Health Educator

Salary : $82,499.04 - $99,064.16 Annually
Location : County of Santa Barbara - All locations, CA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 25-3910-01 (O)
Department: County Health Department
Opening Date: 04/07/2025
Closing Date: 5/5/2025 5:00 PM Pacific

Description
SALARY
$39.66 - $47.63 Hourly
82,499.04 - $99,064.16 Annually
The County of Santa Barbara Health department is seeking dedicated and dynamic Health Educators to promote community wellness through innovative public health programs. This is a rewarding opportunity to make a meaningful impact by advancing health initiatives that serve and support our communities!
We are accepting applications to fill two (2) full-time Health Educator positions within the Nutrition Services Program in Santa Barbara and one (1) full-time Health Educator position within the Tobacco Prevention and Control Program (TPCP) Countywide.
We are also accepting applications to establish one employment list for future Full-Time, Part-Time, *Extra Help, and **1414 vacancies for Health Educatorsin Santa Barbara County.
*Civil Service Rule 905. Extra Help Appointment.An extra help appointment is defined as an appointment made to a non-regular, non-permanent position established on a temporary basis to meet peak loads, unusual work situations, seasonal and recurrent work, intermittent assignments, or emergencies. These positions are exempt from the Provisions of the Civil Service Rules.
**Civil Service Rule 1414. Appointment to Fill Vacancy During Leave of Absence.1414 vacancies may occur as a result of a leave of absence and the duration of the appointment shall be subject to the return of the individual who is on leave. A person who is appointed to a position under Civil Service Rule 1414 may be able to transition into a regular position in the classification without re-application or re-testing, depending on the performance of the appointee and the needs of the department.
Please select the location(s) you would like to be considered for current and future vacancies. If you qualify for this position, pass the required selection steps and are in the area of selection, then your name may be sent to the hiring manager(s) of the vacancy location(s) where you have expressed that you are willing to work.

Please note: Incumbents will be required to travel within the County and outside the County.

BENEFITS: The County of Santa Barbara offers generous benefits. Click on the Benefits Tab above or to view more information.
In addition, applicants from other public sector employers may qualify for:

• Retirement reciprocity
• Time and service credit towards an advanced vacation accrual rate

POSITION: Under direction, plans, evaluates, and coordinates the activities and staff of a public health education program within the County Health department; conducts health education presentations; and performs related duties as required.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: This class is the professional-level classification in the health education series. Incumbents are assigned to administer and coordinate the health education activities of a specialized program, such as nutrition, cancer prevention, tobacco prevention, and HIV/AIDS services.
This class is distinguished from Health Education Associate by the Educator's administrative responsibility for a specialized program countywide. Incumbents may supervise subordinate staff.
This class is distinguished from Health Care Program Coordinator by the Coordinator's higher level of responsibility for a wider scope and/or more complex programs, a larger and more complex budget, and the number and level of staff supervised.
THE IDEAL CANDIDATE will possess:

• The ability to work effectively as part of a team;
• A commitment to providing education and services to medical providers, schools and community members;
• The ability to develop strong relationships with internal and external partners;
• Communicable disease related experience;
• Experience working with diverse populations;
• Strong verbal and written communication skills;
• Strong proficiency with Microsoft Word and PowerPoint;
• Professional experience relevant to the field and aligned with the goals of the hiring program.
• Public health program planning, implementation, and evaluation experience.

ABOUT THE PROGRAMS:
Nutrition Services Program:

The Health Educator is a member of the Nutrition Services team within the County Health department. The Health Educator assists in programmatic projects at a county-wide level for Nutrition Services participants and community partners. Core activities include collaborating with community partners to reach shared nutrition and physical activity goals, such as active transportation, school wellness policies, and Parks Rx initiatives, as well as providing direct education and outreach to healthcare providers and community members on topics such as nutrition, physical activity, breast feeding, and WIC. The Health Educator will develop and conduct staff trainings.
Nutrition Services Mission Statement: The mission of Nutrition Services is to provide quality nutrition, physical activity, and breastfeeding education and support to the members of the Santa Barbara County community. Our goal is to promote optimal health in an atmosphere of dignity and respect.
To learn more about this program, please visit:
Tobacco Program:

The Tobacco Prevention Program provides a variety of education, cessation, and enforcement services to prevent youth from beginning tobacco and electronic smoking device use, to help tobacco users quit, and to protect the public from the harmful effects of secondhand smoke. Our goals are; to prevent non-smokers from becoming tobacco users, to assist smokers in their efforts to quit, and to protect the public from the harmful effects of tobacco and secondhand smoke. Educational materials and resource information are available, as are professional training and assistance with tobacco-related issues, including questions about smoking laws.?

