Health Education Specialist
Salary
$72,675.20 - $88,400.00 Annually
Location
Merced County Department of Public Health 260 E 15th Street Merced, CA
Job Type
Full-time
Job Number
2600428
Department
Public Health
Opening Date
07/01/2026
Closing Date
Continuous
Bargaining Unit
06 Health Services
Examples of Duties
Duties may include, but are not limited to the following:
Organizes and implements public health education and prevention programs.
Counsels patients and provides referral assistance regarding methods to improve health.
Assists in the preparation of grant proposals.
Plans and conducts in-service health education and training programs.
Maintains liaisons between the Health Department and other public and private agencies, community organizations, and professional groups.
Assists in the preparation of marketing strategies and distributes health education materials.
Participates in health education programs, conferences and community programs.
Provides assistance to individuals and community groups to obtain health education and prevention information.
Assists in the preparation of health education protocols for state mandated programs.
Implements strategies to raise awareness of health issues.
Responds to requests for information from the public.
Minimum Qualifications
Experience:
One (1) year of experience organizing, coordinating, and conducting Public Health education and prevention programs for health professionals, community groups, and individuals.
Education:
Equivalent to graduation from a four-year college with major courseworkin public or community health, social or behavioral health, nutrition,or closely related field (additional qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis).
License:
Possess a valid California drivers license at time of appointment and maintain.
SOME POSITIONS IN THIS CLASSIFICATION WILL BE SUBJECT TO CRIMINAL HISTORY BACKGROUND CHECKS PURSUANT TO THE HUMAN RESOURCES RULES AND REGULATIONS, SECTION 2, B.
Essential Functions
Operate a personal computer and other office equipment.
Communicate effectively with others in person and over the telephone.
Analyze data, interpret directions, procedures and regulations, and develop appropriate responses.
Perform job duties under stressful conditions.
Respond appropriately to situations.
Maintain confidential information in accordance with legal standards and/or County regulations.
Establish, implement and achieve goals and objectives.
Frequent use of depth perception, peripheral vision and color perception.
Frequently lift, carry, reach, push, pull, twist and manipulate large and small objects.
Frequent use of hand-eye coordination.
Normal dexterity, frequent holding and grasping.
Occasionally lift and carry up to 40 pounds.
Regular attendance is an essential function.
Knowledge of:
Principles, methods, techniques, and materials of public health education.
Functions, programs and services of both public and privates agencies involved in health education activities.
Counseling and education techniques.
Social and cultural differences.
Basic public health statistical and survey methods.
Marketing strategy.
Ability to:
Communicate effectively orally in order to give presentations to local community groups.
Communicate effectively in writing.
Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships.
Assess need for public education on health issues.
Implement and assist in the evaluation of health education programs for staff and community groups.
Understand and follow instructions and procedures.
Why Merced County? A message from the CEO
HOLIDAYS & LEAVES
VACATION
10 days the first 5 years of continuous employment (limited to a maximum of 160 hours), 15 days in the second 5 years of continuous employment (limited to a maximum of 240 hours), and 20 days after 10 years of continuous employment (limited to a maximum of 320 hours).
SICK LEAVE
0.0625 hours sick leave for each paid regularly scheduled work hour. 16 days (130 hours per year) with unlimited accumulation. Optional annual buy back of a portion of accumulated sick leave hours upon meeting certain criteria.
HOLIDAYS
Twelve paid holidays annually plus two optional holidays.
BEREAVEMENT LEAVE
Five (5) regularly scheduled workdays.
INSURANCE
HEALTH INSURANCE
Medical Insurance - Merced County offers multiple Medical Plans and contributes towards employee and dependent premiums.
Dental Insurance - Delta Dental
Vision Insurance - VSP
DISABILITY INSURANCE
State Disability Insurance (SDI)
Merced County non-management employees are enrolled in the State Disability Insurance Program (SDI). Premiums for this insurance are paid by the employee. This insurance is administered solely by the State, who determines eligibility and payments. Benefit amounts are based on the quarter with the highest wages earned within the base period.
LIFE INSURANCE
County-paid Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance
Voluntary Term and Whole Life Insurance are available - premium paid by employee
RETIREMENT
DEFERRED COMPENSATION
The County offers a 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan. Employees choose their investment funds and can make pre-tax or post-tax contributions to the plan up to the maximum allowable.
MERCED COUNTY EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT ASSOCIATION
The retirement plan is a defined benefit plan administered pursuant to the County Employees Retirement Law of 1937 and other provisions of the California Government Code. MCERA members also pay into Social Security. The applicable benefit formula is dependent upon your hire date with an MCERA employer; your pension amount will be determined by your age, years of service and final compensation amount.
EXTRA HELP EMPLOYEES DO NOT QUALIFY FOR COUNTY BENEFITS.
EMPLOYEE PROGRAMS
EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (EAP)
Anthem EAP services provide up to five face-to-face counseling sessions per incident and provides a toll-free "800" hotline available 24/7 for emergencies and crisis intervention. EAP services include counseling services, legal services, financial services and work-life resource services.
EMPLOYEE TICKETS, COUPONS, and DISCOUNTS
The County of Merced has partnered with Employee Savings Tickets to provide discounted coupons and tickets for all county employees to attractions throughout the state and out-of-state. The discounts and coupons are available for shopping, movies, sporting events, theme parks, zoos and aquariums and much more.
THIS BULLETIN IS NOT A CONTRACT AND DOES NOT CREATE CONTRACTUAL OR LEGAL RIGHTS ON BEHALF OF ANY EMPLOYEE. THIS BULLETIN IS SUBJECT OF BEING SUPPLEMENTED, MODIFIED, WITHDRAWN OR OTHERWISE CHANGED PENDING LABOR AGREEMENTS AND/OR AT THE DISCRETION OF THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE OFFICER OR AS THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS DEEM NECESSARY.
For answers to specific questions regarding employee benefits, please call Human Resources at 209.385.7356.
01
Describe a health education, outreach, or community engagement initiative that you planned and implemented. What was your role, how did you identify the need, and how did you evaluate its effectiveness?
02
Describe a time you had to communicate complex or technical information to a non-technical audience. How did you ensure your message was clear and effective?
03
Public health professionals frequently collaborate with community partners and stakeholders. Describe a time you built or maintained a successful partnership to achieve a common goal. What challenges did you encounter, and how did you address them?
Required Question
Employer Merced County
Address 2222 M Street
Merced, California, 95340
Phone (209) 385-7682
(209) 385-7682
Website http://www.countyofmerced.com