Community Health Worker

DHRM; Chesapeake (VA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 57,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

12 paid holidays

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Retirement plans

Job summary

The Virginia Department of Health seeks a Community Health Worker to support individuals and families in clinic and community settings. The CHW connects people to essential resources, focusing on culturally sensitive care and priority populations.

As an integral member of health district teams, you will facilitate health improvement initiatives, promote education, and support program evaluation while advancing health equity and access to services in Chesapeake HQ.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of social determinants and how disparities affect access to resources.
• Understanding of mental and behavioral health and its impact on health needs.
• Basic public health principles, epidemiology and health promotion.
• Experience with priority or underserved communities.
• Ability to communicate across diverse populations with cultural sensitivity.
• Clear written and verbal communication; plain language.
• Strong teamwork and collaboration in multidisciplinary settings.
• Ability to use a PC and internet-based tools for data entry and research.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate health improvement initiatives and education.
• Develop and support health programs and services.
• Coordinate services and connect community members to resources.
• Collaborate with networks to implement public health initiatives.
• Engage communities and promote health equity and well‑being.

Skills

Social Determinants of Health

Mental/Behavioral Health

Public Health Principles

Community Experience

Cultural Competency

Effective Communication

Interpersonal Skills

Technology Proficiency

Job description

Title: Community Health Worker

State Role Title: Direct Service Associate III

Hiring Range: $45,023.00-$56,925.00

Pay Band: 3

Agency: Virginia Department of Health

Location: CHESAPEAKE HQ

Agency Website: https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/chesapeake/

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

Benefits. The Virginia Department of Health offers 12 paid holidays, medical, dental, vision and life insurance, retirement plans (including 401a Cash Match and 457 Deferred Compensation Plan) as well as sick, family/personal, and annual leave. Total value of employment with VDH, including VRS, affordable healthcare premiums, generous leave benefits, flexible work arrangements, and predictable schedules.

The Goal of the Virginia Department of Health is to become the healthiest state in the nation. This position will support the VDH Goal of becoming the healthiest state in the nation by continuing to support and improve the health of all Virginians through efficient and effective execution of operations and delivery of services, performing work based on assigned duties and performance measures.

The Community Health Worker (CHW) is an integral member of the health district public health team, providing support to individuals and families both in clinic settings and within the community. The CHW works to connect community members to essential resources and services, with the goal of improving overall health and enhancing quality of life.

Serving as a liaison between the community and healthcare services, the CHW focuses on providing culturally sensitive care and communication, especially to priority populations.

Key responsibilities include facilitating health improvement initiatives, health promotion and education, and the development and support of health programs. The CHW plays a critical role in disease prevention activities, capacity building, and service coordination. They are also involved in program evaluation to assess effectiveness and community impact. The CHW collaborates with community networks and partners to identify, prioritize, and implement public health initiatives that have the greatest potential for positive impact.

This position requires strong community engagement skills, the ability to navigate and coordinate services, and a commitment to fostering health equity and improving the overall well‑being of the population.

Minimum Qualifications

• Knowledge of Social Determinants of Health: Knowledge of the various social, economic, and environmental factors that influence individual and community health, including disparities in access to resources and services.
• Knowledge of Mental/Behavioral Health: Familiarity with the impact of mental and behavioral health on physical health outcomes, including an understanding of common mental health issues and how they intersect with physical health needs.
• Knowledge of Public Health Principles: Basic knowledge of public health practices, epidemiology, disease prevention, health promotion, and social service systems, including the roles of government agencies and community organizations in addressing health needs.
• Community Experience: Experience working with priority or underserved communities, with an understanding of relevant unique challenges and resources.
• Cultural Competency: Ability to communicate effectively with diverse populations, recognizing and respecting cultural norms, practices, and values within the community.
• Effective Communication Skills: Ability to communicate clearly and concisely in both written and verbal formats using plain language that is accessible to individuals from diverse backgrounds. This includes the ability to adapt communication styles to meet the needs of different communities served.
• Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrated ability to build and maintain positive working relationships with colleagues, community members, and stakeholders. Strong team collaboration skills and the ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary environment.
• Technology Proficiency: Ability to operate a personal computer and use internet-based tools and applications for data entry, communication, and research.

Additional Considerations

• Proficiency in a second language (especially relevant languages in the community served) is highly preferred to effectively communicate with a broader population.
• Previous experience in a public health or community-based agency environment, with familiarity in coordinating services and supporting public health initiatives.
• Community Health Worker (CHW) certification, or the ability to obtain one after hire.

Contact Information

Name: Natalie Newby

Phone: please refer to email

Email: [e-mail]

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.

It is the policy of the Commonwealth and VDH that all aspects of human resource management be conducted without regard to race (or traits historically associated with race including hair texture, hair type, and protective hairstyles such as braids, locks, and twists); sex; color; national origin; religion; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; age; veteran status; political affiliation; disability; genetic information; and pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions. VDH employees have a shared Code of Ethics, which can be found in the bottom banner of our website: www.vdh.virginia.gov.

As a V3 (Virginia Values Veterans) employer VDH Welcomes Veterans to apply.

Advertised: 22 Sep 2026

Applications close: 29 Sep 2026