Public Health Program Assistant

Career Guide
A Public Health Program Assistant supports the day-to-day work of public health programs. The role focuses on coordination, community-facing communication, tracking program activities, and keeping teams organized so services reach the people who need them.

Key Responsibilities

  • Coordinate program schedules, meetings, and event logistics
  • Maintain participant records and program files with accuracy and confidentiality
  • Support outreach activities by preparing materials and responding to public inquiries
  • Assist with intake and referral processes for clients and community partners
  • Track program activity data and prepare basic reports for staff and funders
  • Order supplies and manage inventory for program operations
  • Support training sessions by setting up materials and attendance tracking
  • Help ensure program tasks follow required policies and timelines
  • Communicate updates to team members and external partners
  • Assist with budget tracking by organizing receipts and purchase requests

Top Skills for Success

Communication
Organization
Time Management
Attention to Detail
Customer Service
Problem Solving
Teamwork
Microsoft Excel
Data Entry
Report Writing
Event Coordination
Recordkeeping
Health Education Support
Community Outreach
Privacy Compliance

Career Progression

Can Lead To
Public Health Program Coordinator
Community Health Worker
Public Health Administrative Assistant
Health Education Assistant
Program Data Assistant
Transition Opportunities
Public Health Program Manager
Grants Coordinator
Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist
Public Health Analyst
Nonprofit Operations Manager

Common Skill Gaps

Often Missing Skills
Data ReportingGrant DocumentationStakeholder ManagementBasic Budget TrackingQuality ImprovementPresentation Skills
Development SuggestionsBuild confidence by owning a simple tracking sheet, writing a one page program update, and supporting one end-to-end outreach event. Ask to shadow a coordinator during partner meetings and reporting deadlines to learn expectations.

Salary & Demand

Median Salary Range
Entry Level$38,000 to $47,000
Mid Level$47,000 to $58,000
Senior Level$58,000 to $72,000
Growth Trend
Steady demand, driven by ongoing community health initiatives, grant-funded programs, and expanded health education and prevention efforts. Hiring can vary by local funding cycles and public sector budgets.

Companies Hiring

Major Employers
City and County Health DepartmentsState Health AgenciesCommunity Health CentersHospitals and Health SystemsNonprofit Public Health OrganizationsUniversities and Research CentersFederally Qualified Health CentersInternational Aid and Relief Organizations
Industry Sectors
Government Public HealthHealthcare ProvidersNonprofit and Community ServicesEducation and ResearchPublic PolicyHuman Services

Recommended Next Steps

1
Create a resume section that highlights coordination, tracking, and community communication outcomes
2
Learn advanced spreadsheet basics such as tables, filters, and charts
3
Practice writing clear emails and short status updates for busy stakeholders
4
Volunteer or intern with a local health department or nonprofit program to gain exposure
5
Request feedback on accuracy and timeliness for reports and recordkeeping
6
Collect examples of materials you supported such as flyers, schedules, and reports for a work portfolio
7
Explore certifications in project coordination or community health support if relevant in your region