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Health Education Specialist
The Department of Health Services Research conducts the highest quality health services research with the ultimate aims of optimizing health care delivery and improving outcomes for the prevention and treatment of cancer.
The primary purpose of the Health Education Specialist is to assess, plan, implement, and evaluate educational activities and programs for patients and their family members related to research in the Decision Support Lab. Educational materials include patient decision aids and decision support interventions. Impacts the organization through development and implementation of patient education resources.
Minimum $60,500.00 – Midpoint $75,500.00 – Maximum $90,500.00
Hourly Range: Minimum $29.09 – Midpoint $36.30 – Maximum $43.51
The typical work schedule is onsite at least once a week and based on business needs.
Work location: Texas Medical Center
Why Us?
This role supports the advancement of cancer-related patient education by developing evidence-based learning tools that directly impact patient decision-making, care experiences, and research engagement. The position offers opportunities for professional development through collaboration with multidisciplinary experts and contributes to meaningful work that improves patient outcomes while supporting work-life balance.
• Employer-paid medical coverage starting day one for employees working 30+ hours/week, plus optional group dental, vision, life, AD&D, and disability insurance.
• Accruals for PTO and Extended Illness Bank, plus paid holidays, wellness, childcare, and other leave options.
• Tuition Assistance Program after six months of service and access to extensive wellness, fitness, and employee resource groups.
• Defined-benefit pension through the Teachers Retirement System, voluntary retirement plans, and employer-paid life and reduced salary protection programs.
Responsibilities
Assessment, Planning & Implementation of Patient Education Programs
• Develop timelines and deliverable schedules for assigned projects
• Serve as the liaison with the decision aid production team including illustrators, videographers, writers, and programmers
• Facilitate team meetings by scheduling, preparing agendas, tracking action items, and documenting minutes
• Track product versions, maintain disposition reports, and document processes, communications, and project decisions
• Prepare reports for project funders and develop presentation or publication materials
Evaluation of Patient Education Programs
• Coordinate study-related activities including writing, submitting, and maintaining IRB protocols
• Prepare research materials such as guides, questionnaires, and surveys
• Screen potential participants, recruit and enroll eligible individuals, and obtain informed consent
• Conduct and code qualitative interviews, cognitive testing, usability testing, and surveys
• Maintain regulatory binders, source documents, databases, and data quality
• Create procedure manuals, train staff, and assist with IRB audits
Development of Cancer-Related Educational Materials
• Conduct literature reviews and abstract relevant data
• Determine key messages and educational objectives
• Write didactic content based on evidence and adapt content using health literacy principles
• Summarize scientific and technical information for various audiences
• Design educational modules including scripts, diagrams, and storyboards
• Modify content based on testing and expert review
• Ensure adherence to International Patient Decision Aids Standards
• Maintain documentation of all source materials
Collaboration & Relationship-Building
• Engage effectively and professionally with various project contacts
• Maintain communication with project PIs and team members
• Communicate confidently in-person, virtually, and by phone or email
• Listen actively, collaborate effectively, and identify opportunities for improvement
• Seek feedback, reflect on growth opportunities, and apply new knowledge
• Use critical thinking, resourcefulness, and creativity to support study activities
Other Duties as Assigned
• Perform additional tasks supporting project and departmental needs
EDUCATION
• Required: Bachelor’s degree in Public Health, Health Education, Community Health Education or related field
• Preferred: Master’s degree in Public Health, Health Education, Community Health Education, or a related field
WORK EXPERIENCE
• Required: Two years experience coordinating patient education programs
• Preferred: Experience creating public-facing educational materials, a research background, and experience with manuscripts, grants, and abstracts
LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS
• Preferred: Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES)
OTHER REQUIREMENTS: Must pass pre-employment skills test as required and administered by Human Resources.
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, paid time off, retirement, tuition benefits, educational opportunities, and individual and team recognition.
This position may be responsible for maintaining the security and integrity of critical infrastructure, as defined in Section 113.001(2) of the Texas Business and Commerce Code and therefore may require routine reviews and screening. The ability to satisfy and maintain all requirements necessary to ensure the continued security and integrity of such infrastructure is a condition of hire and continued employment.
It is the policy of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center to provide equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by institutional policy or by federal, state, or local laws unless such distinction is required by law.http://www.mdanderson.org/about-us/legal-and-policy/legal-statements/eeo-affirmative-action.html
