Community Health Worker

About DCHD:

Mission: To protect and promote healthier lifestyles through prevention and education.

As a certified health department, the Douglas County Health Department is responsible for several programs as well as many other public health services. Programs are grouped into divisions relating to either nursing, environmental health or health education. All programs have an educational component. The goal of this department is to increase the awareness and number of persons reached in this educational process.

 

 

Benefits:

• 15 Paid Holidays
• Vacation
• 3 days of Personal Time
• Accrual of 1 sick day per month (rollover)
• Employer paid employee health insurance premium
• Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF)
• Dental/Vision
• Life Insurance
• Tuition Assistance and Loan Repayment
• Flexible Schedules

 

Position Funding and Sustainability

Positions within Douglas County Health Department are often supported through grant funding, which plays an important role in allowing us to expand services and meet the evolving needs of our community. While funding sources may change over time, our goal is to build sustainable, long-term positions that provide continuity of care and lasting support to the individuals and families we serve. We are committed to exploring opportunities that strengthen our programs and support the long-term success of both our employees and the community.

 

Compensation: The full salary range for this position is $18.00 - $22.50. The anticipated starting salary is $18.00-$20.00, depending on the selected candidate’s directly related experience, education, licensure, certifications, and overall qualifications, as well as internal equity and available funding. An exceptionally qualified candidate may be considered above the anticipated starting range, but within the full approved salary range.

Job Summary:

We are seeking a motivated and community-focused Community Health Worker (CHW) to support outreach, education, and connection to services for individuals and families in our community. This position plays a key role in improving access to care, promoting health behaviors, and addressing social determinants of health.

Reports to: Director of Health Education and Outreach

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with outreach team to plan, coordinate, and implement community outreach events, educational programs, and initiatives.
• Work collaboratively to engage, support, and educate priority populations, promoting access to health services and community resources.
• Assist individuals with navigating community resources, accessing services, and enrolling in eligible benefit programs.
• Share responsibility for the preparation, execution, and follow-up of outreach activities, ensuring team goals and objectives are met.
• Partner with other DCHD departments to support agency-wide programs, initiatives, and community engagement efforts.
• Coordinate with employee committees to encourage staff participation in volunteer opportunities and community events.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation, data collection, and reporting to support grant requirements, program outcomes, and deliverables.
• Actively participate in team meetings, planning discussions, and problem-solving efforts, contributing ideas and supporting continuous improvement.
• Communicate effectively with team members, supervisors, community partners, and other departments to ensure coordinated efforts and successful outcomes.
• Maintain a flexible work schedule to accommodate office responsibilities, off-site outreach activities, community events, and occasional evening or weekend commitments, as approved.
• Perform other related duties as assigned to support departmental objectives, evolving community needs, and grant-funded initiatives.

Qualifications and Requirements:

• Regular predictable attendance is required.
• Strong communication skills including public speaking and active listening.
• Respect and understanding for diverse cultural populations.
• Strong time management and organization skills.
• Maintaining certification and training requirements of grant.
• Ability to build rapport with other professionals and agencies.
• Critical problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work a hybrid schedule, in the office and from home as well as events while maintaining appropriate communication with Manager..
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends.
• Reliable internet connection and cell phone access.
• Bilingual a plus.

 

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
• Community Health Worker (CHW) certification or willingness to obtain.
• Experience in public health, social services, or a related field preferred.

 

 

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disability to perform the essential functions.

• DCHD is a smoke free and drug-free workplace in compliance with federal guidelines.
• This position requires frequent sitting and/or standing.
• Loading company vehicle with supplies needed for community events, lifting up to 35 lbs.
• Some events including fairs and parades, may be held outside some working in the elements may be required.

The Douglas County Health Department is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion. We embrace and encourage our employees' differences in age, color, disability, ethnicity, family or marital status, gender identity or expression, language, national origin, physical and mental ability, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, veteran status, and other characteristics that make our employees unique.

 

Our employment practices are rooted in our dedication to equal opportunity for all individuals. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate in employment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

 

All employment decisions at the Douglas County Health Department are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications, without regard to the above-listed characteristics. We provide a work environment free of harassment and retaliation and ensure compliance with all applicable laws that protect the rights of applicants and employees. Our policies reflect and affirm the department's commitment to the principles of fair employment and the elimination of all discriminatory practices.

 

If you require assistance or accommodation during the application process due to a disability, please contact the Human Resources Department at 217-253-4137 X 1207.