Community Health Worker

Job Posting Organization:
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is a global humanitarian organization that responds to the world's worst crises and helps people to survive and rebuild their lives. Established in 1933, the IRC has grown to operate in over 40 countries and 26 U.S. cities, employing more than 14,000 staff members. The organization is dedicated to helping refugees and displaced individuals by providing essential services such as health care, education, and economic support. The IRC's mission is to restore safety, dignity, and hope to millions who are uprooted and struggling to endure. The organization emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusivity in its workforce, actively encouraging applications from individuals who can contribute to this goal.

Job Overview:
The Community Health Worker position is designed as a time-limited workforce development and applied learning program aimed at supporting refugee and immigrant community members who are pursuing careers in community health and human services. This role combines structured training with supervised field experience and community engagement activities, allowing trainees to build foundational skills in outreach, health education, healthcare navigation, and community engagement. Under the close supervision of IRC Health Program staff, the Community Health Worker will engage in culturally and linguistically responsive outreach and health promotion activities within refugee and immigrant communities. The position is intended as an entry-level transitional opportunity that supports workforce readiness, professional development, and practical skill-building, with trainees not expected to independently manage client caseloads or perform advanced case management functions. The role is crucial in fostering connections between community members and health resources, thereby enhancing the overall health and well-being of the communities served.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Community Health Worker will have a variety of responsibilities, including but not limited to:

• Community Outreach and Engagement: Supporting outreach activities within refugee and immigrant communities through community events, informational sessions, canvassing, outreach calls, flyering, and other engagement activities. Assisting in promoting awareness of available health, wellness, and community resources. Facilitating culturally and linguistically appropriate communication between community members and IRC Health Program staff. Participating in outreach events, workshops, and community education activities as assigned.
• Health Education Support: Assisting with the delivery of basic health education and wellness information under staff guidance and within approved program materials. Supporting the distribution and explanation of educational materials related to preventive care, healthcare access, wellness services, vaccination opportunities, and other identified community health priorities. Providing feedback on outreach materials to ensure cultural relevance and accessibility.
• Program Learning and Skill Development: Participating in structured trainings, professional development activities, coaching, and supervised field learning opportunities. Completing assigned learning activities, reflections, and workforce readiness components connected to the training program. Building foundational skills related to communication, professionalism, documentation, community engagement, and teamwork. Demonstrating a willingness to learn and apply feedback in a professional setting.
• Documentation and Administrative Support: Accurately documenting outreach activities, event participation, and assigned program data in accordance with training and program guidelines. Supporting the collection of community feedback and outreach information to help inform program activities. Maintaining confidentiality and following all IRC policies and procedures regarding privacy and sensitive information.
• Other: Collaborating with IRC staff, community partners, interns, and volunteers in support of program activities. Maintaining professional boundaries and adhering to all IRC policies, including the IRC Way and Child Safeguarding policies. Performing other related duties as assigned within the scope of the training program and position responsibilities.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate for the Community Health Worker position should possess a high school diploma, with a strong preference for individuals interested in public health, community engagement, social services, or related fields. Previous volunteer, community, lived experience, or professional experience working with refugee, immigrant, or culturally diverse communities is strongly preferred. Candidates should demonstrate a genuine interest in community health, outreach, or social services work, along with strong interpersonal and communication skills. The ability to work respectfully and effectively in a multicultural environment is essential, as is the capacity to learn new skills and apply feedback. Basic computer proficiency, including familiarity with Microsoft Office and web-based systems, is preferred. Multilingual skills are strongly preferred, and candidates must have reliable transportation consistent with program needs.

Educational Background:
A high school diploma is preferred for this position. Candidates should have an interest in public health, community engagement, social services, or related fields, which will enhance their ability to succeed in this role. The educational background should ideally align with the responsibilities of the Community Health Worker, providing a foundation for understanding community health issues and the needs of refugee and immigrant populations.

Experience:
Candidates should have some level of experience that may include previous volunteer work, community involvement, lived experiences, or professional roles that involve working with refugee, immigrant, or culturally diverse communities. This experience is crucial as it provides insight into the challenges faced by these populations and equips the candidate with the necessary skills to effectively engage and support them in a community health context.

Languages:
While there are no mandatory language requirements, multilingual skills are strongly preferred for this position. Proficiency in languages commonly spoken within the refugee and immigrant communities served by the IRC will enhance communication and outreach efforts, making it easier to connect with community members and provide them with the necessary support and resources.

Additional Notes:
The Community Health Worker position is a full-time role that may involve a combination of standard office work, remote work, and field time within the service delivery area. Occasional domestic (non-local) travel may be required, up to 10%. The compensation for this position is set at a pay rate of $20 per hour. The IRC is committed to diversity and inclusivity, encouraging applications from candidates who can contribute to this goal. As an equal opportunity employer, the IRC values diversity and does not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. The organization ensures that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations to participate in the job application or interview process, perform essential job functions, and receive other benefits and privileges of employment. In the U.S., the IRC offers a comprehensive and highly competitive set of benefits, including sick days, paid time off, medical and dental insurance, retirement savings plans, disability and life insurance, and an Employee Assistance Program to support staff and their families.