Community Health Worker

Description

The Community Health Worker (CHW) will be responsible for developing community partnerships, leading outreach efforts, and helping individuals navigate and access community services, other resources, and adopt healthy behaviors. CHW will primarily be working out in the community with specific target populations. The CHW will work closely with county and tribal agencies, medical providers, healthcare teams, schools, and other community agencies to improve access to services and improve community health outcomes. As a priority, all activity will promote, maintain, and improve the health of the community, with a focus on inequities. The CHW will advocate for individuals and community health needs and assist in providing services, including home visits, clinics, health screenings and school-based outreach education.

Examples of Duties

A. Develop community partnerships, build support for health initiatives, and serve as a liaison among the Health Department, Human Services, Bay Area WIC, and community organizations.
B. Maintain supportive relationships with clients, providers, and agency staff; seek client feedback; and help reduce cultural and socioeconomic barriers to services.
C. Explain available programs and services, assist with applications and appointments, respond to inquiries, and follow up with clients by phone, home visits, clinics, schools, and other community settings. Transport clients to and from appointments as needed.
D. Maintain current knowledge of community resources, services, and programs relevant to the populations served.
E. Assist with community outreach, health education, and events, including setup and cleanup.
F. Use Microsoft Office, ROSIE, WICHealth.org, WIR, and other state or local systems to support services, data entry, and documentation.
G. Assist public health nurses with maternal and child health promotion, case finding, data collection, and related paperwork.
H. Support public health emergency preparedness by assisting with plan and memorandum of understanding updates, agency contacts, and secure website portals.
I. Support community health assessments and improvement planning by connecting community organizations with the Health Department.
J. Collaborate with schools to identify youth health education needs, participate in school health committees, and deliver evidence-based education on topics such as vaping, online safety, social media wellness, nutrition, mental health, and resiliency. Support vaping cessation programming in schools and community settings.
K. Attend training and maintain working knowledge of electronic billing programs, procedures, and policy changes with limited direction.
L. Respond to WIC eligibility inquiries, process application requests, maintain application documentation, and assist with outreach.
M. Conduct WIC intake and health screenings and issue benefits during WIC clinics. Screenings may include obtaining height, weight, and blood samples for lead and/or hemoglobin testing.
N. Represent the department professionally, collaborate with team members, and accept and provide constructive feedback.
O. Demonstrate Bayfield County Core Values and provide courteous, respectful service in accordance with the County Personnel Policy.
P. Be available periodically for after-hours work.

Qualifications

A. High school graduate or equivalent. Associate degree in a health promotion related field preferred.
B. Two years of experience in an office setting required.
C. One to two years of experience with public health, community health and or WIC programs preferred.
D. Knowledge of computers, including word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and Internet.
E. Must possess good written/oral communication skills.
F. Knowledge of programs provided by the Health Department preferred.
G. Must be able to work independently without direct supervision.
H. Current Wisconsin driver’s license with reliable transportation and current auto insurance.
I. CPR/AED Certification or ability to obtain within 6 months of employment.

Supplemental Information

The Community Health Worker (CHW) shall demonstrate knowledge, skills, and abilities in the following core competency areas:
A. Assessment and Data Utilization: Identify and utilize available health and community data sources; collect, document, and analyze information; prepare reports and documentation using electronic health records and other data systems; evaluate program effectiveness; and apply assessment findings to support program planning, service delivery, and continuous quality improvement.
B. Community Health Practice and Engagement: Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with community partners, stakeholders, health care providers, and service organizations; support community outreach and education activities; coordinate health-related events and initiatives; facilitate access to health and social services; and advocate for the needs of individuals, families, and communities.
C. Communication: Communicate health information accurately and effectively through oral, written, and visual methods; provide information in a culturally and linguistically appropriate manner; educate clients and community members regarding available health resources and services; and disseminate information concerning health programs, services, and applicable policies and procedures.
D. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Demonstrate cultural responsiveness and respect for individuals and communities with diverse backgrounds, identities, beliefs, abilities, and socioeconomic circumstances; recognize and address health disparities and barriers to care; and perform duties in a manner that is respectful, objective, nonjudgmental, and free from bias and stereotyping.
E. Professional Practice: Demonstrate an understanding of the role and scope of practice of the Community Health Worker within a public health and health care setting; collaborate effectively with interdisciplinary teams; manage multiple responsibilities and priorities; adhere to applicable professional, ethical, confidentiality, and organizational standards; participate in continuing education and professional development; and manage program activities and resources in accordance with established policies and budgetary requirements.
F. Disease Prevention and Management: Identify barriers and factors affecting access to disease prevention, health promotion, and disease management services; provide accurate health education and prevention information; facilitate referrals and connections to appropriate health and community services; support continuity and ongoing access to care; provide information regarding conditions and health concerns prevalent within the community; and assist clients in understanding health care systems, coverage, and payment mechanisms, including Medicaid, Medicare, and private insurance.

• A letter of application addressing the points outlined below.
• A current résumé.
• Contact information for three professional references.
• Relevant coursework, certification, or training documentation, if applicable.

Shifts and Work Hours:
Generally, the courthouse is open from 8:00am until 4:00pm, Monday through Friday. Depending upon the position, full-time employees may be scheduled either 37.5 or 40 hours per week.

Shifts for Dispatch personnel will vary, but cover 24-hours per day, 365 days per year. Applicants for these positions must be flexible. .

Insurance:
Health insurance is available to regular employees that work 26 hours per week or more and those that are eligible for participation in the Wisconsin Retirement System. Coverage is effective upon completion of one full calendar month of employment.

Both Disability and Life Insurance are available.
A Section 125 Plan (Flexible Spending) is available.

Paid Time Off (PTO): PTO is allocated on a per paycheck basis. The amount of allocation increases with duration of employment. Generally, two weeks of PTO are allocated upon hire. PTO may be used for any purpose.

For regular part-time employees, PTO is pro-rated based upon the regular number of hours scheduled.

Holidays:

New Year's Eve, New Years Day, Memorial Day, Labor Day, Veteran's Day, Spring Holiday (Friday before Easter), Christmas Day, Thanksgiving Day, Day After Thanksgiving, Fourth of July, Christmas Eve

Retirement:
Wisconsin Retirement System (Employee and Employer each contribute).

An optional Deferred Compensation Program is available.

Additional voluntary insurances are available, including: Vision, Dental, Accident, Disability and Critical Care. Premiums are payroll deducted for those who choose to enroll.