Full - Time Community Health Worker 1 (116111) Hfi

POSITION DESCRIPTION

COUNTY OF VANDERBURGH, INDIANA

POSITION: Community Health Worker Level 1

DEPARTMENT: Outreach Nursing Division

JOB CATEGORY:

STATUS: FLSA STATUS:

DATE WRITTEN: December 2017 DATE REVISED: July, 2023

SUMMARY:

The Vanderburgh County Health Department’s mission is to build a healthier southwest Indiana so everyone can live their healthiest life. Vanderburgh County Health Department is offering an outstanding opportunity as a Community Health Worker. Come join our dedicated and mission-driven team and you will enjoy excellent benefits and work/life programs, a superior retirement package, and the chance to see how your work directly improves the health of your community. The Vanderburgh County Health Department has achieved Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB) accreditation, distinguishing us as a top health department, and prides itself on providing a diverse and inclusive work environment with opportunities to grow and develop professionally. Be part of a team that gives every mother and infant a great start in life with good nutrition, serving 500 families each year. Join the innovative team to improve the outcomes of mothers and their infants providing support until the child’s 3rdbirthday. The Pre to 3 program has studied outcomes on its impact on the lives of moms and babies. Utilizes an evidence-based approach and curriculum with proven positive results. Mothers who gave birth while enrolled in our program were ten times less likely to have a premature or low birth weight baby.

Location:

Vanderburgh County Health Department with potential travel to Warrick, Posey and Gibson counties

Definition:

Community Health Workers (CHWs) come from the communities they serve and aid in building trusting relationships with community members. This trusting relationship allows CHWs to be effective links between their communities and health services. The Community Health Worker will provide education, perform screenings, and coordinate services through home visiting and care coordination for Vanderburgh and surrounding counties.

DUTIES:

Under the general direction of the Pre to 3 Program supervisor, the Community Health Worker will perform the following duties:

• Client relationships: The CHW builds trusting relationships with families through general support and encouragement, enabling the CHW to serve as liaison/link between health/social services and the community, while removing barriers that prevent community members from accessing certain health and social services. Provides culturally and linguistically appropriate services to assigned clients.
• Home Visits: CHW makes regular home visits prenatally and through baby’s 3rd year of life. A Community Health Worker visits the family each week and uses the Growing Great Kids (GGK) curriculum to teach important skills that build family resiliency and healthy home environments.
• Case Management: The CHW works together with clients to set family goals. Coaches and supports families to set and accomplish wellness goals. Facilitates appointments to health and social service organizations. Follows up on appointments or other instructions from community providers by call, text, or home visit. Works to ensure the resident attends and has access to scheduled appointments. Participates in client case conferences and works with Public Health Nurses regarding caseload weekly.
• Health Education: Identifies and reinforces risk reduction behaviors. Provides appropriate education utilizing the standard evidenced based Growing Great Kids Next Generation curriculum. Performs risk screenings, informal counseling, social support, and advocacy; increases health knowledge and education. Provides shadow opportunities to new employees and interns.
• Referrals to Resources: Collaborates with other agencies and program client advocates in making appropriate referrals. Notifies clinical team and supervisor regarding changes in behavior, nutrition, exercise, substance abuse, medication compliance, and other issues as related to the care plan for the patient.
• Direct Service/Advocacy: Helps coordinate patient transportation and accompaniment as needed, to scheduled Pre to 3 appointments. Advocates for the needs of individuals by assisting them in effectively communicating with healthcare or social service providers. Interprets, translates, or provides cultural mediation related to health services or information for community members. Acts as a patient advocate and liaison between patient/family and community service agencies.
• Community Outreach: Participates in community public education activities and outreach to raise awareness on infant mortality or about the Pre to 3 program. Distributes flyers, brochures, or educational documents to inform members of an intended community.
• Documentation: Provides ongoing follow up and outreach; completes regular data entry. Assists clients in completing all required forms, agreements, supplies them to client when appropriate; keeps proper and timely documentation organized electronic documentation system. Maintains confidentiality and uses only the minimum amount of protected health information (PHI) necessary to accomplish job related responsibilities. Collects data to help identify Community Health needs and in turn, uses that data to conduct outreach for Vanderburgh County Health Department to implement programs in the community that promote, maintain, and improve individual and Community Health. Bills Medicaid for services provided.
• Training: Attending trainings, conferences and seminars as recommended and maintain certifications.
• Related duties: as assigned.

