Community Health Worker - HPII - Community Action & Engagement Unit

Department Overview

This position is exclusively available to residents of Colorado. The role offers remote work subject to supervisory approval and operational needs, though the employee may occasionally need to attend the agency's physical location.

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) promotes an inclusive philosophy, striving for a healthier Colorado for all residents regardless of identity or background. CDPHE prioritizes diversity and culturally responsive programming across its services.

Mission & Vision

Mission: Enhance Colorado's health and safeguard environments where people live, work, learn, and play.

Vision: Foster a sustainable, healthy Colorado for current and future generations to thrive.

Benefits

• Complimentary parking with RTD bus accessibility
• Flexible working schedules
• Retirement options including PERA, Defined Benefit, Defined Contribution, 401K, and 457 plans
• Medical, dental, and life insurance coverage
• Short- and long-term disability plans
• Eleven paid holidays annually plus ample personal time off
• Tuition assistance and wellness initiatives
• Opportunities for professional growth and career advancement statewide

Certain roles qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Work Unit Summary

The Health Equity Branch collaborates with community organizations, healthcare entities, and local public health agencies to address health disparities rooted in structural inequities affecting marginalized populations such as racial/ethnic minorities, disabled individuals, low-income residents, homeless people, and LGBTQ+ communities.

The Community Action and Engagement (CA&E) Unit builds support networks addressing health equity and social determinants such as communicable diseases and immunization access. Their work includes education, culturally relevant referrals, resource connections, and community outreach efforts across Colorado.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as a cultural liaison facilitating trust between newcomer communities and public health teams to promote culturally respectful health services, education, and disease control.
• Work jointly with state and local public health entities for disease prevention and response targeting newcomer populations; primarily community-based support.
• Participate in statewide community events to conduct outreach and health education.
• Develop and recommend best practices for integrating cultural navigation into both virtual and in-person public health activities.
• Assist in case responses and outbreak investigations involving marginalized groups through cultural navigation.
• Support culturally sensitive disease control activities including vaccination drives.
• Advise on modifying health messaging to ensure cultural appropriateness.
• Propose program improvements related to cultural navigation efforts.
• Cultivate positive relationships with immigrant service providers and community-based organizations (CBOs).
• Strengthen partnerships with local public health agencies (LPHAs) and CBOs to enhance outreach, education, data collection, and promote initiatives like the Mobile Public Health Clinic Program.
• Plan and execute community outreach programs collaboratively with partners.
• Serve as primary contact for cultural navigation during community events statewide.
• Ensure outreach meets community needs equitably and comprehensively.
• Facilitate data collection and reporting in coordination with CA&E staff and public health teams to inform service delivery.
• Use data insights to recommend workflow, policy, and procedure enhancements.

Qualifications

Residency: Must be a resident of Colorado when applying.

Experience: Minimum of five years relevant experience in community health outreach, public health, healthcare administration, or related work.
OR a combination of education and experience in these fields totaling five years.

Preferred qualifications include:
- Experience with vulnerable populations
- Managing confidential information
- Strong communication to build trust and problem-solve
- Effective planning and adaptability within dynamic environments
- Cultural sensitivity and rapport-building in diverse, multicultural settings
- Ability to perform under stress
- Collaborative team approach managing multiple projects

Employment Conditions

• Pre-employment background check required
• Proficiency in reading, writing, and speaking English and Spanish essential
• Expected to travel approximately 90 hours monthly statewide for events, meetings, and professional development; overnight travel may be needed
• Must be available to work during emergencies or operational disruptions, including bio-terrorism, disease outbreaks, or other hazards with immediate reporting requirements

Additional Information

Applicants may appeal removal from the employment list or selection process decisions by submitting a written request to the State Personnel Director within ten calendar days of notification.

A complete application requires a state application form, transcripts or diploma if education is used to meet qualifications, and DD214 for veterans.