Community Health Worker

Olmsted County has earned the 2023 and 2024 Best Places to Work - Southeast Minnesota designation.

Minimum Qualifications of Education and Experience

High School graduate, G.E.D., or foreign education equivalent to a U.S. High School Diploma and three (3) years of experience in a customer-focused position.

Regular and reliable attendance is a necessary component of job/position. Individuals required to use County vehicles and equipment must have a valid driver’s license and be free of any major traffic violations for the last three (3) years.

Required Special Qualifications:

• Community Health Worker (CHW) Certification from an accredited program
• Ability to work non-standard work hours including evenings, weekends, and holidays as necessary.

• Ability to speak and write in another language

Nature of Work

Under direct supervision, works with clients and families to connect them to county and community resources. Provides community education and works to increase access to health care through culturally competent outreach. Acts as an advocate and builds relationships with diverse communities. Makes recommendations to improve services. Makes referrals and coordinates services for clients and families. Works with individuals in a variety of settings in the community that include but are not limited to homes, offices, and over the phone.

Examples of Work

• Assists clients with finding medical support, scheduling appointments, arranging transportation, and interpreter services. Explains program eligibility to clients and assist in the completion of applications. Provides follow up support to ensure that services were obtained.
• Provides outreach, education, and resources to individuals and communities in home visits or community settings.
• Assists with identifying needs of the community and collaborates with community and County partners to address them.  Advocates for clients and families when barriers are encountered with system navigation and resource linking.
• Presents culturally appropriate health education to individuals and groups to promote wellness and health literacy.
• Delivers basic preventative health, wellness, and safety information to children and adults in community settings. Promotes regular medical and dental checkups for individuals and families.
• Documents home visits and outreach activities in computerized records systems.
• Explains cultural practices to providers on behalf of community members to enhance care quality and system improvements.
• Supports the department during emergency situations that may require non-standard work hours including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Performs other general support duties as required

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required

• Knowledge of local culturally specific needs.
• Knowledge of the concepts of health inequities and disparities.
• Knowledge of the health care systems.
• Knowledge of public health principles, programs, and services.
• Knowledge of data privacy and HIPAA regulations.
• Skill in the use of computers and technology.
• Skill in documenting accurate and timely information in computerized records systems.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Ability to navigate available community and public health resources.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing, including presenting.
• Ability to communicate information in a simplified manner to diverse populations.
• Ability to provide culturally specific feedback and advocate for community needs.
• Ability to make recommendations to improve health equity and social determinants of health.
• Ability to obtain and maintain CPR certification with the ability to perform CPR when necessary.

Persons with disabilities: the above is a general listing of job duties. Essential and non-essential functions may vary by individual position. Reasonable accommodations may be available for both essential and non-essential job duties.