I

JOB REQUIREMENTS AND DIFFICULTY OF WORK

• Minimum Qualifications: Must be passionate about maternal and infant outcomes to decrease infant mortality. High school diploma or GED. Must have completed a formal Community Health Worker training program or be willing to do so (fully-funded training will be provided). Skilled in using technology and computers. Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a diverse community. Cultural competency/cultural sensitivity and relationship-building skills required. Advocacy skills. Strong listening skills, ability to remain open-minded, unbiased. Friendly, caring personality; willing to support others. Solid critical thinking skills, creativity, and resourcefulness. Experience with the intended community; knowledge of program subject area preferred. Passion for helping the community. Lived experience with specific health issues is a plus. Applicant must have knowledge of community resources, for example infant mortality reduction concepts, and health disparities. Experience in a health field such as, but not limited to, working with children in day care, medical office, or school setting that provides a medical or community support service.
• Knowledge: Understands peoples’ needs and overcomes obstacles in serving them.
• Skills: Proficiency with computers including Microsoft Office. Excellent writing, communication, interpersonal, and public relations skills. Exceptional attention to detail. Skills in motivational interviewing. Minimizes errors and maintains high quality by checking or monitoring data and work in a timely manner, and by developing and maintaining systems for organizing work and information. Vanderburgh County resident or knowledge about County resources preferred. Actively explores ways to improve quality of output. Bilingual or multilingual (Spanish, Haitian-Creole, or Marshallese) a plus. Experience working with high-risk minority mothers is helpful.
• Abilities: Ability to coordinate numerous demands simultaneously to successful completion. Ability and willingness to communicate with persons of diverse backgrounds both verbally and in writing using tact and diplomacy. Ability to work with a diverse team in a multi-disciplinary setting. Ability to establish effective working relationships with persons of varied backgrounds. Ability to maintain confidentiality. Ability to be self-motivated to plan, organize, and complete work accurately and on time with little direct supervision. Ability and willingness to follow safe working practices and procedures. Has a genuine desire to help others, especially those in need. Treats all people with respect; seeks and considers diverse perspectives and ideas; provides a supportive work environment for a multicultural workforce; shows sensitivity to individual differences; treats others fairly without regard to race, sex, color, religion, sexual orientation, or gender identity; engages in personal reflection and development to address unconscious bias; demonstrates no tolerance for microaggressions; recognizes differences as opportunities to learn and gain by working together.
• Licenses/Certifications: Certificate as a Community Health Worker issued by Healthy Vision of Indiana and supported by INCHWA, Indiana Community Health Workers Association. Certificate required within 1 year of hire; fully funded training and certification will be provided if needed. Valid Indiana driver’s license, current certificate of vehicle insurance, and access to reliable transportation to all assigned work locations. Ability to maintain CPR certification and Universal Precaution training on annual basis.
• Physical Requirements: This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, iPad, and filing cabinets. Employee frequently moves equipment and supplies weighing up to 35 pounds. Will be required to receive vaccinations as a member of the health department team. Travel to off-site locations to perform job duties as needed; occasionally this may require employee to work on evenings or weekends. Will require access to an operating vehicle for use when field duties are required.
• Background Check: Pass a drug screen and criminal background check.

Salary and Benefits:

Our benefits make Vanderburgh County Health Department an exceptional place to work. We offer:

• Comprehensive benefits package, including: 5 vacation days after the first 6 months and 10 per year with expanded vacation after 5 years and 15 paid holidays annually; medical, dental, and vision coverage; disability insurance; life insurance.
• Workforce Development including ongoing training, and promotional opportunities
• Flexible work hours ; 40-hour work week with very occasional weekend assignments. Full time, usual hours 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., M–F, with lunch breaks. May be required to work occasional evenings with the ability to flex these hours.
• A guaranteed pension plan, Public Employee Retirement Fund (PERF)
• Opportunities for Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program for eligible workers
• Commitment to diversity, inclusion, equity, and welcoming environment. Affirmative action commitment.
• CHW will receive fully funded trainings and certifications throughout their orientation process, including car seat technician certification, CPR, Community Health Worker certification and others as identified.

Application Instructions:

• Apply via INDEED
• Vanderburgh County Health Department is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. In keeping with our commitment, Vanderburgh County Health Department will take the steps to ensure that people with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. Accordingly, if reasonable accommodation is required to fully participate in the job application or interview process, to perform the essential functions of the position, and/or to receive all other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact 812-485-2400.

