Job Responsibilities of Community Health Specialists
- Research and Connect with Communities
- Public Education and Guidance
- Marketing and Outreach
- Strategic Development
- Providing Basic Health Services
Community health specialists typically fill roles that are focused on the care of a limited demographic, whether it’s serving people in a certain geographic area or patients matching specific criteria. Community health workers (CHWs) are often employed by government or state-sponsored organizations, although there are also career opportunities in corporate and non-profit environments. Many professional CHWs specialize their career so they can participate in long-term solutions to pressing community health concerns.
Research and Connect with Communities
Community health specialists have the advantage of serving a limited group of potential clients, which allows them to focus their attention on relevant cultural or regional issues. When taking on a new job, specialists often spend the first few weeks learning about the community they serve. This helps them understand how to connect and relate to their clients, which encourages long-term public engagement and participation.
Public Education and Guidance
One of the most important roles filled by CHWs is helping people access available resources and navigate the complexities of health service systems. People who don’t have access to accurate information or don’t have strong English language skills can easily miss out on opportunities. Health workers spend a lot of time communicating directly with individuals, families and groups to connect them with the resources and expertise they need.
Marketing and Outreach
Just as they educate and connect with people on a personal level, community health professionals also use digital tools to build a reputation with a larger audience. Social media and online portals are incredibly important for marketing and public outreach efforts. That means some CHWs apply their knowledge of health with technical and marketing skills to engage users through social media outlets. With around 8,000 community health centers serving over 20 million people in the United States, according to Forbes, digital marketing empowers centers to connect with far more people than conventional techniques.
Strategic Development
Health specialists with advanced education or strong experience in local health issues also play a role in health policy and strategy. Some experts offer their insight alongside other health professionals to develop, improve and implement policies that impact their community. Others assist at various points in the process by performing primary research, gathering feedback directly from members of the public and communicating with key contacts within the organization.
Providing Basic Health Services
Community health specialists aren’t usually expected to perform life-saving emergency medical treatments, but many still do provide essential health support to clients. Since CHWs may serve as the first point of contact for those seeking health services, they may have to provide basic counseling and emotional support. Workers also occasionally perform some basic health services, like disinfecting and bandaging a minor injury or taking a blood pressure reading.
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Understanding the challenges and factors influencing public health trends is essential for developing effective and lasting solutions. Service providers have to connect with communities so they can seek input and feedback to create programs that are practical and appealing to the public. Community health specialists take on many different roles during their careers, but all of these duties revolve around helping others and improving their quality of life.