Community Health Worker

Overwhelmingly, people who decide they want to be a part of the Y in Central Maryland tell us they do so because it reflects their values and a conscious decision, they’ve made about how they choose to live their lives. The happiest and most fulfilled Y associates are those who are motivated to help others and who want to be a part of something larger than themselves. If this speaks to your heart, then we invite you to join our team. Be a part of a charitable, mission-driven organization that works for individual and community well-being for all, for a better us.

At the Y in Central Maryland, we offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being and professional growth. Enjoy flexible schedules, competitive pay, and generous paid time off, alongside medical, dental and vision benefits, as well as dependent care FSA. We offer a generous employer contribution to the Y retirement fund, and opportunities for career advancement. Our commitment to fostering a positive work environment means you'll have access to training and development programs that align with our mission to empower individuals and strengthen communities. Join us and bring your passion to a fulfilling career where you can truly make a difference!

How you will contribute to The Y's Mission

As a Community Health Worker II, you will play a key role in strengthening healthier, more connected communities by helping individuals and families overcome barriers to health and wellness. As a vital member of the Community Health team, you will engage in activities that support grant-funded initiatives, including SNAP, Harm Reduction, Food Access, Population Health, and other programs designed to improve community health outcomes.

Through community outreach, care coordination, and resource navigation, you will build trusted relationships with community members and connect them to essential services that support their overall well-being. You will provide education, support, and connections to resources addressing needs such as healthcare access, food security, housing, transportation, and other social determinants of health.

In this role, you will implement evidence-based health and wellness programs, support community outreach events, and help expand The Y's impact through meaningful partnerships and engagement. Your work will directly advance The Y's mission by creating pathways for individuals and families to thrive and fostering a greater sense of health, belonging, and connection within the communities we serve.

Note: This is a part-time, temporary position expected to continue through November 2026, with the potential opportunity to transition into a full-time role based on business needs.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Provide coordinated resources during community events.
• Manage a caseload of clients seeking resource referrals.
• Assist clients in their homes, community, or clinic settings, explaining the program's purpose and impact on their well-being.
• Help patients identify socio-economic issues affecting their health and develop management plans and goals.
• Document all client interactions, submit monthly reports, and maintain comprehensive electronic client files.
• Coach patients in managing chronic health conditions and self-care.
• Assist patients in understanding care plans and instructions, motivating them to engage in their health and well-being.
• Help clients access health-related services, including obtaining a medical home and overcoming barriers to medical care and social services.
• Support the implementation of the Y’s Food Access Program.
• Provide support and advocacy during medical visits, ensuring clients' medical needs and referrals are communicated.
• Follow up with clients and providers regarding health and social services plans.
• Facilitate communication and coordinate services between providers and clients.
• Monitor and track clients' compliance with care plan objectives.
• Travel extensively to client homes, community locations, agencies, and outreach destinations.
• Perform miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

This work is right for you if you have:

• A high school diploma or equivalent.
• Community Health Worker certification (preferred).
• Experience supporting food distribution, food pantry operations, or similar community-based programs.
• Experience leading, training, or coordinating volunteers.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to build relationships across diverse communities.
• Bilingual communication skills (English/Spanish) are strongly preferred to help effectively serve the diverse communities we support.
• Knowledge of community agencies, local resources, and social service programs.
• Experience or familiarity with community outreach, healthcare navigation, health education, or related programs.
• The ability to assess individual needs, develop care plans, and connect community members with appropriate resources.
• An understanding of social determinants of health, including barriers such as transportation, housing, food insecurity, and access to care.
• The ability to communicate effectively with healthcare providers, care coordinators, and community partners.
• Comfort using computers, Microsoft Office, email, and electronic documentation systems.
• Strong organizational, time management, and prioritization skills.
• Creative problem-solving skills with the ability to think critically and adapt to changing community needs.

This work also requires you to:

• Travel throughout the community to meet with clients, attend outreach events, and support Y programs.
• Stand and walk for extended periods of time.
• Frequently navigate stairs and uneven outdoor terrain.
• Participate in indoor and outdoor community events in varying weather conditions.
• Regularly lift, carry, and move materials weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Perform the physical requirements of the position, including using a computer, communicating effectively, and moving throughout Y facilities and community locations to support participants and programs.

All Y associates agree to abide by The Code of Conduct with Youth that sets clear expectations for associates and volunteers to ensure a safe and respectful environment for young people. It emphasizes treating youth with respect and fairness, avoiding inappropriate physical or verbal interactions, and adhering to established standards of affection. The policy strictly prohibits any form of abuse, bullying, or harassment and mandates the reporting of suspected mistreatment. Additionally, associates and volunteers must complete training on child abuse prevention and comply with legal reporting requirements to safeguard youth.