Community Health Worker

Virginia Information Technologies Agency•Chesapeake, VA

4d•$45,023 - $56,925•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. 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.

Requirements

Knowledge of the various social, economic, and environmental factors that influence individual and community health, including disparities in access to resources and services.
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.
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.
Experience working with priority or underserved communities, with an understanding of relevant unique challenges and resources.
Ability to communicate effectively with diverse populations, recognizing and respecting cultural norms, practices, and values within the community.
Ability to communicate clearly and concisely in both written and verbal formats using plain language that is accessible to individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Ability to adapt communication styles to meet the needs of different communities served.
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.
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).
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.
Facilitating health improvement initiatives, health promotion and education.
Developing and supporting health programs.
Engaging in disease prevention activities, capacity building, and service coordination.
Participating in program evaluation to assess effectiveness and community impact.
Collaborating with community networks and partners to identify, prioritize, and implement public health initiatives.