To learn more about this program, please visit:
CLICK HERE to learn more about the County of Santa Barbara Health
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Examples of Duties

• Plans, develops, and coordinates public health education programs designed to prevent disease, promote health, and prolong life; directs and participates in needs assessment, development of program plans, and goals and objectives;
• Develops procedures needed to accomplish program objectives and ensure compliance with State guidelines; supervises and coordinates the work of Health Education Associates and clerical support staff; selects, orients, and trains staff;
• Develops and prepares grant applications to secure funds for the specialized program, and other program documents or reports; monitors program expenditures;
• Assists with the development of contracts and monitors services; compiles data for development of the program budget;
• Identifies staffing needs, salaries, supplies, and proposed sources of funding; prepares and distributes health education material including pamphlets, articles, and visual aids;
• Consults with members of community organizations, public and private groups, health professionals, and school officials in developing effective health education programs;
• Provides in-service training on public health issues to health care, social service, and community groups; interprets and provides technical expertise on health issues and departmental services to interested groups;
• Establishes and maintains reference files and records; conducts health education presentations to explain health and nutrition concepts to program participants.

Employment Standards

Possession of a master's degree in Public Health from a school of public health recognized by the American Public Health Association; OR,

Possession of a bachelor's degree in Public Health, Health Education, Community Health, or a related field, and two years of progressively responsible experience in community health education including: developing, evaluating, and coordinating health education programs and activities; conducting needs assessments; and developing and preparing grant applications or contracts; OR,

A combination of training, education, and experience that is equivalent to one of the employment standards listed above and that provides the required knowledge and abilities.

Additional Qualifications:

• Possession of a valid California Class C Driver's License may be required at the time of appointment.
• Incumbents will be required to travel within the County and outside the County.
• Specific positions in this class may require a master's degree in public health, and may also require additional job-related knowledge and abilities.

Knowledge of: principles and practices of health education; program planning and development; program evaluation methods; public relations methods; report writing techniques; grant application or contract development and preparation; proper English usage and grammar; research methods; the sociological characteristics and health education needs of the community served; control of diseases; community organizations, resources, and services; methods of developing and presenting educational materials; group dynamics and human behavior; community outreach techniques.

Ability to: evaluate the health education needs of program participants; conduct surveys; develop and prepare a variety of reports and documents; collect and analyze data, draw conclusions, and make recommendations; plan, organize, and implement services; coordinate program activities; delegate work; plan and evaluate the work of staff; train staff; gain support and cooperation from the community; communicate verbally and in writing with individuals from diverse socio-economic and ethnic backgrounds; exercise independent judgment; classify and categorize health education materials; maintain working relationships with staff, the public, professional groups or individuals, and program participants; conduct and facilitate group presentations; work independently.

Supplemental Information
APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCESS

Review applications and supplemental questionnaires to determine those applicants who meet the employment standards.

Supplemental Questionnaire Ranking: Responses to the required supplemental questionnaire will be evaluated and scored. Candidates' final score and rank on the employment list will be determined by their responses to the supplemental questionnaire. This process may be eliminated if there are fewer than 12 qualified candidates.

Candidates must receive a percentage score of at least 70 on the supplemental questionnaire ranking to be placed on an employment list. An adjustment may be made to raw scores based on factors listed in Civil Service Rule VI. Those candidates who are successful in the selection process will have their names placed on the employment list for a minimum of three months. At the time the employment list is established, all candidates will receive written notice of their score on the exam(s), rank on the employment list, and exact duration of the employment list.
Veteran's Preference Credit: is applicable for this recruitment (5 points for veterans, 10 points for disabled veterans). To be eligible for this credit, you must be applying for this position within five years from your most recent date of: (1) honorable discharge from active military service; or, (2) discharge from a military or veterans' hospital where treatment and confinement were for a disability incurred during active military service; or, (3) completion of education or training funded by a Federal Educational Assistance Act. No time limit exists for veterans with 30% or more disability. To receive veteran's preference points, you must: (1) check the Veteran's Preference Points box on the employment application form, (2) submit a copy of your Form DD214 to the Human Resources Department on or before the closing date, and (3) pass all phases of the examination process. The preference points will be added to your final test score.
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS: The County of Santa Barbara is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to applicants. Qualified individuals with disabilities who need a reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process should contact the recruiter listed on the job posting. We require verification of needed accommodation from a professional source, such as a Medical Provider, or learning institution.
Recruiters will communicate with applicants by e-mail during each step in the recruitment process. Applicants are reminded to check spam filters continuously during the Recruitment & Selection Process steps listed above to ensure they do not miss required deadlines.
The County of Santa Barbara Health (County Health) department requires all employees working in direct contact with patients or clients in a high-risk environment to comply with the County Health Employee Immunizations policy. This can be accomplished by providing documentation of immunizations, submitting laboratory immune titers demonstrating adequate immunity, or obtaining required vaccinations. A list of requirements, based on the specific program, will be sent at the time an offer letter is presented to the selected candidate(s) and initial documentation will be required at this time.
Conditional Job Offer: Once a conditional offer of employment has been made, the selected candidate will be required to successfully complete a background check, which includes a conviction history check and satisfactory reference checks. Appointee will also be subject to a post-offer medical examination. Appointee must satisfactorily complete a (12) twelve-month probationary period.
Disaster Service Workers: Pursuant to Governmental Code section 3100, all employees with the County of Santa Barbara are declared to be disaster service workers subject to such disaster service. Activities as may be assigned to them by their superiors or by law.
STATEMENT OF COMMITMENT

