208 Wellness Educator jobs in the United States

Salary: $29.67 - $5.59 Hourly
Location : Iowa City, IA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 00863
Department: Public Health
Opening Date: 07/14/2025
Closing Date: 7/27/2025 11:59 PM Central

Definition & Duties

Under general supervision provides health education, health promotion, and outreach activities to individuals and communities to promote, maintain, and improve health. Develops community partnerships to educate and implement behavior, environmental, policy, and/or system change. Collects and analyzes data for research, program evaluation, and presentation of public health programs. Supports the Community Health Educator in the planning and execution of programmatic activities.
Knowledge of & Ability to
Knowledge of:

• Public health prevention best practices relating to health issues and concerns for both chronic and infectious diseases, as applicable
• Principles and practices of community-based interventions, social determinants of health, and evidenced-based health promotion programs
• Principles and practices of program evaluation, quality improvement, and performance management
• Motivational interviewing
• Rapport-building skills
• Local community health services and agencies as part of the local public health system
• Human growth and behavior, especially as it relates to health risk behaviors
• OSHA regulations related to Universal Precaution procedures
• Healthy People 2030
• Concept of Chief Health Strategist
• Concept of Public Health 3.0
• Principles and regulations regarding security and disclosure of protected health information as it related to public health practice
• Development and coordination of public health policies with public and private organizations
• Federal, state, and private grant application and reporting practices
• English language to include grammar, spelling, punctuation, sentence structure and vocabulary skills

Ability to:

• Design and conduct culturally appropriate, evidence-based health education and planning programs for the department, community organizations, other professionals, and members of the public
• Plan, organize, promote, and evaluate events and activities, coalitions, and other public health initiatives to maximize participation, reach, and effectiveness
• Organize ideas and opinions clearly and concisely, orally and in writing, to convey broader strategic goals and tactical planning in formal and informal settings
• Organize and present evidence-based information and ideas clearly and concisely, orally, visually, and in writing, to individuals and in groups in either small or large settings (including radio, print, TV or streaming, media interviews, in person presentations, or group training)
• Comprehend, analyze, interpret and explain essential public health services to coworkers, colleagues and general public
• Interact and communicate effectively with persons from widely divergent backgrounds, interests, and points of view
• Maintain effective working relationships with health professionals, educators, appointed and elected officials, businesses, volunteer groups, community agencies, co-workers, and members of the public
• Assist in developing and implementing engagement processes that assure the informational exchange necessary to achieve appropriate plans and policies as well as identify potential barriers to new policy development and implementation
• Represent Johnson County and perform duties in a professional, responsible and trustworthy manner
• Learn, apply, and articulate departmental policies and procedures
• Maintain confidentiality and security of information as appropriate
• Apply State or Federal standards as they relate to programs
• Conduct program evaluation to include collecting and analyzing data, keeping accurate records and preparing reports
• Develop and execute Memorandums of Understanding/Agreement with public and private organizations
• Provide customer service that is courteous and responsive
• Be detailed and accurate while performing duties
• Use a computer for the purpose of data entry, spreadsheets, word processing, presentations, email and Internet
• Operate common office equipment such as calculators, fax and postage machines, photocopiers, personal computers, tablets, and multi-line telephones
• Handles low to moderate levels of stress, meet deadlines and solve problems appropriate to the position
• Follow oral and written instructions
• Have clarity of speech and hearing which permits effective communication
• Have sufficient vision which permits light to moderate production and review a wide variety of materials both in hardcopy and electronic form
• Have sufficient manual dexterity to make handwritten notations and which permits moderate use of a keyboard and mouse
• Have sufficient personal mobility to complete work at various facilities
• Stand, sit, squat, kneel, bend, twist, and reach
• Lift and/or move up to 25 pounds
• Work flexible schedule and occasional overtime as needed

Minimum Education, Training & Experience & Special Requirements
Bachelor's degree in public health, health promotion, or closely related health field and at one (1) year experience in conducting health education public health program activities; OR any equivalent combination of education and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.
Special requirements: Must pass background check. Valid driver's license and insurable under county liability coverage. Will require use of private vehicle or equivalent transportation for official business.

Specific Duties
to be performed satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodation.
The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

