Workplace health advisor for small employers

Small and mid-sized employers without an in-house health or safety team, and HR consultants or staffing agencies that need clinical input.

Monthly retainers for ongoing advice, or hourly and per-project fees for things like policy reviews and case management.

• Occupational health or nursing experience
• Clear writing and explaining
• Discretion with sensitive information
• Comfortable talking to HR and managers

• Check with your state licensing board on what advice counts as clinical practice, especially for employers in other states
• Professional liability insurance, ask your insurer about advice-only work
• Handling employee health information, check how HIPAA, ADA and state privacy rules apply
• Be clear in contracts that you give advice and do not replace an employer's legal or medical decisions
• Check whether your city or county requires a business license for home-based work, plus HOA or lease rules

Startup costs are typically around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on your setup, insurance and tools. Monthly revenue is estimated at about $1,500 to $7,500, depending on how many clients you take on and how many hours you work.

Check with your state licensing board on what advice counts as clinical practice, especially for employers in other states. Also check professional liability insurance for advice-only work, how HIPAA, ADA and state privacy rules apply, and local business license, HOA or lease rules.

Useful skills include occupational health or nursing experience, clear writing and explaining, discretion with sensitive information, and comfort talking to HR and managers. Estimates suggest at least about 8 hours a week, depending on your client load.