Community Health Worker - Health Professional II at Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment

About the Department

This role is based within the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), dedicated to promoting health equity throughout Colorado. The Health Equity Branch works with local public health agencies and community organizations to address health disparities caused by factors such as structural racism and social determinants of health. The Community Action & Engagement (CA&E) Unit fosters regional support networks aimed at improving healthcare access for marginalized populations, focusing on communicable disease control and immunization outreach.

Position Overview

The Community Health Worker serves as a vital cultural navigator, building trust between newcomer communities and public health teams across Colorado. The role requires fluency in English and Spanish to effectively transcreate outreach messages and conduct statewide community engagement. Responsibilities include community outreach, education, and participation in disease prevention and response activities, with frequent travel across the state.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as a liaison facilitating communication between public health teams and community members to promote health equity and cultural awareness.
• Engage in disease control, prevention, and outreach efforts targeting newcomer and marginalized populations.
• Represent public health initiatives at community events statewide, providing education and culturally tailored navigation support.
• Collaborate with the Health Equity Branch and contractors to develop and implement best practices for cultural navigation in various settings.
• Participate in case responses and outbreak investigations as part of disease control efforts, both virtually and in-person.
• Support vaccination efforts among historically marginalized communities through in-person engagement.
• Advise on culturally appropriate tactics for educational messaging and communication campaigns.
• Develop positive relationships with immigrant service providers, community-based organizations (CBOs), and local public health agencies (LPHAs).
• Assist in data collection, reporting, and analyzing community needs to inform program improvements.
• Plan and coordinate community outreach programs and events in partnership with relevant organizations.
• Maintain availability during emergency situations and public health crises as required.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Must be a Colorado resident at the time of application.
• Five years of experience in community health outreach, public health, health care administration, or related fields; or an equivalent combination of education and experience totaling five years.
• Fluency in English and Spanish (speaking, reading, and writing) is mandatory.
• Experience working with at-risk populations and handling confidential records.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to build trust, motivate others, and problem-solve.
• Excellent organizational skills and adaptability to shifting priorities.
• Cultural sensitivity and proficiency in building rapport within diverse, multicultural environments.
• Capability to perform effectively in high-stress or emotionally charged situations.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple concurrent projects efficiently as a flexible team player.
• Willingness to travel approximately 90 hours per month for events, meetings, and professional development, including possible overnight stays.
• Must pass a pre-employment background check.
• Be prepared to work during emergencies, including immediate reporting to work sites and adhering to travel restrictions during incidents.

Additional Information

• The position may require regular onsite presence depending on supervisor discretion and business needs.
• CDPHE provides flexible working arrangements, free parking, RTD bus access, comprehensive retirement and health plans, tuition assistance, wellness programs, and professional development opportunities.
• Candidates may qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program benefits.

Appeal and Application Process

Applicants may file appeals regarding selection decisions per State Personnel Board procedures following official guidelines and deadlines.

Application materials must include a completed Colorado State application, proof of education if qualifying through academic credentials, and veterans must submit DD214 documentation.