Job Location : Suffolk,VA, USA
The Virginia Department of Health is seeking a highly motivated and engaging employee with solid experience working with the community to join our team in the Western Tidewater Health District as a Community Health Worker. This position's focus is community engagement with and service delivery to persons at high risk for poor maternal outcomes. The Community Health Worker position is responsible for providing opportunities to increase the likelihood of positive maternal outcomes through culturally competent education, outreach, and support to pregnant persons throughout their pregnancy and postpartum period, connecting them to necessary healthcare services, addressing social determinants of health, and advocating for their needs within the healthcare system. The Virginia Department of Health offers 12 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.
Knowledge of Social Determinants of Health: Knowledge of the various social, economic, and environmental 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, including an understanding of common mental health issues and how they intersect with physical health needs. Knowledge of Public Health Principles: Basic knowledge of public health practices, epidemiology, disease prevention, health promotion, and social service systems, including the roles of government agencies and community organizations in addressing health needs. 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. This includes the ability to adapt communication styles to meet the needs of different communities served. Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrated ability to build and maintain positive working relationships with colleagues, community members, and stakeholders. Strong team collaboration skills and the ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary environment. Technology Proficiency: Ability to operate a personal computer and use internet-based tools and applications for data entry, communication, and research.
Proficiency in a second language (especially relevant languages in the community served) is highly preferred to effectively communicate with a broader population. Previous experience in a public health or community-based agency environment, with familiarity in coordinating services and supporting public health initiatives. Community Health Worker (CHW) certification, or the ability to obtain one after hire.
You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or rsum is submitted successfully. Please refer to Your Application in your account to check the status of your application for this position.
VDH accepts only on-line applications. Applications are accepted until 11:55 p.m. on the job closing date. Applications and/or resumes should include relevant work history which indicates your qualifications for this position. Employment is contingent upon satisfactory results of a state and federal criminal history background check and the Department of Social Service's Child Abuse and Neglect Central Registry check, U.S. HHSIG Exclusion List check, employment reference check and E-Verify. Other financial, credit, driving, background checks or completion of Statement of Economic Interests may be required for certain positions. It is the policy of the Commonwealth and VDH that all aspects of human resource management be conducted without regard to race (or traits historically associated with race including hair texture, hair type, and protective hairstyles such as braids, locks, and twists); sex; color; national origin; religion; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; age; veteran status; political affiliation; disability; genetic information; and pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions. VDH employees have a shared Code of Ethics, which can be found in the bottom banner of our website: www.vdh.virginia.gov.