Federal College Work Study- Community Service (Student Affairs- COL Health Dept)

City of Laredo Health Department 

2600 Cedar Ave

Laredo, TX 78040

Mission:

To achieve advanced health equity levels in our community, ensuring that every person has access to their full health potential, regardless of social position or other circumstances. The City of Laredo Public Health Department offers public health protections in areas such as communicable disease prevention, safe food and water, maternal and child health, clinical care access, and chronic disease and injury prevention. We also provide unique local services like affordable laboratory services and pharmaceutical access.

Website: https://www.cityoflaredo.com/departments/health-department

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cityoflaredo

Job Summary

Community Work-Study Program

The Community Work-Study Program (CWS) provides federal financial aid eligible students the opportunity to work part-time at non-profit organizations that serve the public interest. 

Goals of this program include:

• Develop interest in public service through employment with TAMIU and be assigned to local non-profit, government, or community-based organizations.

• Apply skills and theories gained through coursework to solve problems and explore issues outside the classroom. 

• Enhance career competencies, such as critical thinking, work, teamwork, communication, and leadership. 

• Articulate how experiences will shape personal, academic, and professional pursuits.

The Community Health Worker (CHW) will play a crucial role in improving the health and well-being of residents in the Laredo and surrounding areas. This position requires a dedicated individual with strong interpersonal skills, cultural competence, and a passion for community-based health promotion. The CHW will work closely with diverse populations to provide health education, facilitate access to healthcare services, and address social determinants of health to promote health equity and resilience in the community.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Conducts community outreach to engage residents and build trusting relationships with individuals and families in Laredo and surrounding areas. 

• Provides health education on topics such as preventive care, nutrition, maternal and child health, chronic disease management, and substance use prevention. 

• Assists community members in navigating the healthcare system, including scheduling appointments, obtaining health insurance, and accessing affordable medication.

• Conducts health screenings and assessments to identify individuals at risk and connect them with appropriate resources and services.

• Facilitates support groups, workshops, and community events to promote health literacy, resilience, and social connectedness. 

• Collaborates with local organizations, schools, faith-based groups, and other community partners to coordinate health promotion activities and resources.

• Advocates for the needs of the community by raising awareness of health disparities and collaborating with stakeholders to address systemic barriers to health.

• Stays informed about emerging health issues, evidence-based practices, and resources available to support community health initiatives.

• Documents interactions and outcomes in accordance with program requirements and participate in data collection and reporting efforts.

• Performs related work as required.

Minimum Requirements

• Enrolled at least half-time, 6 credit hours per semester for undergraduate and 3 credit hours per semester for graduates.

• Maintain a TAMIU overall GPA of 2.0 for undergraduate students and 3.0 for graduates' students.

• Must have a current and complete file with the Office of Financial Aid.

• Must demonstrate financial need by submitting a FAFSA application annually.

• Must be a U.S. citizen, or permanent residence, or has an alien registration number.an eligible non-citizen.

• Must meet all other requirements as stated in TAMIU’s Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy (SAPP).

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Proficiency in use of personal computer workstation with common software applications.

• Ability to organize and multitask functions to ensure compliance with deadlines.

• Outstanding customer service skills.

• Excellent interpersonal relationship and communication skills.

• Problem analysis and problem-solving skills.

• Ability to learn and use multiple software programs.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Other Requirements

• Work schedules are created by the department based on departmental needs but ensure it does not conflict with class schedule.

• Promptly complete all required training.

• Input hours worked daily and submit time sheet biweekly.  

• Some evening and weekend work may be required.

• Reliable transportation.

Rate of Pay: $10.00/hour for up to 15 hours per week