Health
What is a Community Health Officer (CHO) apply their medical knowledge to diagnosis, prevention and management of patients referred from Koidu Government Hospital and any of the Wellbody Alliance/Partners in Health affiliated health facilities. They follow the principles of inspection, palpation, percussion and auscultation where applicable to find out the actual cause of disease, and also utilize appropriate laboratory work.[1]
Eligibility to Become a Community Health Officer
A community health officer (CHO) provides support to a wide range of programs at a local or state government agency, social service organization, or a community-based health care facility. These programs may include home health services, environmental or clinical services, or other community outreach activities.[2] CHOs often have a broad knowledge of community health and work to implement effective strategies to address the needs of the public.
CHOs are trained to assist individuals in adopting healthy habits by providing information and resources on topics such as diet, exercise, mental health, and substance abuse. They also provide preventive services, such as blood pressure checks and glaucoma screenings.
In addition, CHOs are expected to maintain a good working relationship with clients and other agencies involved in their care. CHOs work with healthcare providers, social service agencies, and community members to identify the health needs of people in the community and develop appropriate plans and services for those needs[3].
As a student, CHOs learn to assess health risks and issues facing a wide variety of communities, as well as develop and implement effective health education programs and other strategies to promote good health and prevent disease. CHOs are also expected to advocate for health-related legislation and policy and provide accurate information to the community about the public’s health.
The SUNY Potsdam Bachelor of Science in Community Health is an interdisciplinary program focusing on wellness, prevention, and health promotion, as well as in community and public health services and service delivery. Students complete a core of courses taught by specialists in each of the program’s areas, as well as take courses from other departments.[4]
Graduates are prepared for careers as community health educators, with the ability to design and implement educational programs in a range of health settings such as work sites, hospitals, voluntary health agencies, or governmental organizations. They are eligible to sit for the Certified Health Education Specialist exam, and many go on to obtain a Master of Public Health degree or other advanced degrees in their chosen field.
In this position, CHOs work under limited supervision to provide technical assistance and support to various programs such as a clinical, home health, or environmental health unit within an agency, office, or related unit. These duties may include preparing routine letters, answering multi-line phone systems, data entry, interacting with patients or the public, making appointments, collecting fees, and directing clients to the appropriate staff.[5]
How to become a community health officer?
A community health officer is a jack of all trades, master of all ailments. Among other things, they are responsible for the quality of life in your neighborhood, a good nights sleep or two and a healthy dose of sexy sex. Using modern electronic medical records and a bit of luck, they can do all of this and more with aplomb. The best part? they do it all for a reasonable salary or benefits package. The perks are many and the commute is short, long or both. They are on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The pay is generous and the office has an esprit de corps that stretches across the city.
How the placement is done?
The aforementioned oh soppy oh soppy has a long queue of applicants with a high staff to patient ratio. The aforementioned is responsible for ensuring that the most qualified candidates get their foot in the door. A plethora of interviews are required to ensure that only the best will make it on the big day. The aforementioned is responsible for identifying and vetting the best candidates with the requisite paperwork and medical clearance.[6] The aforementioned is responsible for assisting in the onboarding of all finalists, and keeping a close watch on strays as needed.
Salary of CHO
The salary of a community health officer depends on a number of factors. These factors include experience, skills, knowledge and abilities, education, licensing and certifications, and other business and organizational needs.
Those with this position must be prepared to work long hours, as the job requires travel and frequent visits to healthcare providers in the community. They also need to have the ability to work in a remote setting as needed, and to be familiar with Patient and Community Health Services Reporting and Billing procedures (PSRS).[7]
The duties of this position include providing community-based health care services and support to members of a local health care system. This includes interacting with the member, assisting them in their care management, and promoting recovery.
Under limited supervision, assists with programs to promote health, prevent disease, and provide health education in a health care system or other organization; provides basic counseling to individuals and families, sharing culturally appropriate information and educational materials to assist them in making healthy lifestyle choices; provides social support to clients in their homes or other settings; makes referrals for additional services to the individual, family, or community. In addition, performs selected health-screening procedures and maintains written documentation of activities.[8]
Represents the health department to the public, elected officials, other agencies, governments, and organizations. Makes presentations, participates in meetings, and conducts outreach to groups; acts as representative on committees and interagency task forces; serves as media spokesperson; responds to inquiries and complaints about health issues; and performs other similar duties.
The salary of this position is commensurate with experience, skills, and the level of responsibility. This position is subject to a 5% increase at the successful completion of a six-mos probationary period.[9] The required qualifications are a bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration, public health, nursing or a related field and at least five years of progressive experience in a health care or community-based program.
