Community Health Worker-Doula MR031

Title: Community Health Worker-Doula MR031 State Role Title: Direct Service Associate III Hiring Range: $45,023-$50,000 Pay Band: 3 Agency: Virginia Department of Health Location: MT ROGERS-WYTHE Agency Website: Recruitment Type: General Public - G Job Duties The Community Health Worker (CHW) is a vital member of the public health team, supporting individuals and families in both clinic and community settings. This role focuses on connecting community members to essential services and resources that improve health outcomes and overall quality of life. Acting as a bridge between the community and healthcare systems, the CHW emphasizes clear, culturally sensitive communication and outreach, particularly for priority populations. Key responsibilities include leading health promotion efforts, supporting disease prevention activities, and helping develop and strengthen public health programs. The CHW coordinates services, builds community capacity, and contributes to program evaluation to measure effectiveness and impact. By collaborating with community partners and networks, the CHW helps identify and implement initiatives that foster health equity and enhance the well‑being of the population. This position's focus is community engagement with and service delivery to persons at high risk for poor maternal outcomes. The CHW 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. This position is based out of Wytheville, with the possibility of it being based out of Galax or Carroll. The chosen candidate will be expected to obtain a state doula certification if not already obtained. The coursework related to the certification will be paid for by the health department. Upon completion of the state doula certification and enrollment as a Medicaid provider, the employee will be eligible to receive a $3,000 bonus contingent with a employment commitment of at least 24 months. This position may work non-traditional hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays to fulfill the needs/expectations of a state-certified doula. 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. Applicants may be required to demonstrate the skills and abilities necessary for satisfactory performance of the work through a simulated exercise. Minimum Qualifications 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. Additional Considerations 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. Within 6 months of hire, complete all necessary requirements for doula education and certification; apply to the Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services for certification to begin doula visitation and attendance at births. Special Instructions 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: Contact Information Name: Jessica Bennett Phone: N/A Email: View email address on click.appcast.io In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at View phone number on click.appcast.io. Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process. #J-18808-Ljbffr Virginia-Department-of-Healt