Community Health Worker (VDHRN074)

Virginia Information Technologies Agency • Roanoke, VA

9d • $45,023 - $56,925

About The Position

The Community Health Worker (CHW) is an integral member of the Virginia Department of Health’s public health team in the Population Health Department at the Roanoke City/Alleghany Health District. Based in Roanoke City, the CHW supports individuals and families in clinic settings and throughout the community, connecting them with resources and services to improve health and quality of life. The role serves as a liaison between community members and healthcare services, providing culturally sensitive communication and support, particularly to priority populations.

This position supports Maternal and Child Health initiatives across the Roanoke City and Alleghany Health Districts, focusing on outcomes for pregnant individuals, postpartum families, and infants. The CHW provides outreach and education, helps clients navigate healthcare and social services, and supports public health programs and initiatives. The role involves substantial community engagement and relationship-building, working independently in the community and providing culturally responsive support.

The position may require other duties as assigned and assistance during a gubernatorial emergency declaration. VDH may adjust work hours, location, and duties, and require training to meet public health needs, including emergencies. If designated a mobile worker, the employee may work in the field and telework from an alternate location when not in the field or during an emergency closing, with periodic attendance at the assigned office for meetings or training. Health-Care Personnel must provide documentation of required immunizations or evidence of immunity, including hepatitis B, measles, mumps, rubella, varicella, Tdap, and the current seasonal influenza vaccination.

Requirements

• Knowledge of social determinants of health, including social, economic, and environmental factors affecting health and access to resources and services.
• Familiarity with mental and behavioral health and how it intersects with physical health needs and outcomes.
• Basic knowledge of public health principles, epidemiology, disease prevention, health promotion, social service systems, and the roles of government agencies and community organizations.
• Experience working with priority or underserved communities and understanding of their challenges and resources.
• Ability to communicate effectively with diverse populations while recognizing and respecting cultural norms, practices, and values.
• Clear and concise written and verbal communication skills using accessible plain language, with the ability to adapt communication to different communities.
• Ability to build and maintain positive working relationships with colleagues, community members, and stakeholders; collaborate in a multidisciplinary environment.
• Ability to operate a personal computer and use internet-based tools and applications for data entry, communication, and research.
• Passion for working with families, comfort working independently in the community, and commitment to advancing health equity across diverse populations.
• Health-Care Personnel must provide required immunization documentation or evidence of immunity, including hepatitis B, measles, mumps, rubella, varicella, Tdap, and the current seasonal influenza vaccination.

Nice To Haves

• Proficiency in a second language, especially a language relevant to the community served.
• Previous experience in a public health or community-based agency, including familiarity with service coordination and supporting public health initiatives.
• Community Health Worker certification, or ability to obtain certification after hire.

Responsibilities

• Support individuals during pregnancy and the postpartum period, including connecting clients to prenatal and postpartum care.
• Promote safe sleep practices and car seat safety through education and community-based classes.
• Address social determinants of health, including transportation, housing, food access, and healthcare navigation.
• Conduct outreach and build relationships in WIC and clinic settings and throughout the broader community.
• Support community initiatives related to adolescent health, reproductive health, and family well-being.
• Connect community members with essential resources and services, serving as a liaison between the community and healthcare services.
• Facilitate health improvement initiatives, health promotion and education, and the development and support of health programs.
• Participate in disease prevention activities, capacity building, service coordination, and program evaluation.
• Collaborate with community networks and partners to identify, prioritize, and implement public health initiatives.
• Meet clients where they are and provide culturally responsive support.
• Perform other duties as assigned and assist the agency or state government during emergency declarations as required.

Benefits

• 13 paid holidays
• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Retirement plans, including a 401a Cash Match and 457 Deferred Compensation Plan
• Sick leave
• Family/personal leave
• Annual leave

What This Job Offers

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