Maternal and Child Health Community Health Worker

Position: Maternal and Child Health Community Health Worker

Location: Staunton, VA 24402-2126

Key Responsibilities

Client Support and Navigation

• Help clients complete forms and referrals for medical, WIC, mental/behavioral health, SDOH, and substance use disorder services.
• Assist clients in navigating healthcare systems.
• Maintain communication through phone, text, or visits.
• Provide follow-ups for closed loop referrals.
• Keep referral pathways updated.

Community Outreach and Education

• Provide education on health topics and service navigation.
• Build relationships with community partners and coalitions.
• Attend outreach events and listening sessions.
• Collect community surveys and feedback.

Maternal and Child Health (MCH)

• Deliver Safe Sleep, Car Seat Safety, and perinatal/postpartum education
• Support 30/60/90-day follow-ups.
• Strengthen referral pathways with partners
• Help with pregnancy loss, safe care plans, and infant substance use disorder awareness

Program and Administrative Support

• Document outreach and education activities.
• Maintain supplies and materials.
• Support tracking of participation, referrals, and outcomes.
• Assist with MCH program reporting and communication.

Additional Support

• Provide navigation, basic interpretation, and education using district language resources.
• Participate in required training.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bilingual (Spanish or another language).
• Experience with underserved or priority populations.
• Knowledge of public health, SDOH, and mental/behavioral health basics.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Familiarity with community organizations or social services.
• CHW certification or willingness to obtain.
• Basic computer proficiency.

Purpose of Position:

The Community Health Worker (CHW) is an integral member of the health district public health team, providing support to individuals and families both in clinic settings and within the community. The CHW works to connect community members to essential resources and services, with the goal of improving overall health and enhancing quality of life. Serving as a liaison between the community and healthcare services, the CHW focuses on providing culturally sensitive care and communication, especially to priority populations.

Key responsibilities include facilitating health improvement initiatives, health promotion and education, and the development and support of health programs. The CHW plays a critical role in disease prevention activities, capacity building, and service coordination. They are also involved in program evaluation to assess effectiveness and community impact. The CHW collaborates with community networks and partners to identify, prioritize, and implement public health initiatives that have the greatest potential for positive impact.

This position requires strong community engagement skills, the ability to navigate and coordinate services, and a commitment to fostering health equity and improving the overall well-being of the population.

Minimum KSAs:

• 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