Community Health Worker

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.

* 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.