exposure to blood borne pathogens and biohazards: YES
Exposure risk to aerosol-transmitted diseases-YES
Exposure to dust, gas, fumes, or chemicals: Educational supplies, office supplies. Exposure to patient home environments and community engagement sites.
Fine manipulation: FREQUENTLY (3 - 6 HRS)
Kneeling: RARELY (0-1 HRS)
Lifting 0 - 10 lbs: FREQUENTLY (3 - 6 HRS)
Lifting 11 - 25 lbs: OCCASIONALLY (1 - 3 HRS)
Lifting 25 - 50 lbs: RARELY (0-1 HRS)
Lifting 51 - 75 lbs: NEVER
Lifting over 75 lbs: NEVER
Power Grasping: RARELY (0-1 HRS)
Pulling 0 - 10 lbs: FREQUENTLY (3 - 6 HRS)
Pulling 11 - 25 lbs: OCCASIONALLY (1 - 3 HRS)
Pulling 25 - 50 lbs: RARELY (0-1 HRS)
Pulling 51 - 75 lbs: NEVER
Pulling over 75 lbs: NEVER
Pushing 0 - 10 lbs: FREQUENTLY (3 - 6 HRS)
Pushing 11 - 25 lbs: OCCASIONALLY (1 - 3 HRS)
Pushing 25 - 50 lbs: RARELY (0-1 HRS)
Pushing 51 - 75 lbs: NEVER
Pushing over 75 lbs: NEVER
Reaching