Job Description

P osition: Community Health Worker – (CHW) - Lead

St. Joseph County Department of Health – C.A.R.E Unit

Opening Date: October 8, 2024

Closing Date: Until Filled

Salary: Up to $41,143/year

Location: 227 W. Jefferson Blvd., South Bend, IN 46601 – 8 th Floor

Status: Full Time

Job Category: PAT (Professional, Administrative, Technological)

FLSA Status: Non-exempt

Incumbent is responsible for building relationships with community members, helping individuals, families, and groups develop their capacity and access to resources. The CHW serves as a liaison or link between health and social services and the community to facilitate access and improve health outcomes by increasing health knowledge and self-sufficiency. Incumbent will learn and perform a variety of duties related to individual health and wellness to reduce health disparities.

DUTIES :

Conduct outreach to identify and engage community members around health activities.

Assess health status and social determinants of health; facilitate health education and behavior change strategies with individuals in the communities.

Help connect affected families with each other, where appropriate, and help them raise their collective voice in shaping how the community addresses health inequities.

Provide advocacy to address health disparities at the individual and community levels.

 Utilize creative ideas to reach out into the community to contact undeserved members throughout the county.

Provide support to individuals and families; educate individuals and families about available community resources.

Attend and participate in team meetings, communicate with county and community-based agencies/professionals.

Build health literacy and cross-cultural communication that matches cultural needs of residents of the community.

 Continuously expands knowledge and understanding of community resources and services. Facilitates individuals and families’ access to community resources, including locating housing, food, clothing, parenting, and providers to teach life skills, and relevant mental health services. Assists individuals and families in utilizing community services, including scheduling appointments with social service agencies, and assisting with completion of applications for programs for which they may be eligible.

• JOB REQUIREMENTS :

One year of community-based experience providing advocacy and support which has included significant public contact and/or completion of GED or high school diploma which has included public contact.

Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.

Working knowledge of local community health disparities and local population demographics, assets, and needs.

Thorough knowledge of standard policies and practices of St Joseph County Department of Health, with ability to apply appropriate procedures accordingly.

Working knowledge of transportation and other barriers to care that may be encountered by community members.

Working knowledge of standard English grammar, spelling and punctuation, and ability to prepare detailed written reports, maintain accurate/organized records, and plan/present public speaking engagements.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with families, staff, community organizations, and the public.

 Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing to interact effectively with diverse populations including being sensitive to professional ethics, gender, cultural diversities, and disabilities; also has the skills needed to communicate in a clear and effective manner.

Ability to provide public access to or maintain confidentiality of department information and records according to state requirements.

Ability to comply with all employer and department policies and work rules, including, but not limited to, attendance, safety, drug-free workplace, and personal conduct.

Ability to properly operate standard office equipment, including computer and department software applications, keyboard, telephone, copier, and fax machine.

Ability to work alone with minimum supervision and with others in a team environment, often under pressure of formal schedules and deadlines, and on several tasks at the same time.

Ability to identify steps necessary to reach objectives, define practical courses of action, and put into effect changes in policies and procedures.

Ability to occasionally work extended, evening and/or weekend hours and travel out of town for meetings/conferences, sometimes overnight.

Possession of a valid driver’s license and demonstrated safe driving record.

• DIFFICULTY OF WORK :

 Incumbent’s work often requires careful consideration of complex circumstances and variables. Incumbent performs duties in accordance with clear and well-defined guidelines, exercising judgment to ensure effectiveness of Unit operations and to develop plans and procedures for public health emergencies/threats. Periodically, decisions are made in the absence of specific policies and/or guidance from supervisor.

• RESPONSIBILITY :

Incumbent makes a significant contribution to outcomes of the department, assuring proper implementation of public health plans/programs and education. Goals and objectives of incumbent's work are known, with highly unusual circumstances and/or sensitive problems discussed with supervisor as needed. Work is primarily reviewed for soundness of judgment, attainment of objectives, and continuing quality of Department of Health services for St. Joseph County.

• PERSONAL WORK RELATIONSHIPS :

Incumbent maintains frequent communication with co-workers, community partners, and the public for purposes of exchanging information, coordinating operations, providing instruction/training, and resolving problems.

Incumbent reports directly to the Assistant Director of Community, Access, Resources, and Education (CARE).

• PHYSICAL EFFORT AND WORK ENVIRONMENT :

Incumbent performs duties in a standard office environment, involving sitting/walking at will, lifting/carrying objects weighing under 25 pounds, keyboarding, driving, close/far vision, color perception, speaking clearly, hearing sounds/communication, and handling/grasping/fingering objects. Incumbent occasionally works extended, evening and/or weekend hours and travels out of town for meetings/conferences, sometimes overnight.

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