Title: Community Health Worker (Maternal Child Health)

State Role Title: Direct Service Associate III

Hiring Range: $45,350 - $56,650

Pay Band: 3

Agency: Virginia Department of Health

Location: CRATER HQ

Agency Website: vdh.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

Are you passionate about making a difference in your community? Do you have a strong desire to support moms, babies and families while tackling public health challenges head-on? If so, this is the opportunity you’ve been waiting for!

The Virginia Department of Health’s Crater Health District is proud to serve a diverse population of over 160,000 residents across seven health departments in south central Virginia—from just south of Richmond all the way to the North Carolina border. Our district includes the vibrant cities of Petersburg, Hopewell, and Emporia, plus the counties of Greensville, Surry, Sussex, Dinwiddie, and Prince George. This position requires travel within the district as needed. Occasional evening or weekend hours may be required.

Crater Health District is seeking a dedicated, passionate, and community-driven individual to join our dynamic public health team as a Community Health Worker (CHW). This position supports efforts to improve maternal and child health outcomes throughout Virginia, particularly in localities with the highest maternal mortality rates.

As a Maternal and Child Health-focused Community Health Worker, you will play a vital role in supporting individuals and families in both clinical and community settings. This position centers on community engagement and direct service delivery to those at increased risk for poor maternal health outcomes. You’ll serve as a trusted liaison between the community and healthcare systems, connecting clients to essential health and social services, addressing social determinants of health, and promoting culturally sensitive care and communication. Through evidence-based education and programs, you will help improve maternal and child health by supporting pregnant and postpartum individuals, enhancing access to care, and increasing the likelihood of positive health outcomes for mothers, infants, and families.

This position is housed within the Population Health Team and works at the intersection of clinical services and community-based strategies. The CHW collaborates closely with clinical staff, including nurses and providers, as well as the district’s Maternal and Child Health Specialist and Medical Interpreter to ensure culturally and linguistically appropriate services. The CHW also actively participates in outreach, health education, and the facilitation of focus groups and stakeholder meetings related to maternal, child, and adolescent health.

In addition to direct service, the CHW supports the district’s Community Health Assessment (CHA) and Regional Health Improvement Plan (RHIP), specifically contributing to strategic issues related to maternal and child health. This includes providing community informed insights and helping identify gaps in care through data driven strategies, leading committees, sharing relevant data, and convening partners to improve access and outcomes for mothers, children, and families.

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

If you have strong community engagement skills, a knack for coordinating services, and a deep commitment to health equity, this is your chance to make a meaningful impact. Join us in building healthier, more resilient communities in the Crater Health District!

Minimum Qualifications

• Knowledge of the social determinants of health and/or childhood experiences (ACES), trauma-informed care
•Working knowledge of maternal and child health issues, affecting underserved or high-risk populations.
•Experience working with priority or underserved communities, with an understanding of relevant unique challenges and resources.
• Ability to communicate effectively with diverse populations.
• Demonstrated effective oral and written communication (Microsoft Suites, Email) with the ability to communicate effectively and collaboratively with clients, staff, colleagues, community groups and the general public.
•Experience conducting accurate data entry and preparing reports.
•Ability to facilitate small and large group discussions, meetings or focus groups.

Additional Considerations

• Previous experience in a public health or community-based agency environment, with familiarity in coordinating services and supporting public health initiatives.
• Community Health Worker (CHW) certification, or the ability to obtain one within one year after hire.
• State-Certified Doula, or the ability to obtain one within one year after hire.

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

VDH accepts only on-line applications. Faxed, mailed, or e-mailed applications will not be considered. Applications are accepted until 11:55 p.m. on the job closing date. Applications and/or resumes should include relevant work history which indicates your qualifications for this position. Employment is contingent upon satisfactory results of a state and federal criminal history background check and the Department of Social Service’s Child Abuse and Neglect Central Registry check, U.S. HHSIG Exclusion List check, employment reference check and E-Verify. Other financial, credit, driving, background checks or completion of Statement of Economic Interests may be required for certain positions.

It is the policy of the Commonwealth and VDH that all aspects of human resource management be conducted without regard to race (or traits historically associated with race including hair texture, hair type, and protective hairstyles such as braids, locks, and twists); sex; color; national origin; religion; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; age; veteran status; political affiliation; disability; genetic information; and pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions. VDH employees have a shared Code of Ethics, which can be found in the bottom banner of our website: www.vdh.virginia.gov.

If you have been affected by DHRM Policy 1.30 layoff and possess a valid Interagency Placement Screening Form (Yellow Card) or a Preferential Hiring Form (Blue Card), you must submit the card before the closing date for this position. The Card may be submitted with the state application as an attachment.

As a V3 (Virginia Values Veterans) employer VDH Welcomes Veterans to apply!

Supplemental Questions: You may be required to respond to position-specific questions at the end of this application. This information will help us evaluate your credentials and qualifications for the job. Failure to respond to any questions may disqualify you from further consideration.

Contact Information

Name: CraterHR

Phone: N/A

Email: CraterHR@vdh.virginia.gov

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.