Title: Community Health Worker VDH07638

State Role Title: Direct Service Associate III

Hiring Range: $46,000 - $56,000

Pay Band: 3

Agency: Virginia Department of Health

Location: NORFOLK HQ

Agency Website: 

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Bold and catalytic, the Norfolk Department of Public Health is transforming the health landscape of our community through groundbreaking initiatives and strategic partnerships. We are committed to fostering a culture of radical collaboration, excellence, inclusivity, and resilience. We believe that our employees are our greatest asset, and we are dedicated to providing a supportive and dynamic work environment where your skills and passion can make a catalytic impact. If you are ready to contribute to meaningful change and be part of a forward-thinking organization, NDPH is the place for you!

Job Duties

Are you passionate about helping others, improving community health, and connecting people with the resources they need to thrive?

Norfolk Health Department is seeking a dedicated and compassionate Community Health Worker (CHW) to join our Population Health team. The Community Health Worker (CHW) is an essential member of the health district public health who serves as a liaison between the healthcare providers, community organizations, and community members. The CHW provides culturally responsive outreach, education, advocacy, and service coordination to individuals, families, and priority populations in both clinical and community settings.

The CHW supports public health initiatives by promoting health education, disease prevention, access to healthcare and social services, and community engagement. Through relationship-building and collaboration with community partners, the CHW helps improve health outcomes, reduce barriers to care, advance health equity, and enhance the overall well-being of the populations served.

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.

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. Supplemental questions are encouraged to be answered in a comprehensive manner and reference any pertinent knowledge, skills, and abilities as well as any previous experience that relates to the position. Failure to respond to any questions may disqualify you from further consideration.

Contact Information

Name: Ciara Everett

Phone: 757-683-2800

Email: ciara.everett@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.