Community Health Worker

Community Health Workers

According to the American Public Health Association, Community Health Workers (CHWs) are frontline public health workers who are a trusted member of and/or has an unusually close understanding of the community served. This trusting relationship enables the worker to serve as a liaison/link/intermediary between health/social services and the community to facilitate access to services and improve the quality and cultural competence of service delivery. A CHW also builds individual and community capacity by increasing health knowledge and self-sufficiency through a range of activities such as outreach, community education, informal counseling, social support, and advocacy.

This Position

This is a part-time, temporary position through Kansas State University, K-State Research and Extension, and Wildcat Extension District. Funding for this position has been secured through July 1, 2025. This position will serve as a link between Kansas State University, K-State Research and Extension, health care partners, social systems, and local communities. This position will primarily focus on strategizing and planning to build individual and community capacity by empowering individuals, families, and communities to address social determinant of health barriers through advocacy, support, and education. The CHW will work closely with individuals and families to navigate health care and social systems by connecting them to resources and services. Priority populations will include historically underserved individuals, those living in rural areas, and members of the agricultural community.

Location and Worksite Options

This position serves Crawford, Labette, Montgomery & Wilson Counties. Duties/Responsibilities

• Coordinate and communicate with CHW project leadership, local Extension coordinators, and community partners and carry out duties and deliverables related to the Rural Ag Health CHW program.
• Work alongside local or district extension staff to implement programming in the community.
• Effectively communicate the vision and mission of KSRE in the community through the local or district extension units in a professional manner.
• Implement community-driven strategies to address health inequities and social determinants of health.
• Build relationships and work collaboratively with clients, families, caregivers, healthcare providers, and community-based organizations to assess and meet complex social and healthrelated needs, particularly among priority populations.
• Help clients navigate the healthcare system, including eligibility, enrollment, appointments, referrals, transportation, and continuity of care.
• Assist clients in obtaining home and workplace assistive devices to support independent living and participation in the workforce, if necessary.
• Conduct creative, regular, and culturally appropriate outreach and engagement activities for new and existing clientele.
• Employ confidence-promoting techniques in patient communication and develop patient self efficacy to better manage health.
• Maintain and review an up-to-date inventory of community resources, programs, and health initiatives.
• Ensure client and partnership databases are well-maintained and include all necessary notes, forms, and supplementary information through weekly checks and updates to promote efficiency.
• In conjunction with Extension professionals, provide individual, family, and community-based education on health-related topics.
• Participate in regular training sessions, conferences, seminars, and independent study. • Demonstrate strong interpersonal, communication, and helping skills.

What You’ll Need to Succeed

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED.
• Academic coursework, professional development, prior employment, or lived experience related to the position responsibilities.
• Experience navigating health and social service systems.
• The ability to empower, support, coach, and motivate individuals and families to meet their goals.
• Familiarity and experience with the cultural and geographic demographics of the population served, including various ethnic and socio-economic audiences.
• Commitment to supporting and enhancing K-State’s initiative for diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with individuals, groups, and through mass media.
• Ability to independently prioritize workload and manage multiple tasks with different deadlines.
• Ability to use computer technology for reporting, referrals and care coordination.
• Ability to use mobile devices (i.e.., cellphone, cellular connection) to effectively communicate in remote, field locations.
• Ability to confidentiality and ethically manage personal information of clients with adherence to HIPPA and other personal health information compliance requirements.
• Ability to work remotely as needed for online training and in between programming or client visits.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Associate’s or higher degree in a health, social service, or related field.
• Completion of Community Health Worker certification.
• Experience working as a Community Health Worker, health navigator, or public health professional, particularly within populations that are diverse and underserved.
• Experience with health education, interventions, or outreach.
• Existing HIPAA and CPR certification (will be required after hire).

•Additional certifications and education in community health.

• Knowledge and expertise in health-related documents and/or completing benefit applications such as SNAP, TANF, childcare subsidy, and prescription assistance.
• Ability to communicate effectively with both English and Spanish-speaking individuals.

Other Requirements:

• Access to a personal vehicle and the ability to obtain/maintain a valid driver’s license.
• Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States at the time of employment.

Salary, Benefits and Professional Development

• Hourly pay commensurate with professional experience and available funding. Hourly pay is $25.00/hour for 32 hours/week plus health benefits.
• Reimbursement for travel related to the position.
• New CHWs will be provided with comprehensive CHW core competency education and will have access to ongoing professional development opportunities.

How to Apply

Please submit the following documents to Valori Stone via email at valori@ksu.edu

• Cover letter detailing experiences related to responsibilities and qualifications
• Resume
• Contact information and email addresses for three professional references
• Copy of academic transcripts showing degree(s) received.

Screening of Applications Begins:

Position is open until filled. Applications will be accepted until July 30, 2024.

Equal Employment Opportunity: Kansas State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, age, national origin, disability or status as a protected veteran.

Background Screening Statement: In connection with your application for employment, Kansas State University will procure a Background Screen on you as part of the process of considering your candidacy as an employee.