Community health officers (CHO) are responsible for addressing a wide range of issues, including those related to public health, preventing and responding to disease outbreaks, providing information on preventive care like flu shots and cancer screenings, and promoting healthy behaviors.
The CHO role also requires the ability to apply professional, scientific knowledge to medical practice and to perform tasks that require sound judgment in solving difficult administrative and technical problems.[10]
Eligibility to Become a Community Health Officer
A community health officer (CHO) is a medical professional who is appointed by the local government to enforce public health laws and regulations. He/she is also responsible for improving public health and preventing disease in the community[11].
CHOs are responsible for the assessment, planning and implementation of health programs that improve the health of individuals in their communities. These programs can be offered at health departments, work sites, schools or hospitals. They can also be done by voluntary health agencies, state and federal agencies or governmental organizations such as the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
To become a CHO, you must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. You will also need to complete a certificate in public health.[12]
You must also be able to work independently and have excellent communication skills. You must also have the ability to problem solve and resolve escalated situations.
The CHO program prepares students for a career in the community health field, where they can make an impact on people’s lives and help prevent illness and disease. The program focuses on the application of social justice principles in research and action to address deep-rooted structural determinants of health, including poverty, racism, economic disadvantage, housing, education, substance abuse, environmental health hazards, and access to care.[13]
It includes courses in health equity/disparities, health education and promotion, reproductive and population health, global health, and research methodology. It also covers the fundamentals of biostatistics and epidemiology, which is essential for those wishing to work in these areas.
Graduates of the CHO program are eligible to sit for the Community Health Education Specialist Exam (CHES), a national certification recognized as the gold standard in the field. They may also choose to continue their education and pursue a master’s degree in public health.
SUNY Potsdam graduates have gone on to careers in various fields, such as drug policy reform and harm reduction. Danielle Thompson ’15, for example, was inspired to pursue a degree in community health after learning about her mother’s struggles with diabetes. Through internships and mentorship from faculty, she has gained the knowledge and confidence to assist others in her community[14].
How to become a community health officer?
A community health officer is a lot more than your standard front line public health care provider. As the name suggests this is a high powered, highly trained and highly rewarded position.[15] You can expect to be paid a fair amount of money for your services, if you don’t mind the grueling commute.
The job is made all the more interesting when you factor in the ancillary benefits that go along with your nirvana of a job title. A community health officer can be found at just about any public health facility in Santa Cruz county. The best part? You will be a part of a team of dedicated, knowledgeable, and highly spirited professionals who share your enthusiasm for the well informed citizen.
How the placement is done?
MCHD has a robust and well-organized placement program that provides a healthy dose of mentorship and experience for students. Typically, the process begins in earnest during the semester prior to the student’s chosen placement date. In this phase, the student is paired with a professional staff member at either the Richmond or Berea health department sites depending on the location and time of year. The pairing is facilitated by the Health Education Coordinator at MCHD (see below).[16]
MCHD will provide students with the training, equipment and materials they need to perform a successful placement and a reasonable level of support. This includes a comprehensive orientation that covers a variety of topics including the agency’s culture, history and organization, as well as relevant legal and regulatory issues.
In addition, students are provided with an extensive resource library and access to a wealth of other informational and educational resources.[17] The best part is that the majority of students are placed in agencies whose missions are compatible with their own goals and passions. Moreover, many agencies offer a robust array of professional development opportunities to their employees and students.
Salary of CHO
The salary of a community health officer depends on many factors, including the level of education, experience and qualifications that are required. Typically, the salary range for this position is between $40,000 and $82,000 per year.
A community health officer is a public health professional who works for a city or county government. He or she helps to develop and implement public health programs that are focused on promoting healthy lifestyles.[18] This is a good career choice for people who want to help the less fortunate and make an impact on their community.
This is a high-level position that requires extensive knowledge of health care and community based systems of care as well as programmatic experience. It also requires a strong commitment to helping the less fortunate and a clear ethical approach to work.
As a Community Health Officer, you will lead and manage a multidisciplinary team of professionals in planning and developing new and existing community health programs to meet the needs of the community. This includes analyzing current health services and suggesting ways to avoid duplication of services.[19]
You will provide expert guidance and consultation to community staff, other departments, the general public, and/or outside agencies about ongoing community health issues and public health program design and practice. You will serve as a representative for the county and the CCHD in meetings with groups and in speaking to the media on issues related to the department and its mission.
In addition, you will act as a liaison and advocate for individual and community health issues and ensure that all members of the health system understand the needs of individuals in your area.[20] You will work with local healthcare providers and social service agencies to promote and maintain healthy lifestyles.
You will conduct and assist in the design and organization of health educational and promotional programs, and you will perform the more routine duties as assigned with increasing independence. You will receive moderate supervision from a technical superior.