Community Health Worker Maternal Mortality VDHWP022

Virginia Information Technologies Agency • Rocky Mount, VA

8d

About The Position

The Community Health Worker (CHW) is an integral member of the health district
public health team, providing support to individuals and families both in clinic
settings and within the community. The CHW works to connect community members to
essential resources and services, with the goal of improving overall health and
enhancing quality of life. Serving as a liaison between the community and
healthcare services, the CHW focuses on providing culturally sensitive care and
communication, especially to priority populations.
Key responsibilities include facilitating health improvement initiatives, health
promotion and education, and the development and support of health programs. The
CHW plays a critical role in disease prevention activities, capacity building,
and service coordination. They are also involved in program evaluation to assess
effectiveness and community impact. The CHW collaborates with community networks
and partners to identify, prioritize, and implement public health initiatives
that have the greatest potential for positive impact.
This position requires strong community engagement skills, the ability to
navigate and coordinate services, and a commitment to fostering health equity
and improving the overall well-being of the population.

Come work where the blend of small-town charm, natural beauty and affordable
living is at your disposal. The area offers a relaxed pace of life, and a
welcoming community that cares about the people who live here. The West Piedmont
Health District serves Henry County, Franklin County, Patrick County, and the
City of Martinsville.

What drives you?
If you are looking for a career that makes a difference, offers great work-life
balance, encourages exceeding expectations, and features a professional team,
the Department of Health is the place for you.

Requirements

• Knowledge of Social Determinants of Health: Knowledge of the various social, economic, and environmental factors that influence individual and community health, including disparities in access to resources and services.
• Knowledge of Mental/Behavioral Health: Familiarity with the impact of mental and behavioral health on physical health outcomes, including an understanding of common mental health issues and how they intersect with physical health needs.
• Knowledge of Public Health Principles: Basic knowledge of public health practices, epidemiology, disease prevention, health promotion, and social service systems, including the roles of government agencies and community organizations in addressing health needs.
• Community Experience: Experience working with priority or underserved communities, with an understanding of relevant unique challenges and resources.
• Cultural Competency: Ability to communicate effectively with diverse populations, recognizing and respecting cultural norms, practices, and values within the community.
• Effective Communication Skills: Ability to communicate clearly and concisely in both written and verbal formats using plain language that is accessible to individuals from diverse backgrounds. This includes the ability to adapt communication styles to meet the needs of different communities served.
• Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrated ability to build and maintain positive working relationships with colleagues, community members, and stakeholders. Strong team collaboration skills and the ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary environment.
• Technology Proficiency: Ability to operate a personal computer and use internet-based tools and applications for data entry, communication, and research

Nice To Haves

• Proficiency in a second language (especially relevant languages in the community served) is highly preferred to effectively communicate with a broader population.
• Previous experience in a public health or community-based agency environment, with familiarity in coordinating services and supporting public health initiatives.
• Community Health Worker (CHW) certification, or the ability to obtain one after hire.

Responsibilities

• facilitating health improvement initiatives
• health promotion and education
• development and support of health programs
• disease prevention activities
• capacity building
• service coordination
• program evaluation
• collaborates with community networks and partners to identify, prioritize, and implement public health initiatives

Benefits

• The Virginia Department of Health offers 13 paid holidays, medical, dental, vision and life insurance, retirement plans (including 401a Cash Match and 457 Deferred Compensation Plan) as well as sick, family/personal, and annual leave.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed