Community Health Worker

Freeborn County Public Health is hiring a Community Health Worker of the Karen culture to build a better relationship with the Karen population living in Freeborn County.  The Community Health Worker will be responsible for assisting Public Health in implementing health education programs for underserved populations. This position will help our underserved population gain access to needed medical, social, educational, vocational and other services related to individual’s whole health.

Responsibilities may involve implementing case management support activities under direction of staff working with clients, performing client intake, providing informal counseling and information about program resources to clients, and providing recommendations to Public Health team on cultural implications and responsiveness for health education programs. The position will be a full-time position.  The salary range is $22.77 - $30.37.  Candidates must have a valid Driver’s License and reliable transportation. 

Minimum qualifications of education and experience:

• High school diploma or GED
• Bilingual proficiency in English and Karen.
• Community Health Certification or ability to obtain Certification within two years of hire.

Under general supervision, the Community Health Worker is responsible for assisting the Public Health Department in implementing health education programs for underserved populations. This role will help clients gain access to needed medical, social, educational, vocational and other services related to individuals’ whole health. This position is responsible for assuring adequate local public health infrastructure; promoting healthy communities and healthy behavior; preventing the spread of infectious disease; protecting against environmental health hazards; preparing for, responding to disasters, and assisting communities in recovery; and assuring the quality and accessibility of health services. This position is also responsible to build relationships and improve health equity.

Community Health Worker Duties and Responsibilities

• Performs case management support duties, to include conducting client intake, assisting with completion of applications for programs, and determining program eligibility.
• Provides informal counseling to connect community members with program resources and providing referrals.
• Provides recommendations to Public Health Department on cultural implications and responsiveness of program activities and methodology. Work will include researching and reviewing information and making recommendations to ensure that established programs align with client-specific cultural needs.
• Coordinates with clients and their families to track client progress; work may involve health education, performing home and car safety checks, tracking child growth, providing positive parenting and health- and nutrition-related information, and performing health screenings and related activities.
• Server as a liaison between the clients and community services. This position will connect individuals, families and identified supports to appropriate services that help them overcome access or service barriers, increase self-sufficiency and improve overall health, which may include assisting them to complete applications for insurance, child support, food support, etc.
• Prepares and submits status update reports and other documentation to the assigned staff; tracks clients' responsiveness to plans and facilitates program activities.
• Prepares and maintains accurate and timely documentation of a variety of records and paperwork in compliance with regulatory standards including client charts, doctor’s orders, logs of visits/activities, health assessments, referrals, reports of abuse and neglect, and sources of service payment.
• Participates in health promotion activities, educational programs, school health screenings, disease prevention and control activities, immunization clinics, and walk-in clinics by providing education; measuring vital signs; answering health related questions; and providing educational information to groups as required.

Prepares for and responds to emergencies, events, and incidents and assists communities in recovery. Responds 24/7, as needed, during a public health emergency. 

While these are the primary focus of the position, we believe strongly in teamwork and employees will be called upon to perform a variety of duties as part of their role with the County.

Position Requirements

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Principles, procedures, and techniques in assigned area of specialization.
• Customer service principles.
• Departmental guidelines, regulations, and formats.
• Information related to cultural, ethnic, and linguistic differences.
• Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, rules, regulations, codes, and/or statutes.
• Knowledge of basic medical terminology.
• Knowledge of basic concepts of the most common diseases, illnesses, and nutrition.
• Knowledge of HIPAA, Data Privacy laws.
• Computers and related software applications.
• Ability to provide health education regarding health issues/concerns.
• Ability to organize and prioritize work.
• Ability to create and maintain accurate records.
• Researching and verifying information.
• Applying knowledge of cultural, ethnic, and linguistic differences when making recommendations.
• Ability to deal with information in a culturally sensitive manner and understand ethics influence client care.
• Effective communication skills, both oral and written and provide bilingual interpretation/translation services for clients, when necessary.
• Interpreting and applying applicable laws, rules, regulations, standards, and guidelines.
• Coordinating and executing multiple tasks.
• Preparing standard and customized reports.

Education and Experience

• High School diploma or GED

Preferred Experience   

• Fluency in either Spanish, or Karen

Licenses / Certifications

This position will require the maintenance of the following certificates/licenses

• Ability to obtain and maintain a MN Community Health Worker Certification within 2 years of hire.
• Driver’s License or evidence of equivalent mobility

Equipment and Tools

• Frequently operates office equipment and technology
• Frequently uses communication equipment
• Occasionally uses medical equipment
• Intermittently must operate personal vehicle

Physical and Mental Requirements

This job typically requires sitting, standing, walking, driving, feeling, manual dexterity, grasping, talking, hearing, typing, and seeing. There is exposure to computer keyboards and video screens. This position is generally light-duty and may require the exertion up to 30 pounds of force.

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

Working Conditions

Work is performed in an office or other indoor and outdoor environments. Travel is required to other facilities, client homes, meetings, training, etc. Worker is subject to variable outside weather conditions. Motor vehicle travel is required.

There is potential exposure to infectious diseases and bloodborne pathogens. Worker may be subject to odors, wetness, poor illumination, and sudden temperature change. Worker may be exposed to dangerous physical and/or environmental conditions (animals, insects, rodents, house in need of repair, drugs, weapons, air contaminants etc.) Worker is exposed to noise, distractions, and interruptions. Worker may be exposed to hostile, verbally abusive, and emotional clients.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative to those an employee encounters while performing essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Competencies Common to All County Positions

• Develop, maintain a thorough working knowledge of, and comply with all departmental and applicable County policies and
• Demonstration by personal example the spirit of service, excellence, and integrity expected from all
• Develop respectful and cooperative working relationships with co-workers, including willing assistance to newer staff so job responsibilities can be performed with confidence as quickly as
• Confer regularly with and keep immediate supervisor informed of all important matters which pertain to the applicable job functions and
• Represent Freeborn County in a professional manner to the public, outside contacts and constituencies.

*****Interested applicants must apply through the online application process available on the Freeborn County website http://www.co.freeborn.mn.us. Completed applications along with cover letter and resume are due by 12:00 PM Friday, March 28th, 2025.

                                                                                                    Freeborn County is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Salary : $23 - $30