PUBLIC HEALTH CORE COMPETENCIES, LEVEL 1 (LIST)

Job Specific Competencies Descriptions of each competency can be found at: http://www.phf.org/programs/corecompetencies/Pages/Core_Public_Health_Competencies_Tools.aspx

SOURCES

• Burning Glass Technologies data analysis of large-scale job postings
• Seltzer, B., & Krasna, H. (2021). 101+ Careers in Public Health, Third Edition. Springer Publishing Company.
• Core Competencies for Public Health Professionals: http://www.phf.org/resourcestools/Pages/Core_Public_Health_Competencies.aspx
• NBPHE Job Task Analysis survey responses (2014) coded by job title
• O*Net Online: Community Health Worker, https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/21-1094.00
• National Association of Community Health Workers: https://nachw.org/
• National Association of CHW Promising Practices Study: https://nachw.org/chw_resources/promising-practices-for-rural-community-health-worker-programs/

• CDC National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion CHW Gateway https://www.cdc.gov/chronicdisease/center/community-health-worker-resources.html
• CHW Training: https://chwtraining.org/chw-core-competencies-explained/and https://chwtraining.org/how-to-write-a-job-description-for-the-best-chw-applicants/
• Rural Health Information Hub, CHW Toolkit: https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/toolkits/community-health-workers/4/training/certification and https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/toolkits/community-health-workers/4/recruiting-hiring-employment-considerations
• National Academy for State Health Policy: https://www.nashp.org/state-community-health-worker-models/
• APHA Policy statement: https://www.apha.org/policies-and-advocacy/public-health-policy-statements/policy-database/2015/01/28/14/15/support-for-community-health-worker-leadership%C2%A0
• Stanislaus County, CA CHW Job Task Analysis: https://www.stancounty.com/riskmgmt/docs/dm-forms/jta/hsa-community-health-worker-1-2-3.pdf
• CHW Core Consensus Project: https://www.c3project.org/
• Articles:
• https://www1.nyc.gov/assets/doh/downloads/pdf/peer/action-planning-and-implementation-guide.pdf
• National Healthcare for the Homeless Council https://nhchc.org/research/publications/chws/roles-and-responsibilities-of-chws/
• HRSA CHW Survey, 2007 Health Resources and Services Administration: Bureau of Health Professionals. (March 2007). Community Health Worker National Workforce Study.
• Rural Health Information Hub: https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/toolkits/community-health-workers/1/roles

• CHW Network of NYC: https://www.chwnetwork.org/career-profile
• Archived job descriptions from: Butler County and the State of Ohio - Moms and Babies First (OH); Community Health Worker (Mental Health) - 1 Oklahoma City-County Health Department (OK); Vanderburgh County Health Department, Bilingual Community Health Worker Spanish (IN)

Addendum 1

Job task analysis for interview purposes

Scale: 0 Never performed; 1 Not very important; 2 Important; 3 Very important; 4 Essential; included tasks at 2.5 or higher (important/very important). The following tasks were rated as 2.5 or higher by CHWs (N=26)

• Task 1: Collect valid and reliable quantitative or qualitative data.
• Task 2: Use information technology for data collection, storage, and retrieval.
• Task 5: Interpret quantitative or qualitative data following current scientific standards.
• Task 6: Interpret results of statistical analyses found in public health studies and reports
• Task 7: Apply descriptive techniques commonly used to summarize public data.
• Task 9: Identify key sources of data for epidemiologic or other public health investigation purposes.
• Task 14: Synthesize information from multiple data systems or other sources.
• Task 17: Identify the limitations of research results, data sources, or existing practices and programs.
• Task 19: Illustrate how gender, race, ethnicity, and other evolving demographics affect the health of a population.
• Task 20: Describe a health problem in terms of magnitude, person, time, and place.
• Task 51: Develop a mission, goals, values, and shared vision for an organization or the community in conjunction with key stakeholders.
• Task 60: Implement strategies to support and improve team performance.
• Task 61: Apply team building skills.
• Task 62: Apply negotiation skills.
• Task 134: Identify opportunities to partner with health and public health professionals across sectors and related disciplines.
• Task 135: Identify key stakeholders.
• Task 136: Access the knowledge, skills, and abilities of health professionals to ensure that policies, programs, and resources improve the public’s health.
• Task 137: Use knowledge of the role of public health and the roles of other health professions to appropriately address the health needs of individuals and populations.
• Task 139: Develop collaborative and partnership agreements with various stakeholders on specific projects.
• Task 171: Communicate with other health professionals in a responsive and responsible manner that supports a team approach to maintaining health of individuals and populations.
• Task 181: Ensure the application of ethical principles in the collection, maintenance, use, and dissemination of data and information.
• Task 182: Identify regulations regarding privacy, security, confidentiality (e.g., personal health information, etc.).
• Task 183: Identify the laws and regulations that govern the scope of one’s legal authority.
• Task 186: Apply basic principles of ethical analysis to issues of public health research, practice, and policy.
• Task 187: Manage potential conflicts of interest encountered by practitioners, researchers, and organizations.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $20.22 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Medical specialties:

• Public Health

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person