Community Health Worker I-III (ACWIH)

Institution: University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS)

About the role

Join the Arkansas Center for Women & Infant Health in an impactful role as a Community Health Worker I-III (CHW). This position is central to improving health outcomes for women, infants, and families across Arkansas. As a CHW, you will be on the front lines of addressing health disparities, empowering communities, and delivering education and resources tailored to the unique needs of diverse populations.

This tiered position offers opportunities for growth and specialization:

• Level I: Focuses on direct patient engagement and resource connection.
• Level II: Coordinates outreach and engagement activities using a community-informed approach to address disparities.
• Level III: Designs, plans, and delivers outreach materials and interventions as part of a multidisciplinary outreach and implementation team. Level III CHWs also mentor and supervise CHW I and CHW II team members.

This position will be used to fill multiple vacancies throughout the state. Applicants must live, have strong connections in these areas, and be willing to commute daily to one of the following service areas:

• Desha / Chicot
• Scott / Polk
• Garland
• Sebastian
• Crittenden
• Carroll / Boone
• Jackson / Independence / Woodruff
• Sevier

Responsibilities

CHW I

• Outreach & Recruitment:
  • Conducts outreach to individuals, communities, service providers, and groups
  • Identifies and recruits individuals, families, and community groups to services and systems
  • Educates health and social service systems and providers about community perspectives and cultural norms
  • Facilitates cross-cultural communication among individuals, communities, and health/social service system workers
  • Responsible for the translation and cultural adaptations of resources and educational materials
• Care Coordination:
  • Coordinates care, provides case management support, and assists individuals and communities in navigating health and social service systems
• Community Coordination:
  • Participates in design, implementation, and interpretation of community-level assessments (e.g., windshield survey of community assets and challenges, community asset mapping)
  • Presents at local agencies and community events to share information and educate individuals and communities about health and social service concerns and resources

CHW II (in addition to CHW I responsibilities)

• Health Education & Clinical Navigation:
  • Motivates and encourages people to obtain care and other services
  • Supports self-management of disease prevention and management of health conditions, including chronic disease
  • Assists individuals in building and expanding their personal capacity to identify and manage their health conditions, obtain services as needed, identify opportunities to help others, and represent their needs through communication and advocacy
  • Provides basic health support services (e.g., first aid, diabetic foot checks)
• Community Coordination:
  • Assists communities in building capacity by identifying resources, coordinating service and support providers, linking groups or systems that provide synergistic support, and implementing advocacy strategies to address unmet needs
  • Collects and distributes materials that meet basic needs (e.g., provides food, blankets, clothing to those in need)

CHW III (in addition to CHW I & II responsibilities)

• Health Education and Care Coordination:
  • Provides culturally appropriate health education and information
  • Educates individuals and communities about how to use health and social service systems
  • Conducts health promotion and disease prevention education in a manner that matches linguistic and cultural needs of participants or community
  • Provides individual support and coaching
  • Motivates and encourages people to obtain care and other services
  • Supports self-management of disease prevention and management of health conditions, including chronic disease
  • Assists individuals in building and expanding their personal capacity to identify and manage their health conditions, obtain services as needed, identify opportunities to help others, and represent their needs through communication and advocacy
  • Assists communities in building capacity by identifying resources, coordinating service and support providers, linking groups or systems that provide synergistic support, and implementing advocacy strategies to address unmet needs
• Coaching & Mentoring:
  • Identifies and works with CHW peers to help others grow professionally, act ethically, and meet the needs of the individuals and communities served
  • Mentors and supervises CHW I and CHW II team members

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

• Level I:
  • High School Diploma/GED
  • Must enroll in a certified CHW Training Program within 45 days of employment
• Level II:
  • Bachelor's Degree or High School Diploma/GED
  • Completed certified CHW training program
  • Two (2) years experience as a CHW
  • Mastered all CHW Competencies for Level I
• Level III:
  • Bachelor's Degree or High School Diploma/GED
  • Requires CHW Certification from ARCHWA or another state (willing to receive ARCHWA Certification within 6 months of employment)
  • Mastered all CHW Competencies for Level I & II
  • Four (4) years experience as a CHW

Skills

• Reliable transportation, a working cell phone, and internet access are essential
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Experience in community outreach, public health, or related fields
• Ability to mentor and supervise team members (CHW III)
• Proficiency in case management and group education
• Knowledge of health disparities and culturally appropriate outreach strategies
• Organizational and multitasking abilities

Benefits

UAMS offers the following benefits and perks for eligible positions:

• Health: Medical, Dental, and Vision plans available for qualifying staff and family
• Holiday, Vacation, and Sick Leave
• Education discount for staff and dependents (undergraduate only)
• Retirement: Up to 10% matched contribution from UAMS
• Basic Life Insurance up to $50,000
• Career Training and Educational Opportunities
• Merchant Discounts
• Concierge prescription delivery on the main campus when using UAMS pharmacy