Community Outreach Worker Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Description Under the general supervision of Loving Steps Program Supervisor, conducts systematic screenings, assessments, outreach, case management, referrals, and family support services for prenatal and parenting families. The Community Health Outreach Worker II services as the Department's lead fatherhood engagement specialist and is responsible for recruiting, engaging, and supporting fathers, expectant fathers, and father figures through evidence-based programming, community outreach, family strengthening activities, and resource coordination. This position promotes responsible fatherhood, healthy relationships, positive parenting, child development, family stability, maternal and child health, and improved family outcomes, while connecting families to community resource and support services.

Examples of Duties Conducts assessments and screenings with prenatal and post-birth families and determines families in need of additional supportive services. Meets with supervisor to review family status and develop appropriate services interventions and referrals. Makes appropriate referrals to community resources and assist families in accessing needed services.

Serves as a client advocate and successfully links families with community resources and supports. Accurately completes all required documentation, assessments, reports, case notes, and service plans in a timely manner. Conducts community education activities, outreach events, and presentations as assigned.

Accurately enters information into REDCap and other required data systems within established timelines. Organizes and manages resource information including brochures, flyers, educational materials, and community resource guides. Establishes and maintains relationships with referral sources, community partners, healthcare providers, schools, faith-based organizations, correctional facilities, and social service agencies.

Attends staff meetings, team meetings, reflective supervision sessions, in-service trainings, and other meetings as required. Performs case management and develops individual and family service plans with goals, objectives, and activities designed to meet participant needs. Implements family service plans and developmental screening tools under the supervision of the Program Supervisor.

Applies knowledge of child development, parent-child interaction, family dynamics, and child abuse prevention to strengthen families and improve parenting skills. Assists parents with developing problem-solving skills, coping strategies, and healthy parenting practices. Educates families regarding child development, positive discipline techniques, family strengthening, and community resources.

Fatherhood Engagement Responsibilities: Serves as the lead fatherhood engagement specialist for Healthy Start Loving Steps and Department of Healthy Families initiatives. Recruits, engages, and retains fathers, expectant fathers, and father figures through community outreach, home visits, hospital recruitment, community events, correctional facilities, and referral networks. Facilitates evidence-based fatherhood and parenting curricula, including but not limited to 24/7 Dad, InsideOut Dad, and other approved fatherhood and parenting education models.

Conducts outreach activities specifically designed to increase father participation in maternal and child health services and family support programs. Provides case management, advocacy, support, and resource navigation to fathers related to employment, workforce development, education, housing, transportation, healthcare, child support navigation, parenting, and co-parenting. Promotes responsible fatherhood, healthy relationships, positive parenting practices, child development, and family stability through individual and group education.

Coordinates and facilitates fatherhood support groups, parenting workshops, family engagement activities, and community events. Supports reentry initiatives for incarcerated and formerly incarcerated fathers through education, referrals, and linkage to community resources. Assists with planning, implementation, tracking, and reporting of fatherhood initiative activities and outcomes.

Maintains accurate documentation of father engagement activities, referrals, outreach efforts, and participant outcomes. Collaborates with Community Health Workers, Family Support Specialists, Community Action Network partners, and community agencies to improve outcomes for fathers and families. Typical Qualifications Minimum Education and Experience: Associate degree in Human Services, Social Work, Sociology, Psychology, Public Health, Criminal Justice, Community Health, Family Studies, or related field preferred.

Related education, training, and experience may be substituted for formal degree requirements. Experience in community outreach, family support services, case management, home visiting, public health, fatherhood programming, social services, or related human service fields preferred. Experience facilitating groups, workshops, parenting classes, or educational programs preferred.

Licenses and/or Certifications: Valid Virginia Driver's License. Reliable transportation with appropriate insurance coverage. Community Health Worker certification preferred.

Infant Mental Health endorsement preferred. CPR/First Aid certification preferred. Knowledge: Knowledge of family dynamics, child development, and community resources.

Knowledge of maternal and child health, infant mental health, and child abuse and neglect prevention. Knowledge of fatherhood engagement principles, family strengthening practices, and healthy relationship education. Knowledge of trauma-informed care and motivational interviewing principles.

Knowledge of community resources and service systems. Skills: Demonstrated interviewing and communication skills. Strong relationship-building and engagement skills.

Group facilitation and presentation skills. Basic computer and data entry skills. Critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills.

Organization and time-management skills. Customer service and interpersonal communication skills. Abilities: Ability to teach parents and caregivers effective parenting and child development practices.

Ability to work effectively with diverse populations and backgrounds. Ability to establish professional boundaries while maintaining supportive relationships. Ability to independently manage workload and prioritize responsibilities.

Ability to plan and coordinate services effectively. Ability to maintain confidentiality and professional standards. Ability to engage in reflective supervision and professional growth activities.

Ability to accurately maintain records and documentation. Special Requirements: Must successfully pass criminal background checks, Child Protective Services checks, and all screenings required by the City of Hopewell and funding agencies. Must maintain confidentiality and comply with HIPAA and all applicable privacy requirements.

Supplemental Information Work Environment: Work is performed in offices, participant homes, hospitals, correctional facilities, community settings, and outreach locations. Frequent local travel throughout the service area is required. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required to support fatherhood groups, outreach events, and community activities.

Essential Physical Activities: Walking, standing, bending, reaching, lifting, carrying, and repetitive motion activities. Ability to lift and carry materials up to 25 pounds. Ability to operate a motor vehicle and travel throughout the service area.

DISCLAIMER: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. Management reserves the right to revise or amend duties as necessary.