Community Health Work (CHW)

Job Description

Job Description

Salary: $20.00+ per hour, depending on experience

Community Health Worker (CHW)

Reports To: Program Development & Grant Manager
Position Type: Full-Time

Position Summary

The Community Health Worker (CHW) serves as a trusted member of the community, connecting individuals to resources that improve health, wellness, employment, and overall stability. Working under assigned grant-funded programs, the CHW provides outreach, education, advocacy, care coordination, and resource navigation for individuals experiencing barriers related to food security, employment, housing, healthcare, behavioral health, substance use recovery, and other social determinants of health.

Using a strengths-based, person-centered approach, the CHW builds meaningful relationships with participants while helping them access community resources, maintain public benefits, improve self-sufficiency, and achieve personal goals. This position frequently works in the community and collaborates with healthcare providers, employers, social service agencies, and community partners.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Build trusting relationships with participants through compassionate, nonjudgmental engagement.
• Conduct assessments, identify participant needs, develop service plans, and provide ongoing follow-up.
• Connect participants with healthcare, behavioral health, housing, transportation, employment, education, financial assistance, and other community resources.
• Advocate for participants to reduce barriers and improve access to services.
• Assist individuals with SNAP applications, renewals, recertifications, eligibility requirements, and benefit retention.
• Coordinate with the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) and connect participants with employment, volunteer, education, or workforce development opportunities that support SNAP eligibility.
• Provide career development services including job readiness coaching, resume and cover letter development, interview preparation, employment applications, and referrals to employers, training programs, and job fairs.
• Represent Amare at community events, resource fairs, presentations, coalition meetings, and outreach activities to increase awareness of available services.
• Build collaborative relationships with healthcare providers, employers, schools, faith-based organizations, government agencies, and community partners.
• Recruit and enroll participants into assigned grant-funded programs.
• Coordinate referrals, schedule appointments, provide transportation assistance when appropriate, and follow up to ensure successful service connections.
• Maintain accurate participant documentation, collect required grant data, protect confidentiality, and assist with reporting and quality improvement activities.
• Participate in community coalitions, networking opportunities, special events, and other duties that support organizational and grant objectives.

Qualifications

Required

• Illinois Certified Community Health Worker (CHW) or ability to obtain certification within the required timeframe.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, organizational, and time management skills.
• Ability to build trust with diverse populations.
• Valid driver's license, reliable transportation, proof of automobile insurance, and ability to travel throughout the service area.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.

Preferred

• Experience with SNAP benefits or other public assistance programs.
• Knowledge of community resources throughout Madison, St. Clair, and surrounding counties.
• Experience working with underserved or vulnerable populations.
• Bilingual abilities are a plus.

Physical Requirements

Frequent travel throughout the service area. Ability to lift up to 25 pounds, operate a motor vehicle, and perform activities including sitting, standing, walking, bending, and carrying program materials. Occasional evening or weekend hours may be required to support community outreach and events.

Work Environment

This position works in Amare offices, healthcare facilities, community organizations, participant homes (when appropriate), workforce development sites, and other community settings. The Community Health Worker must be able to work independently and collaboratively while maintaining flexibility to meet participant needs.