HEALTHYSTEPS COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKER

Harmony Health Care Long Island•Freeport, NY

22d

About The Position

The Community Health Worker (CHW) will be a member of the Pediatric team and play a pivotal role in supporting the HealthySteps Program as the designated HealthySteps Specialist (HHS),.HealthySteps is an evidence-based, interdisciplinary pediatric primary care program developed by ZERO TO THREE, designed to promote the health, development, and school readiness of babies and toddlers—especially in families living in low-income communities. The CHW will work in tandem with the pediatric clinician to support families during and between well baby visits. These professionals (who often have backgrounds in child development, nursing, or social work) work alongside pediatricians to support families during and between visits. This background is preferred but not required, as the person chosen will receive the necessary specialized training to fulfil the role. This is a two-generation approach that supports both the child and caregiver, strengthening the caregiver-child relationship. Services are tailored based on family needs, ranging from universal screenings to intensive support and care coordination. Based on need families, are offered support on sleep, feeding, behavior, attachment, mental health, and social determinants of health, as well as other needs such as connecting families to housing, transportation, and other essential services, resources, and support, ensuring that participants have access to essential services that promote healthy lifestyles, preventive care, and early childhood development. The ideal candidate will be passionate about community health, have strong communication skills, and possess the ability to work effectively with diverse populations. This role will require, outreach, and collaboration with healthcare providers, community organizations, and other stakeholders.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED required; Associate’s degree or certification in public health, social work, or a related field preferred.
Certification as a Community Health Worker (CHW) is highly desirable.
Previous experience in community outreach, social services, or a related field, especially in maternal and child health, is preferred.
Knowledge of community resources and services available to low-income families, knowledge of the early intervention system and confidence in connecting with services is a plus.
Ability to engage with individuals and families from diverse cultural, linguistic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
Strong communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
Comfort with home visits and traveling within the designated service area.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual (Spanish/English) preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

Provide one-on-one support and education to participants enrolled in the HealthySteps Program.
Assess health needs, provide guidance on, infant and child development, and healthy lifestyle choices.
Assist families in navigating the healthcare system, connecting them to resources like early intervention, related medical care, social services, and nutrition programs.
Help families set and achieve health goals, empowering them to take charge of their well-being and that of their children.
Work alongside the pediatric team and receive supervision and guidance from the clinician and the behavioral health supervisor, who specializes in caring for infants from 0-5 years of age.
Possibly facilitate workshops, group sessions, and health education activities for families, focusing on child development, parenting skills, nutrition, and mental health.
Offer information and guidance on breastfeeding, infant care, childhood immunizations, and other health-related topics.
Build trust and establish strong relationships within the community, acting as a liaison between families and healthcare providers.
Possibly promote the HealthySteps Program to new families through community outreach efforts, including attending local events, conducting informational sessions, and utilizing social media.
Work with local organizations and healthcare providers to ensure that families receive comprehensive, coordinated care.
Track family’s progress and outcomes, maintaining accurate and up-to-date records of interactions, referrals, and services provided.
Assist with program evaluations, contributing to data collection efforts and reporting on family outcomes.
Advocate for family's needs by helping them navigate barriers to healthcare, social services, and other resources.
At times, provide guidance on health insurance enrollment, childcare options, and financial assistance programs.