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Community Health Research Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Community Health Worker

Santa Barbara, CA · On-site

$24.57 - $36.58/hr

Cottage Health seeks a Community Health Worker for their Population Health department responsible ... research and education. Our health system operates primarily in Santa Barbara, CA, since 1888, and ...

Community Health Worker

Santa Barbara, CA · On-site

$21.25 - $27.75/hr

Cottage Health seeks a Community Health Worker for their Population Health department responsible ... research and education. Our health system operates primarily in Santa Barbara, CA, since 1888, and ...

Community Health Worker

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$23 - $24.88/hr

Utilizes various databases and applications to research client historical information, location of ... community groups performing duties such as interview clients or patients concerning health or ...

Community Health Worker

Castaic, CA · On-site

$23 - $24.88/hr

Utilizes various databases and applications to research client historical information, location of ... community groups performing duties such as interview clients or patients concerning health or ...

Community Health Worker

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$23 - $24.88/hr

Utilizes various databases and applications to research client historical information, location of ... community groups performing duties such as interview clients or patients concerning health or ...

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Community Health Research information

What is community health research?

Community health research is the scientific study of health issues within specific communities or populations. It focuses on understanding the factors that affect health, including social, economic, environmental, and behavioral influences. The goal is to identify health disparities, develop interventions, and inform policies that improve the overall well-being of communities. This type of research often involves collaboration with community members to ensure that studies are relevant and culturally appropriate.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a community health researcher, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Community Health Researcher, you need a solid background in public health, epidemiology, and research methodologies, often supported by a relevant degree such as an MPH or related field. Proficiency with statistical software (e.g., SPSS, SAS, R), survey tools, and data management systems is typically required. Strong communication, cultural competence, and collaboration skills help in effectively engaging diverse communities and stakeholders. These skills are crucial for producing impactful research that informs public health interventions and improves community well-being.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in community health research, and how can they be addressed?

Community health research professionals often encounter challenges such as building trust within diverse communities, navigating ethical considerations, and ensuring representative data collection. Developing strong community partnerships and engaging stakeholders early in the research process can help overcome barriers to participation and enhance the relevance of findings. It's also important to stay current with ethical guidelines and cultural competencies, as well as leverage interdisciplinary collaboration to address complex health issues effectively.

What is the difference between Community Health Research vs Community Health Worker?

AspectCommunity Health ResearchCommunity Health Worker
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Public Health, Social Sciences, or related fieldsHigh school diploma or equivalent; often additional training or certification
Work EnvironmentResearch institutions, universities, public health agenciesCommunity settings, clinics, outreach programs
Primary FocusDesigning and conducting research studies to improve community healthProviding health education, support, and connecting community members to services

Community Health Research involves designing and conducting studies to analyze health issues, often working in academic or public health settings. In contrast, Community Health Workers focus on direct community engagement, health education, and support. Both roles aim to improve community health but differ in their methods and work environments.

What job categories do people searching Community Health Research jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Community Health Research jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Community Health Research jobs?

Cities in California with the most Community Health Research job openings:

Infographic showing various Community Health Research job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 72% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Community Health Worker

Cottage Health

Santa Barbara, CA • On-site

$24.57 - $36.58/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 26 days ago


Cottage Health rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 22 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description


Cottage Health seeks a Community Health Worker for their Population Health department responsible for providing culturally appropriate health education, resource navigation, referral, support, and care coordination for Cottage Health patients and vulnerable populations in the community. Includes support for patients through the discharge process and facilitates connection to social needs, referral, patient goal setting, and follow-up care post-discharge. Responsibilities include:
  • The CHW is responsible for completing basic health and social needs assessments, providing patient referrals and follow-up, completing digital documentation, and facilitating verbal and written communication for patients and their caregivers.
  • Lived experience and an understanding of the local community challenges with the populations being served is essential.
  • This position reports to the Manager of Community and Parish Nursing and works closely with varying departments at Cottage Health.

QUALIFICATIONS:
All job qualifications listed indicate the minimum level necessary to perform this job proficiently.
Education:
  • Preferred: Completed Community Health Worker or Promotor/a training or certificate.

Certifications, Licenses, Registrations:
  • Minimum: Valid California driver's license, reliable transportation, and insurance coverage as required by California state law.
  • Preferred: CHW, Promotora/a, or medical assistant certification preferred.

Technical Requirements:
  • Minimum: Cultural competency and knowledge of targeted Hispanic/Latinx communities and lower-income communities in Santa Barbara County. Bilingual in Spanish and English. Ability to write, read, and speak in English for patient documentation. Ability to type and navigate on a computer.

Years of Related Work Experience:
  • Minimum: Lived experience in the Hispanic/Latinx community.
  • Preferred: One year of experience working in a community health or related service, including volunteer or internship positions in a community setting.

About Us
Cottage Health is a leading acute care hospital system, located on the central coast of California, widely known for our superior patient care, innovation, medical research and education. Our health system operates primarily in Santa Barbara, CA, since 1888, and consists of three acute care hospitals, a Rehabilitation Hospital, multiple clinics and a multi-site Urgent Care system. Our mission is to serve the central coast communities with excellence, integrity, and compassion. Every day we touch thousands of lives in many different ways, resolute in our mission to put patients first. We take pride in helping our patients get back to living their lives - in the places they love.
*Pay for non-physician positions is determined based on related years of experience and internal equity. Eligible employees may also receive additional forms of compensation, including shift differentials, on-call pay, incentive pay, and bonus opportunities, where applicable. Manager and above positions may participate in Cottage Health's annual management incentive program. Physician compensation is determined based upon specialty and may include bonus potential. For more information on our comprehensive Total Rewards offerings, please visit https://cottagehealth.org/careers/total-rewards.
If you're already a Cottage Health employee, please apply on this link only.

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