• Position is responsible for program activities such as:
  • Tobacco prevention control program, and/or
  • Community based health policy, system and/or environmental change
  • Chronic disease prevention programs
  • Other national, state, and local public health priorities
• Develops programs, materials, and events to inform the public and organizations about health priorities, chronic disease and or infectious diseases, as applicable, through tailored communications appropriate for different audiences and include considerations of language, health literacy, and/or cultural humility.
• Develops and implements engagement processes that achieve programmatic goals and policies and identify potential barriers to policy development and implementation.
• Conducts community health promotion, education, and outreach programs and activities according to best practices.
• Collects, analyzes, and summarizes data to learn about a particular community and improve programs and services.
• Designs and conducts culturally appropriate, evidence-based health education and planning programs for the department, community organizations, other professionals, and members of the public.
• Guides local decision and policy makers in drafting, passing and implementing comprehensive voluntary and involuntary health policies such as tobacco/nicotine-free policies at the individual organization level (rules, processes, and policies) as well as city and/or countywide level (resolutions/ordinances/laws).
• Guides and evaluates their work (individually or in teams).
• Assists with data collection and writes related descriptive narrative for local community health assessments.
• Assists with grant applications and related reports while maintaining and evaluating program data.
• Coordinates and/or participates in coalitions/committees on county, local and state levels as directed by grant objectives and division manager.
• Links persons living with infectious and/or chronic disease to health care and support services and serves as a community resource for health promotion and referral.
• Informs the community about infectious disease transmission, prevention and care, as needed.
• Participates in quality improvement and program evaluation including programs, divisional goals, and department wide efforts.
• Participates in emergency preparedness training and response as directed.
• Attends work-related conferences and seminars.
• Performs all work duties and activities in accordance with County policies, procedures, and safety practices.
• Attends work regularly at the designated place and time.

Resume and cover letter must be attached to online application.

For questions regarding this position please contact Kristy Lyman at or
Employee Benefits
The following is a summary of benefits for full-time, non-bargaining County employees. Benefits, privileges and duties for employees covered under a collective bargaining agreement may vary depending on specific contract provisions.

Compensation
Employees serve a six-month probationary period and are eligible for meritorious performance compensation increases based upon performance evaluations. Across the board compensation increases are considered by the Board of Supervisors, and are made effective July 1 annually.

Vacation

• During 1st through 4th years: 3 working weeks
• During 4th through 9th years: 4 working weeks
• During 9th through 19th years: 5 working weeks
• During 19th or later years: 6 working weeks

Holidays
12 paid holidays per year plus 2 personal holidays:

• New Year's Day
• Martin Luther King's Birthday
• President's Day
• Memorial Day
• Independence Day
• Juneteenth
• Labor Day
• Veteran's Day
• Thanksgiving Day and day after
• Christmas
• Floating Christmas holiday

Sick Leave
Accrues at the rate of 18 days per year on a per-pay period basis to a maximum accrual of 120 days. After accumulation of 90 sick days, employees may convert sick leave to vacation on a 4:1 basis.

Parental Leave
A paid two-week (80 hour) paid parental leave is provided to full-time benefit eligible parents to allow for child bonding time. This includes child's birth, adoption, placement in the home or court appointed guardianship.

Wellness Program
Voluntary wellness activities, screenings, educational opportunities and incentives are offered throughout the year for employees and their families.

Employee Assistance Program
Employees and their families may contact Synchrony for free EAP counseling and referral services.

Health Care Coverage
Eligible employees may elect health care coverage the first of the month following one full month of employment.

• Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Iowa is the third party administrator for this self-funded plan
• PPO with 90/10 in-network and 80/20 out-of-network co-insurance; 275 deductible single or 550 deductible family; 1000 out-of-pocket maximum single or 2000 out -of-pocket maximum family
• Single coverage is 32/month for eligible full-time employees; family coverage is 112.00/month.

Dental Care Coverage
Eligible employees may elect dental care coverage the first of the month following one full month of employment. Single coverage is paid by the County for eligible full-time employees; family coverage is a cost between the County and employee.

Vision Care Coverage
Eligible employees may elect vision care coverage the first of the month following one full month of employment. Single coverage is paid by the County for eligible full-time employees; family coverage is a cost between the County and employee.

Flexible Spending
Eligible employees may set aside pre-tax dollars to pay for out-of-pocket health, dental and vision expenses that are not reimbursable through another source. Employees may also set aside pre-tax dollars for dependent care expenses.

Life Insurance
Eligible full-time employees are covered after 60 days of employment. Coverage is 1 times annualized compensation rounded up to the nearest thousand in group term life insurance and AD&D. Max covered salary 100,000.

*Supplemental Life Insurance
The County offers to all benefit-eligible employees additional life insurance coverage that may be purchased for employees, spouses and children at guarantee basis.

Long-Term Disability
Eligible full-time employees are covered after 60 days of employment. County provides up to 2 years of long term disability coverage at 66 2/3% of the employees wages as a result of injury, sickness or pregnancy; employees may opt to purchase additional coverage.

IPERS
Iowa Public Employee Retirement System is a mandatory defined benefit retirement plan designed to supplement both Social Security and private savings. Non law-enforcement employees contribute 6.29% and the County contributes 9.44%.

Deferred Compensation (457)
A deferred compensation plan is offered that provides tax advantages and an additional means in which to save for retirement with an easy payroll deduction. Employees may select from several companies offering deferred compensation. The County will match up to 40/biweekly, and employees are vested on day 1.

Discounted Bus Pass
Full-time and part-time employees are eligible to purchase discounted bus passes for Iowa City Transit and Coralville Transit for commuting to/from their jobs as Johnson County employees. Bus pass availability is subject to available funds and continuation of the program.

Johnson County is an affirmative action equal opportunity employer.
Women, minorities and elderly are encouraged to apply.