Community Health Worker (Nelson County)

DHRM•Charlottesville, VA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Blue Ridge Health District (BRHD) is seeking a dedicated Community Health Worker (CHW) to serve Nelson County as part of our team of public health professionals. In this community-facing role, you will build trusted relationships with residents, connect individuals and families to essential health and community resources, and work alongside local partners to improve health and wellbeing. The CHW will serve as an important link between Nelson County communities, BRHD, healthcare providers, and community organizations, with particular attention to priority and underserved populations.

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

Conduct community outreach and build relationships with residents throughout Nelson County.
Connect individuals and families to healthcare, social services, transportation, food access, and other community resources based on identified needs.
Provide culturally responsive health education and support disease prevention and health promotion activities in community and clinical settings.
Develop and maintain strong working relationships with local organizations, healthcare providers, and other community partners.
Support implementation of BRHD’s Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) initiatives in Nelson County and help identify emerging community needs, barriers, and opportunities for collaboration.
Coordinate referrals and follow up with community members and partner organizations to support successful connections to services.
Maintain accurate and timely documentation of outreach, referrals, services, and program activities using BRHD computer systems and other electronic platforms.
Communicate professionally and effectively with community members, coworkers, and partner organizations through in-person, telephone, email, and other electronic communication.
Participate in program evaluation, data collection, team meetings, trainings, and other BRHD Population Health activities.