Community Health Worker Reports to Community Wellness Coordinator JOB SUMMARY: Community health workers (CHWs) are frontline advocates and public health workers who have a close understanding of the community they serve. This trusting relationship enables them to serve as a liaison/link/intermediary between health/social services and the community to facilitate access to services and improve the quality and cultural competence of service delivery. Community Health workers work directly with individuals in the immediate community. ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES: Building trust and promoting encouragement are two of their key objectives Community Health Workers must prioritize a sense of community connectedness as an important asset to the job Link people to needed health care information and services Help people access community services specifically to their needs Build individual and community capacity by increasing health knowledge and self-sufficiency through a range of activities such as outreach, community education, informal counseling, social support and advocacy Support medical providers and the management team by creating community outreach programs and activities designed to promote, maintain and improve the health of the people and their family they serve Assist people with referrals, follow-ups, and completing applications for services Facilitate communication and empowerment of people in interactions with health care/social service systems Serves as a bridge between the community and the health care, government and social service systems Deliver health information using culturally appropriate terms and concepts Advocate for local health needs NONESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES: May need to coordinate transportation for their patients and conduct eligibility determination of services to the uninsured Help individuals, families, groups and communities develop their capacity and access to resources, including health insurance, food, housing, quality care and health information Help to build understanding and social capital to support healthier behaviors and lifestyle choices Promote SMART goal setting and strategic planning Help health care and social service systems become culturally relevant and responsive to their service population Help people understand their health condition(s) and develop strategies to improve their health and well being Make home visits to chronically ill people and individuals at high risk of health problems and the elderly Actively promote disability rights and independent living philosophy through all activities conducted within and on behalf of NRCIL Collaborate with co-workers to involve consumers in providing direction to NRCIL programs and participating in Center advocacy efforts and activities Actively cooperate with all NRCIL staff to achieve Centers mission Devise a plan for an unexpected absence from this position Work outside regular hours when necessary Perform any additional duties as may fall within the scope of said position and ability of employee as requested by Executive Director Preferred Qualities: Community health workers typically have deep roots or shared life experiences in the communities they serve. They share similar values, ethnic background and socio-economic status and usually the same language as the people they serve. Associates degree and minimum of 3 years work experience preferred, or appropriate combination of skills, experience and education. Must have good verbal and written communication skills. Must be well organized, able to work independently and able to meet deadlines. Must have interests in disability rights and familiarity with the concept and philosophy of the independent living movement. Preference will be given to applicants who have personal disability experience.