Community Health Worker I - Full Time

What we do here changes the world. UTHealth Houston is Texas’ resource for healthcare education, innovation, scientific discovery, and excellence in patient care. That’s where you come in.

We are looking for a Full-Time Community Health Worker to join the UTHealth School of Public Health in Houston, TX. In this position, the CHW I will effectively provide community members with resources about COVID-19 testing in accordance with research study protocol. The CHW will work directly in designated priority area communities in the greater Houston area and throughout Harris County. This is a Full-Time position funded by a National Institutes for Health Rapid Acceleration of Diagnostics for Underserved Populations grant.

Once you join us you won't want to leave. It’s because we reward our team for the excellent service they provide. Our total rewards package includes the benefits you’d expect from a top healthcare organization (benefits, insurance, etc.), plus:  

• 100% paid medical premiums for our full-time employees  
• Generous time off (holidays, preventative leave day, both vacation and sick time – all of which equates to around 37-38 days per year) 
• The longer you stay, the more vacation you’ll accrue! 
• Longevity Pay (Monthly payments after two years of service) 
• Build your future with our awesome retirement/pension plan! 

We take care of our employees! As a world-renowned institution, our employees’ wellbeing is important to us. We offer work/life services such as... 

• Free financial and legal counseling 
• Free mental health counseling services 
• Gym membership discounts and access to wellness programs 
• Other employee discounts including entertainment, car rentals, cell phones, etc. 
• Resources for child and elder care 
• Plus many more! 

Position Summary:

Under the supervision of the Principal Investigator, Co-Investigators, Program Manager and Community Health Worker (CHW) Supervisor, the CHW I will effectively provide community members with resources about COVID-19 testing in accordance with research study protocol. The CHW will work directly in designated priority area communities in the greater Houston area and throughout Harris County. This is a Full-Time position funded by a National Institutes for Health Rapid Acceleration of Diagnostics for Underserved Populations grant.

A valid Texas driver’s license and working vehicle are required for this position. Candidate must be bilingual (Spanish speaking).

 Position Key Accountabilities:

• Establishes and maintains rapport with investigators, research staff and community members.
• Implements research study protocol as designed including recruiting community members for participation, consenting participants, providing education and/or resources, scheduling follow-up visits, and thoroughly documenting all interactions using study-specific data collection tools.
• Helps community members identify COVID-19 resources in their area and assist with linkages to testing opportunities.
• Thoroughly documents community member encounter activities and follow-up functions of resource distribution and referrals to address community member needs.
• Effectively utilizes assigned equipment and technology. Employs computer skills to maintain online data tracking forms and surveys, including RedCap. 
• Maintains a comprehensive understanding of community needs, resources, services and programs available to advocate for community member needs and requests.
• Continuously expands knowledge for professional growth and development to meet requirements to maintain State certification and skills competency that supports project goals.
• Contacts study participants to schedule and/or reschedule research study visits in accordance with the study timeline.
• Maintains confidentiality per HIPAA guidelines in regard to patient information. Adheres to all policies, procedures and standards within the organization.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Certification/Skills:

• Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) – Certified CHW
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred
• Must have ability to perform complex and diverse administrative duties that involve application of procedures and demonstrate appropriate judgment within the CHW scope of work.

Preferred:

• Team work skills particularly important to this job include communication and interpersonal skills that foster effective coordination and support of other CHWs.
• Skilled with technology, computers, and online data tracking forms and surveys.

Minimum Education:

• High school diploma or GED.

Preferred:

• One (1) year of relevant work experience in health, social worker or education.  May substitute required experience with equivalent years of education beyond the minimum education requirement.
  

Minimum Experience:

• One (1) year of relevant work experience in health, social worker or education.  May substitute required experience with equivalent years of education beyond the minimum education requirement.
   

Physical Requirements:

Exerts up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 10 pounds frequently and/or a negligible amount constantly to move objects.

Security Sensitive:

This job class may contain positions that are security sensitive and thereby subject to the provisions of Texas Education Code § 51.215

Residency Requirement:

Employees must permanently reside and work in the State of Texas.