West Elmwood Housing Development Corporation
Full-time, 35 hours
1+ year Community Development & Engagement in the nonprofit sector required
Apprenticeship Eligible
ABOUT US: West Elmwood Housing Development Corporation (WEHDC) serves as the backbone agency of the 02907 Health Equity Zone (HEZ). A Health Equity Zone (HEZ) is an innovative, place-based approach that brings people together to build healthy, resilient communities across Rhode Island. The 02907 community has seen a disproportionately high number of COVID-19 cases as compared to other parts of Providence and across the state of Rhode Island.
POSITION SUMMARY: The Community Health Worker (CHW) is a vital member who will apply their deep understanding of the experience, language and/or culture of the community they serve to carry out one or more of the following roles: Provide culturally appropriate health education, information, and outreach in community-based settings, such as homes, schools, local businesses, and community centers. Serve as a bridge between individuals, communities and health and human services, including actively building individual and community capacity in 02907. Advocate and assist with 02907 resident and community needs. You will work with the HEZ and Rhode 2 Equity team implement initiatives that increase agency visibility within the community including distributing goods and services for COVID-19 mitigation, resilience and recovery. This is a full-time (35 hours per week) position. The typical schedule would be normal business hours from Monday through Friday with some nights and/or weekends required during special projects or events
REPORTING STRUCTURE: The CHW will report to the HEZ Program Manager.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
- Complete administrative tasks on an ongoing basis to ensure proper and organized record keeping, working with staff member’s when/if necessary.
- You need to be self-motivated, enthusiastic and community-driven to take on this exciting role.
- Are hired primarily for your cultural competence and understanding of the populations and communities you serve
- Spend a significant amount of time conducting outreach, community education and help navigating health and social needs
- Connecting residents to the 02907 HEZ strategies and initiatives in ways that allow for genuine resident voice and governance
- Build upon the relationship between CHW and 02907 population through intentional outreach and engagement efforts (i.e. door knocking, hosting and/or tabling at community events, etc).
- Utilize the Unite Us electronic referral platform in both making and documenting referrals and referral status. This platform helps to keep track of case notes and progress towards meeting client’s needs.
- Primarily focus on being the boots-on-the-ground person tasked with getting information out to the community in disseminating COVID-19 related information, support events and hand out personal protective equipment.
- Perform additional responsibilities consistent with initiative needs and other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- You need to be self-motivated, enthusiastic and community-driven to take on this exciting role.
- One or more years’ experience in community outreach and engagement a must.
- Resident of the 02907 zip code (Providence’s West End, Elmwood, Reservoir Triangle, or South Providence neighborhoods) is preferred.
- Community Health Workers certification preferred; non-certified incumbents are expected to earn certification within 6 months of hire date training certification offered by WEHDC
- Fluency (speaking, reading, and writing) in English and at least one other language preferred.
- Excellent organizational skills to manage multiple priorities and tasks.
- Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation, preferred.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required to satisfactorily perform essential duties. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- You need to be self-motivated, enthusiastic and community-driven to take on this exciting role.
- Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office/computer skills to enter data, prepare reports and correspondence.
- Ability to prioritize workflow and handle multiple projects to meet deadlines with minimal supervision.
- Ability to work independently and coordinate multiple tasks
- Must possess good verbal, written and telephone skills.
- Ability to effectively work in collaboration with multiple staff and partners.
- Able to lift packages of up to 30 pounds.
- Occasional travel to pick up or deliver correspondence/packages.
- Must be flexible to work between a variety of in person and virtual meetings/work.
West Elmwood Housing Development Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. WEHDC is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, HIV Status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, family medical history or genetic information, family or parental status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in Rhode Island.
How to Apply
To apply, please send your resume and a brief cover letter via e-mail to Jessica Thigpen at jthigpen@westelmwood.org.