Community Health Worker

DHRM; Virginia (MN); On-site; USD 45,000 - 57,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

12 Paid Holidays

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Life Insurance

Retirement Plans (401a Cash Match, 457

Deferred Compensation

Job summary

The Virginia Department of Health is seeking a Community Health Worker to join its Eastern Shore public health team. The role connects community members to essential resources and services, delivering culturally sensitive care and effective communication to priority populations.

Responsibilities include health promotion, program support, and coordination of services, with a focus on disease prevention and community impact. Strong community engagement and collaboration with partners are required.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of Social Determinants of Health and how they affect access to resources.
• Knowledge of Mental/Behavioral Health and its impact on health outcomes.
• Basic knowledge of public health practices, epidemiology, and health promotion.
• Experience working with priority or underserved communities.
• Ability to communicate with diverse populations and adapt messaging.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate health improvement initiatives, health promotion, and education.
• Support development and coordination of health programs and services.
• Act as liaison between community and healthcare services to connect to resources.
• Collaborate with partners to implement public health initiatives with measurable impact.
• Engage with communities to improve health equity and well‑being.

Skills

Social Determinants of Health

Mental 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 - $56,925

Pay Band: 3

Agency: Virginia Department of Health

Location: EASTERN SHORE-ACCOMACK-CEN

Agency Website: www.vdh.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

The Community Health Worker is an integral member of the Health districts public health team, providing support to individuals and families both in clinic settings and within the community. The Community Health Worker’s focus is to connect community members to essential resources and services, with the goal of improving overall health and enhancing quality of life. While serving as a liaison between the community and healthcare services, the Community Health Worker focuses on providing culturally sensitive care and communication, especially to priority populations.

Basic responsibilities include; Facilitating health improvement initiatives, health promotion and education, and the development and support of health programs. The Community Health Worker plays a critical role in disease prevention activities, capacity building, and service coordination. While also being involved in program evaluation to assess effectiveness and community impact. The Community Health Worker 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.

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.

This position is funded through Federal grants and subject to renewal at yearly.

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.

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

Contact Information

Name: Lindsay Glass

Phone: For inquiries please 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 your 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.

Advertised: 19 Sep 2026 Eastern Daylight Time

Applications close: 04 Oct 2026 Eastern Daylight Time