Community Health Worker (VDHRN074)

DHRM • Roanoke, VA

7d

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 and Alleghany Health Districts. Based in Roanoke City, the position supports individuals and families in clinic settings and in the community by connecting them with essential resources and services to improve health and quality of life. The CHW 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 supports clients during pregnancy and postpartum, promotes safe sleep and car seat safety, helps address social determinants of health, and conducts outreach in WIC, clinic, and broader community settings. The role also supports initiatives related to adolescent health, reproductive health, and family well-being.

The position involves community engagement, relationship-building, health promotion and education, disease prevention, service coordination, capacity building, and program evaluation. The CHW collaborates with community networks and partners to identify and implement public health initiatives. The role requires flexibility, culturally responsive support, and the ability to work independently in the community. Other duties may be assigned. The employee may be required to assist the agency or state government during a gubernatorial emergency declaration, adjust work hours, location, or duties to meet public health needs, and participate in training. If designated as a mobile worker, duties include field work and teleworking from an alternate location when not in the field or during an emergency closing; periodic attendance at the assigned office for meetings or training may be required.

VDH health-care personnel must provide documentation of immunization or evidence of immunity for hepatitis B, measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella; receive a one-time Tdap dose and boosters every 10 years; and receive the current seasonal influenza vaccination. Employment is contingent on satisfactory background and other applicable checks.

Requirements

• Knowledge of social determinants of health and factors that influence individual and community health.
• Familiarity with the impact of mental and behavioral health on physical health outcomes and common mental health issues.
• Basic knowledge of public health principles, epidemiology, disease prevention, health promotion, social service systems, 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 respecting cultural norms, practices, and values.
• Clear and concise written and verbal communication skills, including use of plain language and adapting communication to community needs.
• Ability to build and maintain positive working relationships with colleagues, community members, and stakeholders.
• Strong collaboration skills and ability to work in a multidisciplinary environment.
• Ability to operate a personal computer and use internet-based tools and applications for data entry, communication, and research.
• Ability to engage with the community, build relationships, and work independently in the community.
• Required health-care personnel immunization documentation or evidence of immunity, including specified vaccinations.

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 coordinating services and supporting public health initiatives.
• Community Health Worker (CHW) certification, or ability to obtain certification after hire.

Responsibilities

• Connect community members to essential resources and services to improve health and quality of life.
• Provide culturally sensitive support and communication, especially to priority populations.
• Support individuals during pregnancy and postpartum, including connecting clients to prenatal and postpartum care.
• Educate community members about safe sleep practices and car seat safety, including through community-based classes.
• Help 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.
• Facilitate health improvement initiatives, health promotion and education, and the development and support of health programs.
• Participate in disease prevention, capacity building, service coordination, and program evaluation.
• Collaborate with community networks and partners to identify, prioritize, and implement impactful public health initiatives.
• Meet clients where they are and act as a trusted liaison between families and healthcare and social service systems.
• Perform other duties as assigned and assist with agency or state government response during emergencies 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
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed