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Community Health Worker (CHW)

OVERVIEW:
IMAN’s Community Health Workers (CHWs) are community organizers rooted in radical traditions such as the Black Panthers and Cesar Chavez, where healthcare is a tool for liberation and collective power. Using a trauma-informed, peer-based approach, CHWs mobilize residents to confront systemic barriers to wellness while directly connecting individuals to essential health and social resources.

Working at the intersection of public health and grassroots organizing, CHWs build community power through education, advocacy, and relationship-building. Based within IMAN’s Health Center, they collaborate closely with departments across the organization.

CHWs are central to advancing health equity as a pillar of social justice, blending the legacy of community-led health movements with frontline service to address urban health disparities and drive transformative change.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Benefits & Resource Navigation (30%):

Conduct pre-screening of patients to evaluate eligibility for programs and facilitate benefits navigation.
Provide support with medical applications, fee assessments, and sliding fee scale determinations for medicaid and marketplace, ensuring patients are enrolled in appropriate coverage.
Connect residents with essential resources, including food assistance, housing, job training, and health / mental health services at IMAN
Oversee intake and service navigation, ensuring timely and appropriate referrals.

Community Engagement & Outreach (30%):

Lead community engagement efforts through canvassing, event hosting, outreach walks, and partnered activities to connect residents with health services and resources.
Build and strengthen relationships with community leaders, faith-based organizations, and local businesses to expand access to screenings and healthcare resources.
Translate outreach into patient engagement by providing education, guiding appointment scheduling, and ensuring seamless linkage to health center services.
Represent IMAN at partner organizations, health fairs, and public health initiatives, while actively participating in professional development opportunities.
Advocate for participants by identifying systemic barriers and supporting access to equitable health and social services.

Health Education & Coaching (30%):

Coordinate and facilitate health education events and workshops at various IMAN locations (e.g. Fresh Market, Food & Wellness Center, Griot Plaza, etc.), connecting community members to resources, referrals, and preventive care services.
Conduct a minimum of 30 blood pressure screenings per month, ensuring accurate documentation, adherence to productivity benchmarks, and seamless care transitions within the Health Center.
Support the Senior Luncheon and lead similar community initiatives.
Participate in ongoing education regarding organizing and disease conditions.

Program Data Collection & Reporting (10%):

Collect and maintain accurate data using tools such as AthenaNet, REDCap, and UniteUs.
Track community interactions, resource connections, and program outcomes to monitor impact.
Participate in regular meetings to review and discuss performance metrics as assigned.
Document daily encounters and activities in compliance with program, grant, and regulatory requirements, ensuring timely submission of performance metrics.

Additional Responsibilities:

Perform other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

High school diploma or GED.
Minimum of 2 years of experience in a community-based setting, preferably in community organizing, outreach, health education, or direct service roles within healthcare or nonprofit environments.
Strong communication, relationship-building, and advocacy skills, with a demonstrated understanding of public health principles, chronic disease prevention, and strategies to address health disparities.
Familiarity with Google Workspace and Microsoft Office, along with basic proficiency in data entry, documentation, and resource navigation to support outreach and patient engagement efforts.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s degree in social work, human services, criminal justice, psychology, or related field.
Bilingual in Spanish or Arabic strongly preferred; must be able to engage diverse communities with cultural humility, sensitivity, and respect.
Lived experience in the communities served or strong connection to the South Side of Chicago communities preferred.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

Ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time.
Willingness to be in the field 3-4 days per week.
Ability to work for extended hours with a computer.
Ability to work flexible hours.
Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
Ability to engage in canvassing and outdoor outreach activities in varying weather conditions.

CORE COMPETENCIES:

Community Engagement
Health Education
Advocacy & Organizing
Resource Navigation
Cultural Competency
Communication Skills
Trauma-Informed Approach

BENIFITS:

Medical, Dental, Vision
Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
401(K)
Vacation, Sick, and Personal days
Paid Parental Leave
Life and Disability Insurance

IMAN is an Equal Employment Opportunity ("EEO") Employer. Veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

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