Community Health Worker - August 2024

The Aria Health Community Health Fellows will have the opportunity to learn and train while serving as a Community Health Worker in the communities of Kings County. 

Duties and responsibilities for community health outreach workers involve educating members of the community about health and wellness issues and practices.  Community Health Fellows may provide literature, organize events, or communicate directly with community members to teach them about disease prevention, how to access medical care, and barriers associated with SDoH.  In addition to providing health information to the population, members will work with other departments within Aria CHC, community stakeholders, or other health outreach workers to develop a plan for outreach programs and campaigns.

The Community Health Worker is responsible for helping patients and their families to navigate and access community services, and other resources, and adopt healthy behaviors. The CHW supports Program Coordinators through an integrated approach of community outreach.  As a priority, activities will promote, maintain, and improve the health of patients and their families.  CHWs provide social support and informal counseling and advocate for individuals and community health needs.

Test to Treat: Conduct outreach or facilitate focus groups with underrepresented groups to better understand and address barriers, revising materials/procedures for cultural alignment with underserved clients.

Advancing Health Literacy: Members will hold a caseload of up to 60 members for Advancing Health Literacy, conducting 2 or more events per month.

Empathy: CHWs should be able to understand and relate to the experiences, challenges, and cultural backgrounds of the community members they serve. 

Cultural Competence: CHWs work with diverse populations, each with its own cultural norms, beliefs, and practices. Cultural competence enables CHWs to navigate cultural differences respectfully, avoid misunderstandings, and provide culturally appropriate care.

Flexibility and Adaptability: Community health work often involves dealing with unpredictable situations and addressing the unique needs of individuals and communities.

Problem-Solving and Resourcefulness: CHWs encounter a variety of health-related challenges within the community. They should possess strong problem-solving skills to identify solutions, overcome barriers, and connect individuals with appropriate resources and support services.

Collaboration and Teamwork: CHWs work as a part of a healthcare team, collaborating with nurses, doctors, social workers, and other professionals. They should be able to effectively communicate and work collaboratively, exchanging information, coordinating care, and ensuring a holistic approach to community health.

Self-Care and Resilience: CHW roles can be emotionally demanding, requiring self-care and resilience. CHWs should have strategies to maintain their well-being, manage stress, and seek support when needed to continue providing effective care and support to the community.

Basic Computer Skills: CHWs may need to use electronic health records, access online resources, and use communication tools. Basic computer skills are becoming increasingly important in healthcare settings to efficiently gather and share information.

Regular Supervision and Guidance: The Host Site Supervisor/Mentor will provide ongoing supervision and guidance to the NHC members. They will schedule regular check-ins, one-on-one meetings, or group meetings to discuss the members individual progress, challenges, and goals. This supervision allows for clarification of expectations, feedback on performance, and addressing any questions or concerns the member may have.

Professional Development Opportunities: The organization and the Host Site Supervisor/Mentor will identify and provide professional development opportunities to enhance the members individual skills and knowledge. This may include workshops, seminars, webinars, conferences, or relevant training programs. They may also encourage the members to participate in relevant community events or engage in collaborative projects with other professionals.

Goal Setting and Performance Evaluation: The Host Site Supervisor/Mentor will work with the NHC members to establish goals and objectives aligned with the member role and professional development needs. They will regularly assess the members progress towards these goals and provide constructive feedback.  Performance evaluations may be conducted to recognize achievements, identify areas for improvement, and guide the members growth.

Mentorship and Support: The Host Site Supervisor/Mentor will serve as a mentor to the NHC members, offering guidance, support, and encouragement throughout their service term.  They will provide a safe space for the members to discuss challenges, seek advice, and explore professional aspirations. The mentor will share their expertise, insights, and experiences to assist the members in their professional development journey.

Networking and Community Engagement: The organization and the Host Site Supervisor/Mentor may facilitate opportunities for the NHC member to network with professionals in the field, community leaders, and other stakeholders. They may encourage the members involvement in community initiatives, committees, or collaborative projects, fostering connections and expanding the members professional networks.

Continued Learning and Reflection: The organization and the Host Site Supervisor/Mentor will promote a culture of continuous learning and reflection. They may encourage the NHC member to engage in self-reflection, journaling, or debriefing sessions to process their experiences, learn from challenges, and enhance their understanding of community health.