Seasonal- Community Health Worker (CHW) - Antelope Valley Partners for Health : Job Details

Program: Public Awareness and Community Outreach - 2nd phase (PACO 2.0)

Reports to: Program Manager

Length: Seasonal 5 months (December 2024 to May 2025)

Position: Part Time – 20 hours a week

Schedule: Flexibility to work some weekends and evenings to outreach

Job Summary:

Antelope Valley Partners for Health is seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic Community Health Worker (CHW) to join our team. The CHW will play a crucial role in engaging the community through impactful workshops and outreach initiatives as part of our state campaigns. These campaigns focus on key areas such as Youth Behavioral Health, Save Our Water, Extreme Heat, and Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) education. The ideal candidate will bring energy and passion to the role, fostering community engagement and promoting health and wellness. The CHW will become part of the Trusted Messenger Network.

Responsibilities and Duties:

• Deliver impactful and engaging workshops on key topics, including Youth Behavioral Health, water conservation (aligned with the Save Our Water campaign), and Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) awareness, ensure all content is accessible, accurate, and relevant to diverse audiences.
• Collaborate with team members to develop and execute outreach strategies that effectively promote community health initiatives.
• Build and maintain relationships with community members, local organizations, and stakeholders to strengthen program reach and impact.
• Provide one-on-one support and resources to community members, actively using the Trusted Messenger Network approach (listed below) by addressing individual needs and connecting them with appropriate services.
• Collect and report data on community interactions and program outcomes to help assess the effectiveness of initiatives and inform future efforts.
• Stay well-informed on current trends, policies, and best practices related to Youth Behavioral Health, environmental conservation (heat and water), and ITIN regulations to ensure accurate and up-to-date information is shared with the community.
• Participate in regular training and professional development opportunities to continually gain skills and knowledge relevant to the role.

Trusted Messenger Network Approach:

• Community-Based Resource Linkages: Trusted messengers would be deeply embedded in the communities they serve. They would provide information and connections to various resources (healthcare, financial aid, housing assistance, etc.) through established local relationships.
• Tailored Outreach and Engagement: They would handle outreach by going beyond general communication, focusing on culturally tailored messages and approaches. This may include bilingual communication, culturally resonant materials, and collaboration with local leaders to amplify trust and reach.
• Continuous Education and Training: Trusted messengers would be trained regularly on available resources, case management techniques, communication skills, and any policy changes. This training ensures they stay updated and effective in their role as both connectors and informal educators.
• Feedback and Needs Assessment: Because they work closely with the community, trusted messengers are ideally placed to gather insights and feedback on unmet needs, potential barriers, or changes in community concerns. This information would then inform broader strategies for resource allocation and service improvements.
• Empathy-Centered Support and Follow-Up: In addition to providing initial resources, trusted messengers would engage in follow-up to ensure individuals have successfully accessed services and to troubleshoot any issues. This ongoing support builds trust and reinforces the role of the network.

Experience & Requirements:

• High school diploma or GED equivalent (preferred but not required); additional education in public health, social work, or a related field is a plus.
• Minimum six (6) months of experience in community engagement, outreach, social services, or a related area, such as promotor/a or community health worker roles.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage in diverse groups and create a welcoming environment.
• Passion for community health and wellness, with a specific interest in the focus areas of the state campaigns.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, demonstrating empathy, cultural competency, and commitment to improving community health.
• Flexibility to work evenings and weekends as needed to meet the needs of the community. Current and maintained CA driver's license.
• Current/maintained auto insurance.
• Own transportation for work-related purposes.
• Must pass background check and TB test clearance.
• COVID-19 vaccinated card recommended.
• Bilingual Preferred.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

• Primarily in off-site community centers, community events, office settings and/or via a virtual platform.
• Working with overburdened, often high-risk community members of low economic and varied cultural background, living in high-risk areas.
• Office, and possible community settings.
• Work is often performed under stressful and emotional conditions.
• This position requires lifting/carrying up to 25lbs., stooping, bending, squatting, walking, running (may be needed).