2026-27 Community Health Worker

Department/Location: Student Services

Reports To: Building Principal
Work Schedule/Term: School Year
FLSA Status: Exempt 

Position Summary

The Community Health Worker provides non-clinical support to students and families by connecting them with community resources, reducing barriers to education, and strengthening communication between the home, school, and community. This role is designed to expand the capacity of school-based support services by assisting with outreach, coordination, and follow-through, allowing licensed professionals to focus on clinical and high-level interventions. 

Essential Duties & Responsibilities 

Family Outreach and Support 

• Build trusting relationships with students and families through consistent outreach and engagement. 
• Conduct home visits and school-based meetings in accordance with District procedures. 
• Provide culturally responsive support and assist families in navigating school systems and expectations. 
• Identify barriers to student attendance, engagement, and success, and work collaboratively to address them. 

Resource Coordination and Referrals 

• Connect families to community resources, including healthcare, mental health services, housing, food assistance, transportation, and other supports. 
• Assist families in completing applications, forms, and required documentation for services. 
• Follow up on referrals to ensure access and continuity of services. 
• Maintain a current directory of community resources and service providers. 

School Collaboration and Communication 

• Serve as a liaison between families, school staff, and community agencies to improve communication and coordination. 
• Collaborate with school social workers, counselors, administrators, and other staff to support student needs. 
• Participate in team meetings as appropriate to provide insight into family and community factors. 
• Support communication efforts with families, including attendance outreach and engagement activities. 

Attendance and Engagement Support 

• Assist with monitoring and improving student attendance through outreach and intervention strategies. 
• Support the implementation of attendance improvement plans in collaboration with the administration. 
• Help address truancy concerns by fostering family engagement and connecting families to resources. 

Program Support and Prevention 

• Assist in implementing school-wide initiatives related to student wellness, family engagement, and prevention. 
• Support events, workshops, and informal sessions for families. 
• Promote awareness of available services and supports within the school and community. 

Community Health Worker

Documentation and Compliance 

• Maintain accurate and timely records of contacts, referrals, and services provided in accordance with District expectations. 
• Protect the confidentiality of student and family information in accordance with FERPA and District policy. 
• Serve as a mandated reporter and follow all child protection reporting requirements. 

Other Duties 

• Perform other duties as assigned. 

Qualifications 

Education & Experience 

• High School Diploma required; associate’s or bachelor’s degree in human services, social work, public health, or related field preferred. 
• South Dakota Community Health Worker (CHW) certification preferred. 
• Valid driver’s license required. 
• Experience working with children, families, or community-based organizations preferred. 

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities 

• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills. 
• Knowledge of community resources and social service systems. 
• Ability to communicate effectively with diverse populations. 
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with professionalism. 
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks. 
• Ability to work independently while collaborating as part of a team. 

Physical & Environmental Requirements 

Physical Requirements 

• Ability to stand, walk, sit, and occasionally lift up to 25 pounds. 
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. 

Work Environment 

• School- and community-based settings, including home visits. 
• Exposure to a variety of home environments and situations. 
• Work may involve unpredictable or stressful situations requiring emotional control, sound judgement, and professionalis 
• Occasional evening or flexible hours to meet family needs. 

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. 

Duties and responsibilities may change at any time with or without notice.