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How to Become a Health Development Officer: Australian Careers in Health

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What is a Health Development Officer?

What will I do?

What skills do I need?

Resources

What is a Health Development Officer?

A Health Development Officer improves community health through programs, planning, and health work. They work in public health agencies, community groups, and health services across Australia. Their goal is to promote healthy living and improve access to health services.

Health Development Officers build and run health programs that target specific community issues. They work with local groups, government agencies, and community members to find health needs. Common tasks include health checks, outreach activities, and running workshops on health topics.

They also track and measure the results of health programs. They collect data to check whether programs are making a difference. This lets them adjust programs to achieve better health outcomes for the community.

This career offers the chance to make a real difference in people’s lives. With a focus on prevention and education, Health Development Officers help shape healthier communities. They work in cities and regional areas across Australia.

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Career snapshots For Health Development Officers

Health Development Officers work in one of Australia’s most mission-driven health sectors. About 5,100 workers are in this field (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2025). They work mostly in health care, education, and public services. Future demand is rated Strong.

Average weekly pay is around $1,812 per week, or about $94,000 per year (Your Career, 2025). Around 54% work full-time, at an average of 41 hours per week. The field has a median age of 44 and is 82% female (ABS Census 2021).

What will I do?

A Health Development Officer promotes public health through programs, policies, and community work. They work with communities, government agencies, and health groups to address health issues. This role needs data skills, clear communication, and a passion for community wellbeing.

  • Builds and reviews health plans to make sure policies meet community needs and current standards.
  • Develops safe waste disposal strategies to protect environmental health and community safety.
  • Advises on and enforces health law to maintain compliance with health standards.
  • Runs prevention programs for communicable diseases and food safety to cut community health risks.
  • Checks for workplace hazards to ensure safe working conditions for all staff.
  • Monitors programs that reduce workplace pollution and cut chemical or physical health hazards.
  • Inspects and audits workplaces for legislative compliance and confirms safety standards are met.
  • Trains staff in safe work practices and the correct use of protective gear.
  • Records and reviews workplace injuries to improve safety and reduce future incidents.
  • Supports injured workers returning to the workplace through structured recovery efforts.

What skills do I need?

A career as a Health Development Officer calls for a strong mix of data skills and people skills. You need to read health data, spot trends, and turn findings into clear action. Strong communication is also key, as you will share health info with government agencies and the public.

Project planning is vital, as you will build and run health programs from start to finish. A solid grasp of public health law and policy helps you stay on track. Good people skills are needed to build the links that drive real change in communities.

Skills/attributes

  • Understanding of public health principles and practice
  • Clear written and verbal communication
  • Health program planning and delivery
  • Knowledge of health legislation and regulations
  • Data analysis and health research
  • Community engagement and outreach
  • Project management and coordination
  • Ability to work with diverse communities
  • Strong organisational skills
  • Health policy development and advocacy
  • Training and capacity building
  • Understanding of environmental and occupational health
  • Cultural sensitivity and empathy
  • Commitment to ongoing professional development
  • Problem-solving and adaptability

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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.