COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKER (GRANT FUNDED)

COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKER

SALARY: $29,962.00 per year

SECTION I-JOB DESCRIPTION

SUMMARY:

Under the supervision of the Healthy Brain and Aging Program Director or designee. The Community Health Worker will support brain health, healthy aging and dementia related activities through community outreach, education, navigation, and follow-up. The Community Health Worker collaborates with program staff and community partners to strengthen community health awareness, brain health promotion, dementia education, and connect residents to services provided by Cameron County Public Health (CCPH). This position requires strong interpersonal and communication skills, cultural and linguistic competence, and the ability to build trusting relationships with diverse populations.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Employees will accurately document all time worked.
2. Builds and maintain knowledge of Cameron County Public Health (CCPH) programs, with emphasis on the Healthy Brain and Aging Program, to effectively perform job duties.
3. Provides culturally and linguistically appropriate outreach to diverse communities in Cameron County.
4. Develops and maintains positive relationships with community-based agencies to promote brain healthy habits, dementia risk reduction, early detection and support initiatives.
5. Assists with educational events for local community health workers to expand educational awareness on dementia, brain health, healthy aging, caregiver support and program services.
6. Assists with recruitment and engagement of community members regarding program workshops, presentations, surveys and educational activities.
7. Conducts outreach to populations that are experiencing barriers to dementia, brain health and caregiving resources.
8. Supports intergenerational activities in which connect youth with older adults to improve social engagement and reduce isolation.
9. Assists dementia resource specialists with community outreach and engagement activities to further promote program services, brain health, dementia and caregiver material.
10. Distributes educational and health promotion materials to community partners and community members.
11. Helps identify individuals, families and community organizations that could benefit from dementia education, dementia navigation and resource services.
12. Collaborate with program staff to further plan and implement grant related activities.
13. Assists in the facilitation of community feedback to translate community needs and concerns into updated programming material.
14. Other duties as assigned.

SECTION II-JOB REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

High School Diploma or GED preferred; must have six months of experience as a Community Health Worker or similar position. Must currently possess or obtain within three months of employment the Community Health Worker Training and Certification Program. Must maintain an active Community Health Worker Certification while employed with Cameron County Public Health. Must complete a six-month probationary period from the day the Community Health Worker Certification is attained.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

Ability to effectively deal with the public in a courteous and professional manner. Ability to communicate effectively in Spanish/English as well as being sensitive to ethnicity, language, socio-economic status, and life experiences of the community served. Knowledge of Alzheimer's disease and related dementia's including but not limited to different types of dementia, risk factors, importance of early detection, caregiver challenges and resources available. Skillful in speaking before groups of people. Ability to work independently and cooperatively as a team leader or member. Ability to follow directions and work effectively with groups and individuals. Knowledge of community organizations and resources. Knowledgeable of the needs in the communities). Knowledge of computer operation and ability to learn new software programs. Knowledge of spelling, grammar, mathematics, and automated equipment. Maintain confidentiality of work. Ability to evaluate information accurately and objectively. Ability to work with public.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

Must have a valid Texas Driver's License, comply with State of Texas Driving Laws, and maintain an acceptable driving record should the position require driving. Must have reliable transportation. Employees of Cameron County may be required to work during any natural disaster or emergency, extended hours and non-traditional work schedules (i.e., Saturdays and Sundays). Criminal background check is required for employment or continued employment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Good health and physical condition sufficient to permit full performance of the duties of the position. If additional assistance is required, employee must request assistance prior to performing the assignment.

SECTION III-JOB DIMENSIONS

CONTACTS:

EXTERNAL CONTACTS:

Occasional contact with other health, social and educational care agencies, and outside organizations. Frequent contact with clinic clientele. Communication is via telephone, written communication and face to face.

INTERNAL CONTACTS:

Utilizes tact when dealing with County employees, health, social and educational care providers, and clientele. Constant contact with county personnel. Communicating is primarily face-to-face, via telephone and through written communication.

RESPONSIBILITY:

Comply with Cameron County and Department of State Health Services rules/regulations and display a positive public image. As a Cameron County employee, the identity of every client shall be kept confidential except to the extent necessary to carry out the purpose of an investigation, hearing, or judicial proceeding.

DIFFICULTY:

Judgment is required to ensure completion of job activities as assigned by the Immediate Supervisor or designee. Uses discretion to achieve work goals. Initiative is constantly required to achieve work goals.

GUIDANCE:

As assigned by Immediate Supervisor or designee. It is the responsibility of the employee to know and maintain contact with their Immediate Supervisor or designee.

WORKING CONDITION:

Working conditions are primarily out in community settings and office setting.

This is not a Civil Service covered position.

Benefits: Cameron County Offers Excellent Fringe Benefits, Including: Health and Life Insurance Protection, Sick and Annual Leave, Retirement System, and Paid Holidays. Cameron County has a mandatory direct deposit payroll program.

AA/EEO/MFD EMPLOYER