Community Health Worker (Community Programs)

The Johns Hopkins School of Nursing (JHSON) Neighborhood Nursing Initiative (https://neighborhoodnursing.org) actively promotes primary and secondary prevention services through team-based care delivered directly in homes and community hubs across Somerset County, including libraries, senior centers, faith-based organizations, and other identified community sites. The Community Health Worker (CHW) is paired with a Registered Nurse (RN) to identify and link community members to health and social resources in their neighborhoods.

JHSON seeks a motivated and community-connected Community Health Worker to join the Neighborhood Nursing team in Somerset County. The CHW will work alongside a RN to conduct outreach, deliver services, support care coordination, and assist participants in connecting to health insurance, primary care, and other community resources. The CHW will use their lived experience and knowledge of the Somerset County community to establish trust, promote well-being, and support participants in navigating the health and social care systems. Candidates' native to or with experience working in Somerset County are strongly encouraged to apply.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities

Case Management & Community Outreach

• Meet with individuals and families in a variety of community settings including homes, community centers, libraries, and other hub sites throughout Somerset County.
• Establish rapport with community members and serve as a trusted liaison between participants and the Neighborhood Nursing team.
• Conduct social determinants of health (SDOH) screenings and health risk assessments.
• Link and help enroll participants into community resources including health insurance, primary care, specialty care, behavioral health, housing, transportation, food support, and utility support.
• Effectively use motivational interviewing techniques to engage and coordinate care/services for participants.
• Provide participant-centered services using a trauma-informed approach.
• Support participants with health education on topics including chronic disease management, mental health, and substance use.
• Provide general information about program services to community members; respond to inquiries face-to-face, over the phone/text, and via web-based platforms.
• Advocate during and accompany participants to medical appointments and community services as needed.
  
  

Outreach & Community Engagement

• Initiate and assist in developing strong community relationships in Somerset County;
• Attend community meetings and other activities that cultivate trust.
• Support with program expansion and hub creation in Somerset.
• Develop and distribute health education and training materials for participants and community members.
• Lead and support community outreach events, including evenings and weekends as needed.
• Participate in local/state meetings, conferences, and community events, maintaining and seeking partnerships with governmental and non-governmental agencies engaged in community health.
• Reliable transportation required to travel to community sites throughout Somerset County.
  
  

Administration & Documentation

• Collaborate, communicate, and coordinate follow-up care with the Neighborhood Nursing team and Registered Nurse partner.
• Use the Neighborhood Nursing data management system to input data and documentation in a timely manner.
• Document and record outcomes of referrals and appointments.
• Monitor recruitment and retention of program participants.
• File, retrieve, and maintain participant records in accordance with confidentiality requirements.
• Create and produce reports.
• Complete trainings as assigned by JHSON.
• Submit timesheets in a timely and accurate manner.
• Perform all work activities per established protocols and procedures.
  
  

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or graduation equivalent.
• Two years of related experience.
• Additional education may substitute for required experience and additional related experience may substitute for required education beyond a high school diploma/graduation equivalent, to the extent permitted by the JHU equivalency formula.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate's or Bachelor's Degree in a Human Services field.
• Two years of experience working in community/public health, assisting individuals with access to medical care and linking resources to address social needs.
• Sensitivity to cultural and socioeconomic characteristics of the population served in rural Somerset County.
• Excellent oral interpersonal and communication skills.
• Highly organized and detail-oriented with strong time management skills.
• Motivated and self-directed with the ability to work collaboratively with other research and program staff.
• Problem-solving skills and proven ability to work efficiently and meet deadlines.
• Comfortable working in the field, including interacting regularly with diverse community members about health-related topics.
• Familiarity with clinical studies, IRB procedures, or HIPAA standards is a plus.
• Experience working with and/or being from the Somerset County or Eastern Shore community strongly preferred.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to work independently and prioritize multiple tasks.
• Must be willing to complete community health worker training if necessary.
  
  

Technical Qualifications & Specialized Certifications

• Those under final consideration will be required to undergo a criminal background investigation.
  
  

Classified Title: Community Outreach Specialist

Job Posting Title (Working Title): Community Health Worker (Community Programs)

Role/Level/Range: ACRO37.5/02/CC

Starting Salary Range: $15.70 - $26.25 HRLY ($40,950 targeted; Commensurate w/exp.)

Employee group: Full Time

Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:30 - 5:00 (flexibility including evenings and weekends required for community outreach)

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Location: School of Nursing - Somerset County, including Princess Anne, Westover, and Crisfield.

Department name: Community Programs

Personnel area: School of Nursing