Community Health Worker - St. Cloud

Organization Background
The Center for African Immigrants and Refugees Organization (CAIRO)’s mission is dedicated to enhancing social justice and achieving parity for the diverse African immigrants and refugee communities in Oregon and Central Minnesota through community organizing, collaborative leadership, and service advocacy. We envision a more just and equitable society in which children, youth, and families live in sustained, supportive communities, which reinforce the cultural wealth and lived experience of the family.

Position Summary
Community Health Workers (CHWs) are frontline public health workers who are trusted members of and/or have an unusually close understanding of the community served. This trusting relationship enables CHWs to serve as a liaison/link/intermediary between health/social services and the community to facilitate access to services and improve the quality and cultural competence of service delivery.  

This position works directly with clients, families, and healthcare personnel to support a diverse African Immigrant community with a focus on senior health improvement and nutrition education. This position requires a bilingual, flexible, self-directed person, with bi-cultural familiarity who is excellent at handling various situations. Experience and knowledge of the healthcare system and social service resource navigation is required.

This is a full-time position working 32 hrs. Per week.  that reports to the Programs and Development Manager

Salary - $23-$25/hr. DOE

Benefits
CAIRO offers the following benefits to our full-time employees:
●    13 days of accrued Paid Time Off.
●    6 days of accrued sick time.
●    Up to 16 paid company holidays.
●    401(k) plan with an up to 3% employer match.
●    Medical/Dental insurance with 100% employer paid for employee only coverage.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities
●    Provide culturally relevant education on topics related to chronic disease prevention, mental health awareness, and other topics through events, forums, workshops, and promotional materials.
●    Provide informal counseling, home visits, and other support services for community members.
●    Support navigation and advocacy for various essential social services and resources (e.g., access to food, housing support).
●    Provide additional support/education for individuals and families with chronic conditions. 
●    Collaborate with local health systems and agencies to address service and resource inequities.
●    Communicate closely and frequently with staff to improve systems, solve problems, share resources, and coordinate work.
●    Follow organizational record keeping requirements.
●    Ensure compliance with program requirements and employment law.
●    Other duties as required.

Abilities, Skills, & Experience
●    Strong background in working with the African Immigrant population and understanding the nuances of the diverse cultural values and beliefs of that community.
●    Experience: Minimum of one year of experience in community outreach services providing health information, advocacy, social support and assistance in using the health care system to groups and families; AND experience working with the community being served.
●    Certification as a Community Health Worker preferred but not required.
●    Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
●    Ability to translate medical terminology into concepts that are understandable for community members.
●    Must be able to maintain strict confidentiality and follow HIPAA policies and procedures.
●    Self-motivation and the ability to work independently with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
●    Working knowledge of computer software programs such as Google Suite and Microsoft.
●    Fluent in English is required; Fluency in Somali, Amharic, Swahili, or another language is preferred.
●    This position will require a background check.

Education
●    BA in Community Health or a related field preferred.
●    CHW certification preferred.

Work Environment/Location
●    Location: St. Cloud, MN
●    Work environment will vary depending on specific events/programming, but may include:
○    Public events
○    Home visits
○    Teleworking or working in an office environment
●    This position requires frequent use of a keyboard, monitor, mouse, and telephone and/or headset.