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How to Become a Community Health Officer: Australian Careers in Community Services

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What is a Community Health Officer?

What will I do?

What skills do I need?

Resources

What is a Community Health Officer?

A Community Health Officer helps keep communities healthy. They promote good health habits, prevent disease, and address health issues in local areas.

Community Health Officers work with government agencies, health services, and community groups. They design and run health programs for the people who need them most. Their work includes running campaigns, writing health materials, and giving talks to community members.

Research is a core part of the job. Officers gather data to find gaps in services and spot health risks. They use this data to shape programs that are data-driven and effective.

This career suits people who want to make a real difference. Most officers work in health care, public admin, or education. Strong future demand is forecast for this role (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2025).

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Career snapshots For Community Health Officers

Around 5,100 Community Health Officers work across Australia, per the 2021 Census (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2025). The median age is 44, and 82% of the workforce is female. About 54% work full-time, averaging 41 hours per week.

The average weekly pay is $1,812 (yourcareer.gov.au, 2025), which works out to roughly $94,000 per year. Future demand is rated Strong. Key sectors include Health Care, Public Admin and Safety, and Education and Training.

What will I do?

Community Health Officers boost public health by teaching communities and running health programs. They work across health groups, schools, and government, adapting to the needs of each community.

  • Set communication goals: set clear aims for health messages about specific issues.
  • Find target groups: work out which groups are most at risk and choose the best way to reach them.
  • Prepare health talks: create materials and talks that teach the community about health topics.
  • Set up health displays: arrange displays at events to share health facts and raise awareness.
  • Give community talks: deliver talks to local groups to build public knowledge of health issues.
  • Write campaign materials: produce content to support health campaigns and awareness efforts.
  • Conduct research: gather and check data to make sure all health facts are correct and current.
  • Work with other groups: team up with health agencies and government to improve health outcomes.

What skills do I need?

A career as a Community Health Officer needs a mix of communication, research, and people skills. Strong verbal and written skills are key. These officers explain health topics to many different groups every day.

Data skills matter too. Officers use data to spot health gaps, check how programs work, and plan focused responses. They also need cultural awareness to work well with diverse groups that face unique health issues.

Project skills, time management, and the ability to work in a team are all needed. As health trends change and new needs arise, the ability to adapt is vital.

Skills/attributes

  • Clear verbal and written communication
  • Research and data analysis
  • Health promotion planning
  • Knowledge of public health principles
  • Community engagement and outreach
  • Project management
  • Teamwork and collaboration
  • Problem-solving
  • Cultural sensitivity and awareness
  • Public speaking and presentation
  • Ability to develop health education materials
  • Networking and relationship building
  • Adaptability and flexibility
  • Attention to detail
  • Time management and organisation

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About the author

Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson is an Account Management and SEM specialist at Course Finder Group with six years' experience in the Australian education sector. She works day to day with universities, TAFEs and independent training providers, which gives her a close view of how courses map to real career outcomes. She writes practical guidance on career pathways, choosing the right qualification and what to expect when moving into a new field.