Community Health Worker - Public Health Outreach Worker

Duration: 12+ Months

Work hours: 20 - 32 hours per week; flexible hours dependent upon program needs; Could require occasional evenings or weekends.

Job Description:

• The Crater Health District seeks two (2) Community Health Workers (CHWs) to support the "Healthy Living and Learning Center (HLLC)” expansion in Surry and Sussex and Emporia/Greensville. The CHWs will connect community members to health resources throughout rural libraries throughout the Crater Health District. The HLLC is a health literacy program housed at local libraries that aim to bridge the gap between healthcare offices and citizens. The HLLC will serve as an information hub to address chronic health burden and health literacy issues which exist in the district.
• Coordinate health literacy and health education program activities within the local libraries and the community.
• Develop new community partnerships as sources of referrals to HLLC programming and to provide additional programming
• Conduct outreach and promotion efforts.
• Recruit program participants for HLLC activities, events, and community partner services (BP checks, etc.).
• Staff the HLLC in partnership with designated Library staff, Crater Health District staff, volunteers and community partners.
• Facilitate and assist with health observance program implementation.
• Acquire community resources (videos, brochures, flyers, incentives, reference books, etc.).
• Maintain connection with local health education services and programs, collaborate with other agencies and consult with subject matter specialists in the planning and implementation of HLLC programs.

Community Outreach:

• Plays an integral role in educating the public. Responsible for outreach both in the community and with local partners and businesses including schools, churches, and stores. Will perform a variety of outreach activities including door-to-door flier distribution, meetings with local residents and partners, health fairs, and community events. Knows and builds relationships with local community members and leaders to determine health needs of the community and to build trust.
• Builds and maintains relationships with local residents.
• Participates in the coordination of regular health promotion activities such as local community events, organizational events and health fairs.
• Refers community members to services, resources and information based on their stated needs.
• Educates client on the proper use of the Emergency Room and provides information for alternatives.
• Coaches patients in effective management of their chronic health conditions and self-care. Assists patient in understanding care plans and instructions.
• Motivates patients/clients to be active and engaged participants in their health and overall wellbeing.

Team and Professional Development:

• Coordinates activities with supervisor to assure optimum use of time and effort.

• Attends staff meetings and community meetings.
• Participates in in-services, workshops, and classes to maintain knowledge, skills and abilities
• Attends program-required training/educational sessions.
• Identifies and requests attendance at appropriate educational programs to enhance job performance. Maintains records of trainings and submits documentation to supervisor.

• Participates in team processing sessions to discuss successes/challenges in program implementation, relevant current events, community feedback, resources, etc.
• Participates in all team meetings and staff meetings, and retreats.
• Assists with grant application preparation and reporting as requested.
• Participates in team photos, press briefings and media appearances when requested.
• Works with LHD programs/staff and/or community partners to implement programs/activities related to identified categories.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Any combination of education, experience and training equivalent to graduation from high school or GED issued by state department of education.
• Three years of work related health and human services or relevant community volunteer experience, such as with parent groups, faith-based organizations, civic groups, etc.
• A related two-year (Associate) degree may be substituted for the required experience with culturally diverse individuals during a time of crisis and distress.
• Ability to show empathy to distressed individuals.
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion and professionalism.
• Complete (after hired) Institute for Public Health Innovation – Virtual CHW Core Skills Training.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Certified community health worker.
• Experience in community education/outreach; knowledge of public health topics such as health equity, health disparities and social determinants of health.
• Ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds and experiences.
• Ability to work independently including organizing an prioritizing activities.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing.
• Ability to work some nights and weekends.