Job Summary: The CHW SON Program is a collaborative effort between AVPH, community-based organizations (CBOs), and the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (DPH). The program aims to reduce health disparities by addressing the social determinants of health, focusing on communities most impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. CHWs will provide outreach, education, and direct referrals to critical health and social services, empowering community members to navigate complex healthcare systems effectively.
Responsibilities and Duties:
- Process a minimum of 32 intentional engagement activities per month from outreach strategies, which may include door-to-door engagement, community canvassing, presentations, tabling at events, and individual interactions. This target ensures consistent community presence and engagement aligned with program goals.
- Provide at least 16 resource referrals and 16 linkage referrals
- Collaborate with team members to develop and execute outreach strategies that effectively promote community health initiatives.
- Build trusting relationships with community members by providing health education, early intervention, and assistance with service linkages.
- Identify community members in need of services, conduct health assessments, and provide referrals to healthcare providers and social services.
- Empower individuals by helping them navigate healthcare and social service systems, providing personalized assistance, and ensuring they receive appropriate care and resources.
- Enter data into tracking systems to document outreach, referrals, and service linkages. Submit regular reports on progress, challenges, and successes.
- Attend mandatory training sessions on public health, COVID-19, health disparities, and system navigation strategies. Continuously update knowledge of services provided by Los Angeles County and other organizations.
- Collaborate with community leaders, CBOs, and healthcare partners to create and implement community action plans aimed at improving health outcomes and reducing disparities.
- Ensuring outreach and services are culturally and linguistically tailored to meet the needs of diverse communities in the region.
- Contribute to long-term sustainability initiatives by identifying and building partnerships with local organizations and stakeholders, expanding the program’s reach.
- Participate in regular training and professional development opportunities to continually gain skills and knowledge relevant to the role.
- Document all referrals and interactions in tracking systems, ensuring compliance with program guidelines.
- Conduct follow-ups at 1-month and 3-month intervals post-referral to confirm service linkage success and address any additional needs.
- Assist with health screenings, vaccination events, and healthcare-related activities to facilitate access to essential services.
- Collect and report data on community interactions and program outcomes to help assess the effectiveness of initiatives and inform future efforts.
Experience & Requirements:
- High school diploma or GED equivalent (preferred but not required); additional education in public health, social work, or a related field is a plus.
- Minimum six (6) months of experience in community engagement, outreach, social services, or a related area, such as promotor/a or community health worker roles.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage in diverse groups and create a welcoming environment.
- Passion for community health and wellness, with a specific interest in the focus areas of health and public health principles.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team, demonstrating empathy, cultural competency, and commitment to improving community health.
- Basic computer proficiency for data entry, email communication, and report generation.
- Bilingual or multilingual skills preferred but not required.
- Excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving abilities.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and respect for the privacy of community members.
- Capable of working in dynamic environments with frequent changes in priority.
- Flexibility to work evenings and weekends as needed to meet the needs of the community.
- Current and maintained CA driver’s license.
- Current/maintained auto insurance.
- Own transportation for work-related purposes.
- Must pass background check and TB test clearance.
- COVID-19 vaccinated card recommended.
Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:
- Primarily in off-site community centers, community events, office settings and/or via a virtual platform.
- Working with overburdened, often high-risk community members of low economic and varied cultural background, living in high-risk areas.
- Office, and possible community settings.
- Work is often performed under stressful and emotional conditions.
- This position requires lifting/carrying up to 25lbs., stooping, bending, squatting, walking, running (may be needed).