Public Health Outreach Worker

Career Guide

A Public Health Outreach Worker connects people and communities to health information, prevention programs, and services. The role focuses on building trust, reducing barriers to care, and supporting behavior change through education, resource navigation, and community partnerships.

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Key Responsibilities

Build relationships with community members and local organizations
Share clear health education on prevention and early care seeking
Support people in finding and accessing health and social services
Assist with appointment scheduling and referral follow up
Conduct outreach at community events and high need locations
Support vaccination and screening efforts through outreach and reminders
Collect basic program data such as attendance and service use
Document client interactions while following privacy rules
Identify community needs and report trends to program leaders
Help create culturally respectful materials and messages

Top Skills for Success

Communication

Active Listening

Empathy

Community Engagement

Health Education

Resource Navigation

Cultural Humility

De-escalation

Data Entry

Confidentiality

Career Progression

Can Lead To

Senior Outreach Worker

Community Health Worker

Patient Navigator

Health Education Specialist

Case Management Assistant

Program Coordinator

Transition Opportunities

Public Health Program Manager

Community Partnerships Manager

Health Promotion Specialist

Epidemiology Assistant

Social Services Case Manager

Clinic Operations Coordinator

Common Skill Gaps

Often Missing Skills

Motivational InterviewingTrauma Informed CareBasic Data ReportingFacilitationConflict ResolutionOutreach Planning

Development SuggestionsBuild a simple outreach toolkit that includes a script, a referral list, and a follow up checklist. Practice short role plays for common scenarios. Track weekly outreach numbers and outcomes in a basic spreadsheet to strengthen reporting skills. Seek training through local public health departments, community colleges, or nonprofit networks.

Salary & Demand

Median Salary Range

Entry LevelUSD 35,000 to 45,000

Mid LevelUSD 45,000 to 60,000

Senior LevelUSD 60,000 to 80,000

Growth Trend

Steady demand, supported by ongoing community health programs, chronic disease prevention, and expanding focus on health equity and access.

Companies Hiring

Major Employers

Local health departmentsState health agenciesCommunity health centersHospitalsNonprofit health organizationsUniversities with public health programsFederally funded community programsMobile health clinics

Industry Sectors

Public HealthHealthcareNonprofitGovernmentEducationCommunity Services

Recommended Next Steps

Volunteer with a community clinic or health nonprofit to gain outreach hours

Complete a Community Health Worker training program if available in your area

Earn a CPR certification if commonly requested by local employers

Build a directory of local services and keep it updated

Prepare a resume that highlights community engagement and service navigation

Practice explaining a health topic in plain language in under two minutes

Network with outreach teams at health departments and community health centers

Apply to roles supporting vaccination, screening, and chronic disease programs