The County of Santa Barbara provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination, harassment, and retaliation of any type with regard to any characteristic or status protected by any federal law, state law, or Santa Barbara County ordinance. The County continues to be committed to a merit-based selection process and to eliminating barriers to attracting and retaining top qualified candidates. The County has a long-standing practice of providing a work environment that respects the dignity of individual employees and values their contributions to our organization.
APPLICATION AND SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE DEADLINE: 05/05/25 by 4:59 PM (PST); Applications and job bulletins can be obtained 24 hours a day at
Farrah Medrano, Talent Acquisition Lead
County Health,
Retirement Plans

• Generous County Defined Benefit Plan
• Eligible to participate in 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan
• Retirement Reciprocity with CalPERS, CalSTRS, and 1937 Act plans
• For more information on our retirement plans, please visit: and

Health Benefits

• Choice of dental, vision and medical plans. In addition to the Benefit Allowance noted above, the County contributes toward medical premiums and dental premiums
• On-Site Employee Health Clinics in Santa Barbara and Santa Maria which provide ongoing and episodic services to eligible employees and their eligible dependents
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offers free, confidential assistance with personal and workplace problems to employees and their immediate family members
• Healthcare Advocacy Program to help employees navigate the complexities of health plan benefits
• Available Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Account (HSA), Supplemental Term or Whole Life Insurance, Personal Accident Insurance, Critical Illness Insurance, Accident Insurance and more!
• For more information on our health benefits, please visit:

Paid Time Off

• Vacation Leave 12 to 25 days per year depending on length of public employment
• Sick Leave 12 days annually with unlimited accumulation, one year of which can be converted to service credit upon retirement
• Paid Holidays based on bargaining unit (view the compensation summary for this bargaining unit, link below)
• Alternative Transportation Benefit (TDM) up to 2 days of additional vacation for using alternative methods of commuting
• For more information on Paid Time Off please view the Compensation Summary for this bargaining unit (available below)

Miscellaneous Benefits

• County Paid Term Life Insurance
• County Paid Long Term Disability Insurance
• Childcare and Employee Discounts
• Relocation Assistance may apply
• Flexible work schedule may apply
• For more information on all of these benefits, please visit:

Compensation Summary

• To view the Compensation Summary specific to the bargaining unit for this position (link to full Memorandum of Understanding also available at bottom of the summary), please visit:

*This benefits list is for convenience only; please refer to the Memorandum of Understanding for complete details of terms and conditions. Amounts are generally prorated for part-time employment.
01

I acknowledge that it is my responsibility as an applicant to provide sufficient information on my application to demonstrate that my education and experience meet the employment standards (minimum qualifications) for this position as detailed in the job bulletin. I further acknowledge that if the County determines I do not meet the employment standards there will be no opportunity for me to provide additional information regarding my application after the closing date listed on the job bulletin. Therefore, I understand that before submitting a job application, it is important that I review the job bulletin thoroughly and ensure that my application clearly reflects how my education and experience meets the employment standards at the time I submit my application.

• I understand.

02

As part of the application process, a completed supplemental questionnaire must be submitted along with the standard application form. Resumes will be accepted, but NOT in lieu of a completed application and supplemental questionnaire.

• I understand.

03

The Human Resources Department communicates with all applicants through e-mail. Please make sure your e-mail address is entered correctly, and it is current. Be sure to check spam filters continuously during the recruitment and selection process to ensure you do not miss required deadlines.

• I understand.

04

Veteran's Preference Points: Is your DD214 attached? (Eligibility is five years from the most recent qualifying veteran's experience. There is no time limit for veterans with 30% or more disability.)

• Yes, I have attached my DD214 to be considered for Veteran's Points.
• No, I do not qualify for Veteran's Points.

05

Bilingual fluency in English/Spanish - Speak, Read and Write and/or Mixteco-Speak, while not required, is helpful for success in this role. Please indicate which of the following language(s) you are fluent and your level of proficiency AND make sure to list your ability on the employment application under the "Skills" section.

