Community Health Worker I, (Cancer Prevention)

Be a part of a world-class academic healthcare system, UChicago Medicine, as a Community Health Worker I, Cancer Prevention.

The Community Health Worker will work across neighborhoods in Chicago’s South Side to address social determinants of health (conditions in the environments in which people are born, live, learn, work, play, etc. that affect a wide range of health outcomes and risks), and assist community members with navigation to preventable cancer screening services. Under the direction and guidance of the Supervisor of Community Health Workers & Special Programs in The University of Chicago Medicine’s Urban Health Initiative (UHI), the CHW will be responsible for providing health education and case management services to individuals, families and community members eligible for annual preventative cancer screenings. They will partner closely with the Office of Community Engagement and Cancer Health Equity (OCECHE) to assist with outreach events and education initiatives. The CHW may also assist UCM with other outreach functions.
The overall goal of UHI’s Community Benefit department is to enhance community health and wellness around specific priority health needs on Chicago’s South Side. The CHW will serve as a bridge between the community and healthcare agencies by building trusting relationships with residents and their family.

As a lay person specially trained as a CHW, the candidate (s) will work closely with community members to provide comprehensive education, including disease – specific basics, the medical management of specific diseases and prevention techniques, among other topics. The CHW will be responsible for assisting with the organization of community health promotion activities and events, as well as program publicity and recruitment. Some of the education will take place in the homes of community members; however, the CHW may also be required to provide education in other settings such as group sessions, health fairs, clinics, etc. as needed.

Essential Job Functions:
• To proactively engage targeted patient/community member populations around health issue areas. This may take place in a hospital, clinic, homes, or various community setting and requires the individual to understand the health issue areas specific to preventable cancer screening and to be an effective communicator to reach the underserved population.
• Promote community partnerships and support of resources from local organizations to implement and provide services and activities to the patients/community members you serve.
• To follow up (via phone or in person) with patients and community populations on their needed care, referrals and services to appropriately manage their specific chronic conditions and promote self-management practices.
• To track patients/community members and report progress on activities and services provided on an aggregate level. Also includes CHW tracking their day-to-day activities and reporting them to Office of Community Engagement and Cancer Health Equity (OCECHE), the Manager of Community Benefit and CHW Program Supervisor.
• Proactively participate in UCM program design and planning around the community health worker program to most effectively execute the program.

Required Qualifications:
• Must have High School diploma or GED
• Familiarity with and experience working in Chicago’s West and/or Southside communities
• Passion for and dedication to working with community members
• Punctual, reliable and willing to learn
• Must have a valid Driver’s License and own a car
• 1 year health education experience preferred
• Basic skills in Microsoft Word and Excel
• Proactive learner that feels comfortable in different environments

Position Details:
• Job Type/FTE: 1.0 FTE
• Shift: 8 hr. Days/ Weekends are required.
• Work Location: Hyde Park
• Unit/Department: Community Health
• CBA Code: Non-Union

1,500 SIGN ON BONUS!