Community Health Worker - Gateway Community Health Center

DESCRIPTION: Influences clients to assume responsibility for their own health and serves as a health advisor offering clients encouragement, support, and health education through community outreach and educational presentations.

SUPERVISION: Directly supervised by the Director of Health Education & Training and/or Program Manager.

TYPICAL PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Requires intermittent sitting and standing; may require moving up to 25 pounds. Requires the use of office equipment such as: computer, telephone, calculator and copier. Travel required.

FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Promotes program/Center services.
• Responsible for recruitment and management of clients.
• Assists with the follow-up of clients referred to program/center.
• Schedules educational and/or promotional activities.
• Assists client to complete forms pertinent to the program/Center.
• Responsible for learning required teaching guides and Center services, programs and procedures.
• Compiles information required for monthly activity reports.
• Maintains patient confidence and protects operations by keeping information confidential.
• Plans activities as required.
• Assists manager in the development of educational materials.
• Keeps records of his/her daily activities and prepares reports as required.
• Assist in medical clinic educational activities.
• Participates in all promotional activities sponsored by the Center.
• Must demonstrate initiative and ability to work independently with minimum supervision.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Graduate from an accredited high school or GED program. High school/GED diploma may be substituted for three year of relevant professional-level work experience in health education or related field.
• Possess a Promotor de Salud/Community Health Worker Certification by the Texas Department of State Health Services or been able to obtain the certification within seven months of hiring date.
• Must be able to work long hours during the week and weekends as necessary.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish is preferred.
• Possess means of transportation.
• Valid Texas Driver's License and minimum liability insurance.
• Must be able to drive within Webb, Zapata and Jim Hogg counties.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of Hispanic culture and customs.
• Knowledge of community health problems.
• Ability to work effectively with others and to deal tactfully with professional personnel as well as with the public.
• Ability to motivate and work with individuals in target areas to promote community education and client participation.
• Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely, and to exercise good judgment in evaluating situations and in making recommendations.