Community Health Worker

DHRM • Hanover, VA

10d • Hybrid

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. This position's focus is community engagement and service delivery to community members who are at a higher risk for poor maternal health outcomes. The CHW position is responsible for providing opportunities to increase the likelihood of positive maternal health outcomes through evidence-based education and programs. The CHW supports pregnant women throughout their pregnancies and postpartum period by connecting them to healthcare services, addressing social determinants of health, and connecting them to other essential resources. 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. This is a restricted position, which is solely funded by the Maternal Child Health Title V grant for a two-year period ending 6/30/28. The availability of funding is scheduled for review before the grant expiration date and periodically thereafter. Continued employment is contingent on the continued availability of funds. This is an hourly (wage) position. Wage employees are subject to the following conditions of employment: Virginia state law currently requires that agencies not permit wage employees to work in excess of 29 hours per week on average over the course of a year. Wage employees may not work for VDH beyond 1,500 hours during the period of May 1 – April 30 of the following year (the Standard Measurement Period). Wage employees serve at the will and pleasure of the appointing authority. Continuing employment is based on available funding and business need. Wage employees are not covered by the provisions of the Virginia Personnel Act. Therefore, they are not eligible for benefits which are provided to salaried employees, such as leave credits, holiday pay, insurance, access to the grievance procedure, etc. Wage employees are paid only for the hours they actually work. Once a wage employee works the maximum of 1,500 hours during the Standard Measurement Period, the employee may be rehired as a wage employee of VDH only after the next Standard Measurement Period has begun. Wage employees are eligible to apply for all classified positions for which recruitment has been initiated, including those limited to State Employees Only. If a wage employee becomes employed in a classified position, he/she will be eligible to purchase retirement credit for the time worked as a wage employee. Continuing employment is based on available funding and business need.

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

• Providing support to individuals and families both in clinic settings and within the community.
• Connecting community members to essential resources and services.
• Serving as a liaison between the community and healthcare services.
• Providing culturally sensitive care and communication, especially to priority populations.
• Engaging the community and delivering services to community members at higher risk for poor maternal health outcomes.
• Increasing the likelihood of positive maternal health outcomes through evidence-based education and programs.
• Supporting pregnant women throughout their pregnancies and postpartum period by connecting them to healthcare services, addressing social determinants of health, and connecting them to other essential resources.

Benefits

• Wage employees are eligible to apply for all classified positions for which recruitment has been initiated, including those limited to State Employees Only.
• If a wage employee becomes employed in a classified position, he/she will be eligible to purchase retirement credit for the time worked as a wage employee.

What This Job Offers

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