Community Health Worker VDH07638

DHRM•Norfolk, VA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Are you passionate about helping others, improving community health, and connecting people with the resources they need to thrive? Norfolk Health Department is seeking a dedicated and compassionate Community Health Worker (CHW) to join our Population Health team. The Community Health Worker (CHW) is an essential member of the health district public health who serves as a liaison between the healthcare providers, community organizations, and community members. The CHW provides culturally responsive outreach, education, advocacy, and service coordination to individuals, families, and priority populations in both clinical and community settings. The CHW supports public health initiatives by promoting health education, disease prevention, access to healthcare and social services, and community engagement. Through relationship-building and collaboration with community partners, the CHW helps improve health outcomes, reduce barriers to care, advance health equity, and enhance the overall well-being of the populations served.

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

Serves as a liaison between healthcare providers, community organizations, and community members.
Provides culturally responsive outreach, education, advocacy, and service coordination to individuals, families, and priority populations in both clinical and community settings.
Supports public health initiatives by promoting health education, disease prevention, access to healthcare and social services, and community engagement.
Improves health outcomes, reduces barriers to care, advances health equity, and enhances the overall well-being of the populations served through relationship-building and collaboration with community partners.