Non-Clinical Health Careers

People who work in food services within a healthcare setting includes the people who cook or prepare the food, serve the food, and who clean the food stations.

Personality

• Quickly responsive
• Multi-tasker
• Energetic
• Passionate
• Organized
• Personable
• Meticulous

Skills

• Standing for long periods
• Communication skills
• Interpersonal skills
• Ability to read and write
• Time-management
• Organizational skills
• Some knowledge of math
• Able to lift heavy material
• Energetic
• Able to handle hot and cold environments

Experience

• High school diploma/GED
• Experience in industrial kitchen required or preferred (check employer)

Average Salary

In New York State, food services professionals, on average, make $28,916 per year and about $13/hour, according to ziprecruiter.com.

DSPs are professionals that work with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This usually consists of day-to-day help, with cleaning, cooking, and various other tasks that help enhance independence. You can learn more here!

Personality

• Compassionate
• Energetic
• Detail-oriented/aware of surroundings
• Friendly/inviting
• Dependable

Skills

• Attention to detail
• General understanding of medicine and health
• Personable
• Patient
• Upbeat and energetic
• Compassionate
• Organized
• Superior communication

Experience

• High school diploma/GED
• Driver’s license
•  or more years experience working with people with intellectual or developmental disabilities
• No criminal history
• PR and first aid certified

Average Salary

According to Indeed.com, DSPs working in New York State make about $13.09/hour on average.

Environmental services technicians in health settings aid in keeping the building clean and provide general housekeeping services.

Personality

• Energetic
• Passionate
• Multi-tasker
• Meticulous
• Personable
• Organized

Skills

• Able to work heavy machinery
• Familiarity with industrial cleaning equipment and chemicals
• Easily and quickly follow direction from supervisors
• Physically able to lift heavy material and stand/move for long periods
• Endure repetitive tasks
• Open and accepting of diverse populations 

Experience

• High school diploma/GED
• Some experience with industrial cleaning and handling chemicals preferred.

Average Salary

In New York State, environmental services technicians earn roughly $23.00/hour and about $46,856 annually, according to ziprecruiter.com.

Community Health Workers are typically immersed in their own community and act as the connecting link between the community and relevant healthcare services. They also help healthcare entities provide services that better fit communities’ cultural and social needs.

Personality

• Well-connected with community
• Passionate
• Empathetic
• Persistent
• Respectful
• Resourceful

Skills

• Can easily navigate health and social services
• Occassionally be able to provide minor medical services such as first aid.
• Ability to provide translation and interpretation services is a plus, though not always required
• Able to provide informal counseling
• Practice above-average communication
• Culturally aware and able to educate on various cultural topics specific to community being served

Experience

• High school diploma/GED
• Some employers may require a college degree

Average Salary

In New York State, community health workers earn about $42,473 per year, according to indeed.com.

A patient navigator is a health professional that focuses on the patient’s needs. The navigator helps guide the patient through the healthcare system and works to overcome obstacles that are in the way of the patient receiving the care and treatment they require. They are also called patient advocates.

Personality

• Organized
• Attentive to detail
• Compassionate
• Determined
• Personable

Skills

• Good at problem solving
• Able to effectively multi-task
• Excellent communication skills
• Posses a thorough understanding of health care facilities and processes
• Culturally and socially aware 

Experience

There is not a specific education or background requirement to work as a patient navigator. Different facilities will have different requirements to work in this position. Often time’s registered nurses will take on the role of patient navigator. A minimum associate’s degree is required to be a registered nurse along with a passing score on the NCLEX exam and maintenance of state licensure. Social workers also take on the role of patient navigator. A licensed social worker will have a minimum Bachelor’s degree in social work and maintain state licensure. Some facilities will employ patient navigators based solely on their experience in the health care sector with on-the-job training.

Average Salary

The average patient navigator salary in New York State is $49,834 according to salary.com.