Community Health Worker

Citizen Advocates, Inc.•City of Watertown, NY

7d•$18 - $26•Onsite

About The Position

The Community Health Worker (CHW) is a frontline public health role based in Watertown, with regular travel to support Ogdensburg and surrounding communities. The CHW builds trusted relationships and serves as a liaison between Citizen Advocates and the community, connecting individuals with behavioral health, medical, and social services, reducing barriers to care, and improving the cultural competence of service delivery. The position is funded through a Fort Drum Regional Health Planning Organization (FDRHPO) grant expanding Community Health Worker capacity across the North Country. This is a full-time, 40-hour-per-week position. The schedule is determined by the supervisor to meet location and departmental needs; hours and schedules may vary with company needs and workload, with as much advance notice as possible. The role is primarily community-based and includes regular travel between Watertown and Ogdensburg and within the surrounding community. Work outside regular hours may be necessary to meet community needs.

Requirements

Associate’s degree and a minimum of 3 years of relevant work experience preferred, or an equivalent combination of skills, education, and experience.
Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation required because of regular travel between Watertown and Ogdensburg.
Demonstrated proficiency in communication, conflict resolution, ethics, and time management.
Advanced community engagement and cultural competency skills.
Advanced confidentiality skills and up-to-date knowledge of HIPAA requirements.

Nice To Haves

Lived experience or deep roots in the Watertown or Ogdensburg communities.
Experience working with behavioral health, substance use, or underserved populations.
Bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

Build trust and rapport with individuals and families in the communities served, prioritizing community connectedness.
Connect individuals with health care information, behavioral health services, community resources, and services specific to their needs.
Build individual and community capacity through outreach, education, informal support, and advocacy.
Support clinical and program staff by developing outreach activities that promote and improve community health.
Assist individuals with referrals, follow-ups, service applications, eligibility determination, and transportation coordination as needed.
Facilitate communication between individuals and health care, government, and social service systems, serving as a bridge between those systems and the community.
Deliver health information using culturally and linguistically appropriate terms and concepts.
Advocate for local health needs across Watertown, Ogdensburg, and the broader service area.
Travel regularly between Watertown and Ogdensburg to maintain a consistent presence in both communities, and represent Citizen Advocates at community events.
Help individuals, families, and groups access resources, including health insurance, food, housing, and health information.
Encourage healthier behaviors and lifestyle choices and support SMART goal-setting with individuals served.
Help health care and social service systems become more culturally responsive to the population served.
Help individuals understand health conditions and develop strategies to improve health and well-being.
Conduct home visits for chronically ill, high-risk, or elderly individuals as appropriate.
Report emergencies and other concerns to a supervisor and work toward resolution.
Maintain required documentation in a timely manner and adhere to agency policies, procedures, and SOPs.
Devise a coverage plan for planned or unexpected absences.
Work outside regular hours when necessary to meet community needs.
Perform other duties as assigned to meet the needs of individuals served and the department.
Maintain training, licenses, and certifications in accordance with regulatory and agency requirements.