HEZ Project Coordinator

02907 Health Equity Zone
Full-time
35 hours
Fully Bilingual
CHW Certified or within 6 months

POSITION SUMMARY:
The HEZ Project Coordinator is a vital member of the backbone agency poised to support the
Health Equity Zone, to provide culturally appropriate support and resources to the 02907
community, related to COVID-19 and addressing the priorities identified during the community
needs assessment known as the 02907 pillars. Insight and information gained from the project
coordinator through their work with residents and community partners, can deeply increase
the understanding and needed resources to help improve COVID-19 hesitancy and resiliency
response in the 02907. 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:
● Work with the HEZ Program Manager, residents, and the 02907 HEZ Steering team to
implement 3-year work plan for the 02907 HEZ that addresses the priorities defined
through the Year one Community Needs Assessment.
● Fill out quarterly HEZ reports as determined by RI Department of Health.
● Work with the HEZ Program Manager to develop and implement effective community
engagement strategies and ensure that residents are represented on HEZ CAT and
workgroups.
● Work at neighborhood level to understand barriers to health/social wellness, and,
where appropriate, barriers to vaccine uptake; uncovering new assets and partnerships;
reporting to Teams and collaborating on community solutions;
● Serve as project lead on COVID-19 response, to include, but not limited to PPE
coordination, reporting, and project support.

● Participate on the HEZ Community Action team (HEZCAT) and other RI DOH meetings
related to HEZ and/or COVID-19 response.
● Assess client needs and assist with the distribution of goods and services to assist with
COVID-19 mitigation, resilience and recovery.
● Help conduct surveys, focus groups and one-to-one interviews with residents to inform
them of best approaches to responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.
● Establish relationships with trusted community leaders to identify and document
cultural and structural barriers that interfere with accessing testing, vaccination and
adhering to response guidance.
● 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.
● Maintain accurate and accessible reports, files and statistics as required by the
initiative.
● Perform additional responsibilities consistent with initiative needs and other duties as
assigned.


QUALIFICATIONS:
● Community Health Workers certification preferred; non-certified incumbents are
expected to earn certification within 6 months of hire date paid for by WEHDC
● Fluency (speaking, reading, and writing) in English and at least one other language
preferred.
● One or more years’ experience in community outreach and engagement.
● Resident of the 02907 zip code (Providence’s West End, Elmwood, Reservoir Triangle, or
South Providence neighborhoods) is preferred.
● Excellent organizational skills to manage multiple priorities and tasks.
● High level of interpersonal skills to engage with residents and community partners.
● Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office/computer skills to enter data, prepare
reports and correspondence.


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.
● Ability to prioritize workflow and handle multiple projects to meet deadlines with
minimal supervision.
● Must possess good verbal, written and telephone skills.
● Demonstrated ability to work both independently and as an effective team member.
● Ability to work effectively in collaboration with multiple staff and partners.
● Ability to build and sustain trust and rapport with community members based on
listening and respect.

● Able to lift packages of up to 30 pounds.
● Must be flexible to work between a variety of in person and virtual meetings/work.
To apply, please send your resume and a brief cover letter via e-mail to Jessica Thigpen at
jthigpen@westelmwood.org.