Title: Community Health Worker-Doula MR009

State Role Title: Direct Service Associate III

Hiring Range: $45,023-$50,000

Pay Band: 3

Agency: Virginia Department of Health

Location: MT ROGERS-GALAX

Agency Website: www.vdh.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

The Community Health Worker (CHW) is a vital member of the public health team,
supporting individuals and families in both clinic and community settings. This role
focuses on connecting community members to essential services and resources that
improve health outcomes and overall quality of life. Acting as a bridge between the
community and healthcare systems, the CHW emphasizes clear, culturally sensitive
communication and outreach, particularly for priority populations.

Key responsibilities include leading health promotion efforts, supporting disease
prevention activities, and helping develop and strengthen public health programs.
The CHW coordinates services, builds community capacity, and contributes to
program evaluation to measure effectiveness and impact. By collaborating with
community partners and networks, the CHW helps identify and implement
initiatives that foster health equity and enhance the well-being of the population.

This position's focus is community engagement with and service delivery to persons
at high risk for poor maternal outcomes. The CHW position is responsible for
providing opportunities to increase the likelihood of positive maternal outcomes
through culturally-competent education, outreach, and support to pregnant persons
throughout their pregnancy and postpartum period, connecting them to necessary
healthcare services, addressing social determinants of health, and advocating for
their needs within the healthcare system.

The chosen candidate will be expected to obtain a state doula certification if not
already obtained. The coursework related to the certification will be paid for by the
health department. Upon completion of the state doula certification and enrollment
as a Medicaid provider, the employee will be eligible to receive a $3,000 bonus
contingent with a employment commitment of at least 24 months. This position
may work non-traditional hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays to fulfill
the needs/expectations of a state-certified doula.

The Virginia Department of Health offers 12 paid holidays, medical, dental, vision and life
insurance, retirement plans (including 401a Cash Match and 457 Deferred Compensation Plan) as well as sick, family/personal, and annual leave.

Minimum Qualifications

• Knowledge of Social Determinants of Health: Knowledge of the various social, economic, and environmental factors that influence individual and community health, including disparities in access to resources and services.
• Knowledge of Mental/Behavioral Health: Familiarity with the impact of mental and behavioral health on physical health outcomes, including an understanding of common mental health issues and how they intersect with physical health needs.
• Knowledge of Public Health Principles: Basic knowledge of public health practices, epidemiology, disease prevention, health promotion, and social service systems, including the roles of government agencies and community organizations in addressing health needs.
• Community Experience: Experience working with priority or underserved communities, with an understanding of relevant unique challenges and resources.
• Cultural Competency: Ability to communicate effectively with diverse populations, recognizing and respecting cultural norms, practices, and values within the community.
• Effective Communication Skills: Ability to communicate clearly and concisely in both written and verbal formats using plain language that is accessible to individuals from diverse backgrounds. This includes the ability to adapt communication styles to meet the needs of different communities served.
• Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrated ability to build and maintain positive working relationships with colleagues, community members, and stakeholders. Strong team collaboration skills and the ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary environment.
• Technology Proficiency: Ability to operate a personal computer and use internet-based tools and applications for data entry, communication, and research.

Additional Considerations

• Proficiency in a second language (especially relevant languages in the community served) is highly preferred to effectively communicate with a broader population.
• 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 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.

Contact Information

Name: Jessica Bennett

Phone: N/A

Email: jessica.bennett@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.