Bilingual Traveling Community Health Worker - Research Position

University of Wisconsin Madison; Brantford; On-site; CAD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative opportunity awaits a bilingual community health professional passionate about nutrition and health education. This role focuses on assisting a research project aimed at improving the health outcomes of migrant and seasonal agricultural workers by providing nutrition-focused education. You will engage directly with farmworkers, collecting valuable data on their food environments and offering tailored health recommendations. This position promises a dynamic work environment, with travel across various farms and food processing plants, ensuring your contributions make a real difference in the community. Join a forward-thinking initiative that prioritizes health equity and cultural responsiveness!

Benefits

Travel reimbursements

Flexible work hours

Cultural outreach opportunities

Qualifications

• Proficiency in both Spanish and English is essential for this role.
• Experience working with farmworkers or similar populations is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist with developing research methodologies and procedures.
• Collect and analyze research data and conduct interviews.
• Provide culturally responsive health education in community settings.

Skills

Proficiency in Spanish

Proficiency in English

Basic computer skills

Ability to lift 25 pounds

Education

Experience with nutrition or health topics

CPR/BLS certification

Tools

MS Word

Excel

Google tools

Job description

Job Summary:

This Bilingual Community Health professional will assist with a research project to investigate the effectiveness of embedding someone who can provide nutrition-focused education and information within a mobile health unit designed to deliver primary healthcare to migrant and seasonal agricultural workers across 22-26 farms/food processing plants, including worker housing common areas, cafeterias, and kitchens during the 2025 growing season (June through October). This position will assist with collecting research data to assess nutrition knowledge and the food environment of workers while living and working at one of the work sites served by the mobile clinic in Wisconsin. Access to affordable, culturally appropriate nutritious food is a social determinant of health. Each worksite offers workers a different food environment (e.g., cafeteria, vending, kitchen access), and many are in rural areas of Wisconsin with limited access to grocery stores that offer culturally appropriate, healthy foods at affordable prices. This position will act as a liaison between the mobile clinic and farmworkers, especially those with diagnosed chronic health conditions related to nutrition (e.g., diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity), to collect data on how the food environment influences healthy eating habits. Additionally, the role will involve providing general health and nutrition recommendations and resources, under the guidance of a Registered Dietitian involved with the research, to answer questions linking food choices to health outcomes.

Responsibilities:

1. Assist with developing research methodologies and procedures according to project objectives.
2. Identify concerns and recommend solutions to leadership.
3. Collect and analyze research data, conduct interviews, and document results.
4. Prepare reports and disseminate findings to stakeholders.
5. Review and edit research protocols under supervision.
6. Train individuals and groups on research equipment and protocols.
7. Translate research protocols and data collection instruments between Spanish and English.
8. Provide culturally responsive health education and outreach in community settings.
9. Assist with interpretation and provide recommendations on nutrition choices related to health conditions.

Qualifications:

Required: - Proficiency in Spanish and English (both written and spoken) - Valid Driver's License and access to reliable transportation for travel across Wisconsin - Ability to lift 25 pounds - Basic computer skills (MS Word, Excel, Google tools) Preferred: - Experience working with farmworkers or similar populations - Knowledge of Spanish-speaking communities' culture and values - Experience with nutrition or health topics - CPR/BLS certification

Additional Details:

The position involves travel using a personal vehicle, including overnight stays, with reimbursements per UW-Madison policies. Work hours are scheduled to accommodate farmworker shifts, including some outdoor work during summer months, weather permitting. The appointment is for 5 months, with potential extension or conversion.