Community Health Worker

Title:

Community Health Worker

Direct Service Associate III

$40,000-$50,000

3

Virginia Department of Health

CENT VA-LYNCHBURG CITY-Cen-TW

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

General Public - G

The Central Virginia Health District is seeking a Community Health Worker who will focus on internal and external referral processes, community engagement, and public messaging to include social media and district newsletter. Candidates must be familiar with local community resources and be able to effectively communicate with community members and partners.

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.

In addition to a rewarding work experience, VDH offers excellent employee benefits including health and life insurance, pre‑tax spending accounts, state funded Short‑ and Long‑Term Disability, paid holidays, vacation, tuition assistance, free wellness programs, and a state retirement plan with options for tax‑deferred retirement savings including employer matching.

The Virginia Department of Health offers 13 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.

A valid Virginia driver’s license and personal vehicle is required.

• Knowledge of Social Determinants of Health:
  Understanding of the various 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.
• Knowledge of Public Health Principles:
  Basic knowledge of public health practices, epidemiology, disease prevention, health promotion, and social service systems.
• 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.
• Interpersonal
  
  Skills:
  
  Demonstrated ability to build and maintain positive working relationships with colleagues, community members, and stakeholders.
• Technology Proficiency:
  Ability to operate a personal computer and use internet-based tools and applications for data entry, communication, and research.

• Certified as a Community Health Worker, or ability to obtain certification within six months of hire.
• Experience working in and navigating the structure of government organizations.
• Skilled in developing and managing social media and digital content across platforms such…