• Spanish - Speak
• Spanish - Speak and Read
• Spanish - Speak, Read, and Write
• Mixteco - Speak
• I am NOT bilingual in Spanish nor Mixteco.

06

To be considered for this position, your application must CLEARLY state how you meet the requirements under EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS on the Job Bulletin or you will not be considered for this position. If you are unsure, go back and review your application before continuing. Which Employment Standard did you clearly state on your application?

• Possession of a master's degree in Public Health from a school of public health recognized by the American Public Health Association.
• Possession of a bachelor's degree in Public Health, Health Education, Community Health, or a related field, AND two years of progressively responsible experience in community health education including: developing, evaluating, and coordinating health education programs and activities; conducting needs assessments; and developing and preparing grant applications or contracts
• A combination of training, education, and/or experience that is equivalent to one of the employment standards listed above and that provides the required knowledge and abilities.
• I DO NOT meet the above employment standards and understand that my application will not be considered for the position.

07

If you selected 'A combination of training, education, and experience that is equivalent to one of the employment standards listed...' for question #6, please describe in detail how your combined training, education, and experience qualifies you for this position. If this question does not apply to you, please enter "N/A" in the box below.
08

If you have an international degree, you must attach your documentation from an evaluation service that shows you meet the U.S. education standards and your transcripts at the time of application submittal. You may use the following list of evaluation services: http://www.naces.org/members.html. You are required to attach your evaluation documents to your application. This is your only opportunity to provide such documentation. Your application may be denied if you received a degree from an international institution and do not provide the requested documentation

• I have an international degree and have attached the required documentation.
• I have an international degree, but do not have the required documentation. I understand that I may not be considered for this position.
• I DO NOT have an international degree and this question is not applicable (N/A) to me.

09

Are you willing and able to travel within and outside the County as required for this position?

• Yes, I am willing and able to travel within and outside the County as required for this position.

10

The current vacancies for this job class are in the Nutrition Services and Tobacco programs. Please keep in mind that during the life of the employment list, some of these programs may not have vacancies that arise. This is your only opportunity to make your selection(s).

• Nutrition Services/ WIC: https://www.countyofsb.org/4259/Nutrition-Services
• Tobacco Prevention and Control Program (TPCP): https://www.countyofsb.org/1787/Tobacco-Prevention-Program
• Every Woman Counts (EWC): https://www.countyofsb.org/1770/Cancer-Detection-Partnership
• Communicable Disease Control Prevention (CDCP): https://www.countyofsb.org/1560/Communicable-Diseases
• Immunization: https://www.countyofsb.org/1637/Immunization
• I would like to be consider ALL County Health positions.

11

Although not required for this job class, the role in Nutrition Services prefers incumbents to have a Master's in Public Health (MPH). What is your highest level of education in Public Health?

• I have an associate's degree in Public Health.
• I have a bachelor's degree in Public Health.
• I have a master's degree in Public Health.
• I DO NOT have a degree in Public Health.

12

The following supplemental questions are an EXAMINATION that will determine your ranking on the employment list. Please read and answer them carefully. I understand my responses to the following supplemental questions will be SCORED and used as a weighed, scored selection device that will determine my ranking on the employment list for this job. For information on protest procedures for the supplemental questionnaire, please see Civil Service Rules 612 and 613: https://www.countyofsb.org/1444/Civil-Service-Rules.

• I understand.

13

County of Santa Barbara Health department often collaborates with schools, healthcare providers, and community organizations. Which of the following best describes your experience leading or contributing to a successful partnership at a county level?

• I have led multiple county-level partnerships and played a key role in their success.
• I have contributed to a county-level partnership but did not lead the effort.
• I have experience with partnerships at a local or regional level, but not at the county level.
• I DO NOT have experience with partnerships, but I am eager to develop these skills.

14

Have you managed a public health project from start to finish?

• Yes, I have independently managed multiple projects, including planning, implementation, and evaluation.
• Yes, I have managed at least one public health project and contributed to others.
• I have assisted in managing public health projects but have not led one myself.
• No, but I have experience in related work and am eager to take on project management.

15

Are you CHES (Certified Health Education Specialist) or MCHES (Master Certified Health Education Specialist) certified?

• Yes, I am MCHES certified.
• Yes, I am CHES certified.
• No, but I am eligible and willing to obtain MCHES certification.
• No, but I am eligible and willing to obtain CHES certification.
• No, and I am NOT currently planning to obtain certification.

16

How many years of experience do you have developing, implementing and evaluating public health programs in community settings?

• 5 or more years of experience.
• 3 years up to 5 years of experience.
• 1 year up to 3 years of experience.
• Less than 1 year of experience.
• I DO NOT have this experience.

Required Question