Community Health Worker

Title: Community Health Worker

State Role

Title:

Direct Service Associate III

Hiring Range: $45,023.00-$56,925.00

Pay Band: 3

Agency: Virginia Department of Health

Location:CHESAPEAKE HQ

Agency Website:https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

The Virginia Department of Health offers 12 paid holidays, medical, dental, vision and life insurance, retirement plans (including 401a Cash Match and 457 Deferred Compensation Plan) as well as sick, family/personal, and annual leave. Total value of employment with VDH, including VRS, affordable healthcare premiums, generous leave benefits, flexible work arrangements, and predictable schedules.

The Goal of the Virginia Department of Health is to become the healthiest state in the nation. This position will support the VDH Goal of becoming the healthiest state in the nation by continuing to support and improve the health of all Virginians through efficient and effective execution of operations and delivery of services, performing work based on assigned duties and performance measures.

The Community Health Worker (CHW) is an integral member of the health district public health team, providing support to individuals and families both in clinic settings and within the community. The CHW works to connect community members to essential resources and services, with the goal of improving overall health and enhancing quality of life.

Serving as a liaison between the community and healthcare services, the CHW focuses on providing culturally sensitive care and communication, especially to priority populations. Key responsibilities include facilitating health improvement initiatives, health promotion and education, and the development and support of health programs. The CHW plays a critical role in disease prevention activities, capacity building, and service coordination. They are also involved in program evaluation to assess effectiveness and community impact.

The CHW collaborates with community networks and partners to identify, prioritize, and implement public health initiatives that have the greatest potential for positive impact.

This position requires strong community engagement skills, the ability to navigate and coordinate services, and a commitment to fostering health equity and improving the overall well-being of the population

Minimum KSAs:

• Knowledge of Social Determinants of Health:
  Knowledge of the various social, economic, and environmental factors that influence individual and community health, including disparities in access to resources and services.
• Knowledge of Mental/Behavioral Health:
  Familiarity with the impact of mental and behavioral health on physical health outcomes, including an understanding of common mental health issues and how they intersect with physical health needs.
• Knowledge of Public Health Principles:
  Basic knowledge of public health practices, epidemiology, disease prevention, health promotion, and social service systems, including the roles of government agencies and community organizations in addressing health needs.
• Community
  
  Experience:
  
  Experience working with priority or underserved communities, with an understanding of relevant unique challenges and resources.
• Cultural
  
  Competency:
  
  Ability to communicate effectively with diverse populations, recognizing and respecting cultural norms, practices, and values within the community.
• Effective Communication
  
  Skills:
  
  Ability to communicate clearly and concisely in both written and verbal formats using plain language that is accessible to individuals from diverse backgrounds. This includes the ability to adapt communication styles to meet the needs of different communities served.
• Interpersonal
  
  Skills:
  
  Demonstrated ability to build and maintain positive working relationships with colleagues, community members, and stakeholders. Strong team collaboration skills and the ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary environment.
• Technology Proficiency:
  Ability to operate a personal computer and use internet-based tools and applications for data entry, communication, and research

• Proficiency in a second language (especially relevant languages in the community served) is highly preferred to effectively communicate with a broader population.
• Previous experience in a public health or community-based agency environment, with familiarity in coordinating services and supporting public health initiatives.
• Community Health Worker (CHW) certification,…