Community Health Worker

Community Health Worker – Environmental Health

Job Description

The Community Health Worker – Environmental Health plays a key role in promoting public health and environmental safety within the Three Rivers Public Health Department (3RPHD) service area. This position focuses on educating, supporting, and connecting community members to resources that improve environmental health, lead poisoning prevention, and overall well-being. The Community Health Worker (CHW) will assist with lead education, well water testing, radon testing, mosquito surveillance, nuisance complaints, and other environmental health initiatives. This role will also support additional public health programs by conducting community outreach, fieldwork, and data collection to ensure safer living conditions for residents.

Essential Job Functions

Lead Education & Environmental Health Services

• Educate community members on lead poisoning prevention, safe home environments, and available lead remediation resources.
• Distribute and collect well water testing kits and radon test kits for residents.
• Conduct mosquito trapping and surveillance to support vector control efforts.
• Respond to nuisance complaints, documenting concerns related to environmental health hazards.
• Assist in the identification and mitigation of environmental health risks in homes and public spaces.

Community Outreach & Education

• Conduct home visits, workshops, and public education sessions on environmental health topics such as lead exposure risks, indoor air quality, mold, pest management, water safety, and household safety.
• Provide one-on-one education and support to families regarding environmental hazards.
• Assist residents in accessing resources for lead education, home safety improvements, and public health services.
• Develop and distribute educational materials related to lead safety and environmental health topics.

Case Management & Support

• Perform home and environmental assessments to identify health risks, particularly lead hazards.
• Follow up with residents to ensure they receive appropriate support and interventions.
• Collaborate with public health nurses, environmental health specialists, and housing agencies to address health concerns.

Program Coordination & Data Management

• Document community needs, referrals, and outcomes to support program effectiveness.
• Maintain accurate records in electronic databases for lead education, well water testing, radon testing, and mosquito surveillance.
• Assist in grant applications, reporting, and compliance efforts related to environmental health programs.

Collaboration & Advocacy

• Act as a liaison between community members and local service providers, advocating for environmental health and lead safety needs.
• Develop partnerships with local government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and healthcare providers.
• Participate in community meetings, health fairs, and outreach events to promote lead education and environmental health initiatives.

Other Duties

• Maintain confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA and 3RPHD policies.
• Represent 3RPHD professionally in all community interactions.
• Perform other health-related activities as assigned.

Preferred Talents

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to effectively engage with community members and stakeholders.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to navigate complex social and environmental health challenges.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with various public health teams.
• Comfort in public speaking and community engagement.
• Cultural competency and ability to work with diverse populations.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to interpret and clearly explain environmental health and lead safety information to the public.
• Willingness to travel within the 3RPHD service area for outreach and home visits.
• Basic proficiency in Microsoft Office and electronic health record/data management systems.
• Knowledge of lead poisoning prevention, well water safety, mosquito control, and environmental hazard identification.
• Experience conducting home assessments and identifying environmental health risks, particularly lead hazards.
• Experience with case management, data collection, and grant-funded programs.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma/GED required; associate or bachelor’s degree in public health, environmental science, social work, or a related field preferred.
• Certified Community Health Worker (CHW) preferred, or willingness to obtain certification within 6 months of hire.
• Experience in environmental health, lead education, housing safety, social services, or public health programs is a plus.
• Experience working with diverse populations and underserved communities preferred.
• Valid Class C Driver’s License required.
• Must complete environmental health and lead education training as assigned.

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. This position requires walking, standing, and field visits in varying environmental conditions. The employee must be able to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds occasionally.

Working Environment

While performing the duties of this job, the employee must possess the ability to work in both office and field settings, including community health centers, client homes for environmental health and lead education assessments, public events and outreach programs. As well as exposure to environmental hazards, such as mold, pests, standing water and lead-based paint.