Health promotion specialist

Health promotion specialist job description: Typical employers | Qualifications and training | Key skills | Useful links | Find jobs and courses

The National Health Service (NHS) employs most health promotion specialists. Other employers include local authorities, voluntary/charitable organisations, health boards and national health/voluntary sector agencies. Some health promotion specialists have skills in specific areas including drink/drug abuse, smoking, teenage pregnancy etc, others may work with particular client groups such as the elderly, people with disabilities, etc. or they may have a general remit. Responsibilities typically include:

• designing, managing, overseeing and promoting health improvement programmes
• devising health policies/schemes for assessing health needs
• liaising with, supporting the work of and providing expert advice to other voluntary, charity and statutory organisations
• managing projects
• keeping up to date with current health promotion trends
• supplying other organisations with specialist information and resources
• making presentations
• writing reports
• establishing and addressing training needs
• ensuring that projects are effective; campaigning for the adoption and/or enhancement of national health promotion/preventative policies and measures.

Vacancies attract moderate competition. Jobs are advertised via the internet, in newspapers, in publications such as Health Service Journal and in vacancy lists produced by NHS trusts and local authorities. Previous paid or voluntary work experience gained in any role with a health promotion remit is desirable.

Qualifications and training required

A good degree in any subject is acceptable for entry into the profession, although employers prefer graduates with qualifications in health promotion, health studies, nursing, social sciences, public/environmental health or education. A postgraduate qualification in public health or health promotion is advantageous - particularly for candidates without a relevant first degree.

Key skills for health promotion specialists

Candidates should have a mature, confident and caring manner. The ability to interact well with people from a wide range of backgrounds, together with good problem solving, project/time management and communication skills are essential - as is an understanding of health improvement.