The Health Education Specialist (HES) reports to the Clinical Manager Patient Education and collaborates with content experts to develop, review, publish and deliver multimedia educational resources (e.g., text, video, live sessions) for patients and their caregivers. The HES also leads and participates in projects related to patient and caregiver education.

Located in Boston and the surrounding communities, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute brings together world renowned clinicians, innovative researchers and dedicated professionals, allies in the common mission of conquering cancer, HIV/AIDS and related diseases. Combining extremely talented people with the best technologies in a genuinely positive environment, we provide compassionate and comprehensive care to patients of all ages; we conduct research that advances treatment; we educate tomorrow's physician/researchers; we reach out to underserved members of our community; and we work with amazing partners, including other Harvard Medical School-affiliated hospitals.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

 

1. Review of Existing Educational Resources

 

Facilitates the review process for multimedia educational resources intended for patients and their caregivers per departmental guidelines. The HES collaborates with content expert(s) who ensure the content reflects the latest evidence and DFCI policies related to the topic, while the HES applies principles of health education and learning theory in editing the resource, assuring it complies with the departmental style guide. The HES also collaborates with other departments, to produce videos and medical graphics, as well as external vendors and consultants as needed.

 

2. Development of New Educational Resources

The HES collaborates with content expert(s) will create new multimedia educational resources for patients and their caregivers. The content expert(s) ensure that the content reflects the latest evidence and DFCI policies related to the topic. The HES applies principles of health education and learning theory in editing the resource, assuring it complies with the departmental style guide.

3. Project Leadership and Support

Leads and participates in projects as directed by the Clinical Manager Patient Education. Collaborates with colleagues to identify and employ methods to gather metrics to evaluate project effectiveness and analyzes results. Works with colleagues to publish and present findings.

 

4. Publication and Delivery of Educational Resources

 

The HES is responsible for publication of assigned educational resources directly onto DFCI intranet and public-facing website. The HES collaborates with Technology Specialist and Communications to develop and maintain working knowledge of possible web platforms to implement at DFCI. The HES facilitates virtual groups led by clinicians as indicated.

5. Database(s) Maintenance

The HES ensures content is entered into department database(s) for his or her assigned resources and that they remain up to date. The HES also ensures review dates are set and may use his or her judgment in collaboration with the content expert(s), pharmacists and/or Program Manager to amend revision dates as indicated.

 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

 

Excellent English grammar and editing skills, proficiency in MS Office, familiarity with principles of health literacy, ability to work with people across the institution and build relationships in different departments, ability to manage time independently and prioritize tasks, attention to detail. Experience with HTML and/or Abobe Creative Suite a plus.

  

PATIENT CONTACT: Interaction with patients and caregivers through Patient and Family Advisory Councils (PFAC) that collaborate and provide feedback in our review process of content.  

MINIMUM JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:  Bachelor’s degree in communications, health education, or related field

Experience: 1-3 years of experience editing, writing educational materials for lay audiences in healthcare.

Preferred Education (optional)

Master’s degree in public health, nursing, health education, health promotion, community health

Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES)

Preferred Experience (optional):

Developing and/or reviewing and evaluating health-related informational materials

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is an equal opportunity employer and affirms the right of every qualified applicant to receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, national origin, sexual orientation, genetic information, disability, age, ancestry, military service, protected veteran status, or other groups as protected by law.