Community Health Assistant Jobs in Nebraska (NOW HIRING)

Position Summary

All positions of PPHD will work to support the PPHD mission of "Working together to improve the health, safety, and quality of life for all who live, learn, work and play in the Panhandle." This position will support the implementation of PPHD strategic plan objectives through collaboration with partners and the community, a commitment to Community Health Improvement, dedication to implementing evidence-based practices, and implementation of the standards and measures of PHAB accreditation.

The Community Health Worker promotes health and wellness for individuals and communities through evidence-based strategies at the community, organizational, and individual levels. This role has a close understanding of the community served and acts as a liaison between health care, behavioral health, and social service systems and the community to facilitate access, promote understanding, and improve health outcomes.

Essential Duties

The Community Health Worker will perform the following essential functions within the framework of Panhandle Public Health District's provision of the core functions and essential services of public health:

• Serve as a trusted liaison between community members and Panhandle Public Health District, healthcare providers, schools, and social service agencies.
• Conduct outreach, intake, and needs assessments for individuals and families to identify health, behavioral, social, and environmental barriers to well-being.
• Provide culturally responsive education, advocacy, and navigation support related to healthcare access, mental health, substance use prevention, nutrition, housing, transportation, and other social determinants of health.
• Assist clients in completing referrals, applications, and follow-up processes for medical care, insurance, food assistance, housing resources, and community programs.
• Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential case documentation in district case management and reporting systems in compliance with HIPAA and district policies.
• Perform regular follow-up with clients to monitor progress, reinforce care plans, and support successful connection to services.
• Collaborate with schools, clinics, hospitals, behavioral health providers, law enforcement, and community organizations across the Panhandle region.
• Participate in community events, outreach activities, and prevention programs to promote public health initiatives and build community trust.
• Identify service gaps and emerging community needs and communicate trends to supervisors and program leadership.
• Support program evaluation efforts through data collection, reporting, and quality improvement activities.
• Maintain professional boundaries, ethical standards, and confidentiality in all client interactions.
• Actively participate in Performance Management and Quality Improvement activities.
• Contribute to and participate in the implementation of the strategic plan as assigned.
• Assumes responsibility for own professional growth and development by pursuing education, participating in professional committees and work groups, and contributing to a work environment where continual improvements in practice are pursued.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Compliance with all PPHD personnel policies and procedures.
• Follow and adhere to all HIPAA and PPHD confidentiality and privacy policies and practices.

Behavior Expectations

Treats others with courtesy and respect in all interactions and abides by PPHD's Guiding Principles. Goes above and beyond in providing exceptional outreach, education, navigation, and support to enhance the health and well-being of Panhandle residents, families, and community organizations.

Minimum Qualifications

A High School Diploma or GED is required. We welcome candidates with a range of backgrounds and experiences and are looking for the right person who is motivated, community-minded, and eager to learn. Relevant education and/or experience in community health, public health, human services, social work, health education, behavioral health, or community outreach is beneficial.

General writing and interpersonal communication skills and demonstrated cultural competence are essential.

Valid driver's license, current certificate of vehicle insurance, and access to reliable transportation to all assigned work locations.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

This position will require the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Interest in community outreach, basic health education, and providing individualized support to individuals and families in public health or community settings; prior experience is helpful but not required.
• Comfort communicating with a variety of people, building trust, explaining information clearly, and completing basic documentation or reporting with support and training.
• Willingness to learn and apply public health and community engagement principles to help identify needs, support referrals, and promote health improvement efforts.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team, with flexibility and openness to feedback.
• Commitment to cultural humility and interest in delivering services in a culturally responsive, trauma-informed, and person-centered way.
• Developing written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Willingness to learn how to collect, track, and share basic program or service data for reporting, quality improvement, and program evaluation.
• Organizational skills or the willingness to build them, including managing time, prioritizing tasks, and handling multiple responsibilities.
• Comfort facilitating one-on-one conversations and participating in small group discussions with community members and partners.
• Basic comfort with computers or openness to learning systems such as email, data entry, and web-based reporting or case management tools.

Work Environment

This position is primarily community-based, with work occurring in community locations, schools, healthcare facilities, and partner sites throughout the Panhandle region. Occasional work at PPHD office locations may be required. PPHD will provide necessary office equipment, including a computer and related supplies. The position requires regular use of a personal or PPHD vehicle for travel within the district.

The work may include light lifting, standing, walking, sitting for extended periods, and flexible scheduling, including occasional evenings, weekends, overtime, and limited overnight travel based on program needs.