Community Health Worker at The University of Texas at Austin in Austin, TX

Job description

Job Posting Title: Community Health Worker ---- Hiring Department: Department of Women's Health ---- Position Open To: All Applicants ---- Weekly Scheduled Hours: 40 ---- FLSA Status: Non-Exempt from FLSA ---- Earliest Start Date: Immediately ---- Position Duration: Expected to Continue Until Jun 30, 2030 ---- Location: AUSTIN, TX ---- Job Details: PURPOSE The Community Health Worker (CHW) serves as a trusted liaison between the healthcare system and the community, helping participants navigate complex medical and social systems to improve health outcomes. Working under the supervision of the Department of Women’s Health Director of Research, the CHW collaborates closely with research coordinators, nurses, physicians, principal investigators, stakeholders, and other medical staff throughout the study. The CHW will work directly with postpartum mothers participating in a research project within the Department of Women’s Health, providing ongoing support and serving as a key point of contact between participants and the research team. CHWs conduct outreach, provide health education, support care plan adherence, and connect postpartum mothers to vital resources such as housing, food, and transportation. They play a critical role in reducing health disparities, improving access to care for underserved populations, and supporting the successful implementation of research initiatives. RESPONSIBILITIES Conducts Outreach and Engagement Builds trusting relationships with research participants and families. Educates participants on available health and social services. Screen for social needs within research participants and identify barriers to health and wellbeing. Develop ongoing, trusting relationships with postpartum mothers through regular communication. Provide culturally responsive support tailored to individual needs and circumstances. Promotes preventive care and wellness programs. Encourages participation in chronic disease management programs. Partners with research coordinators to model effective participant engagement strategies and trains study staff in relationship-centered, culturally responsive approaches to participant outreach and retention. Navigates Health and Social Systems Assists participants in accessing medical, behavioral, and social services. Helps complete applications for insurance, housing, and food assistance. Coordinates with internal departments and external agencies. Tracks referrals and ensures service completion. Develops and maintains resource navigation workflows that can be implemented by research coordinators and study teams. Creates and standardizes referral tracking, follow-up procedures, and escalation pathways for participant needs that extend beyond the research team’s scope. Supports the development of site-specific implementation guides that enable replication of resource navigation processes across multiple study locations. Provides Health Education and Coaching Provides health education tailored to individuals’ backgrounds and needs. Supports behavior change through motivational interviewing. Reinforces care team instructions and treatment plans. Assists with medication adherence and appointment follow-ups. Trains research coordinators to deliver consistent health education and reinforce study-related resources using evidence-based and culturally responsive communication techniques. Documents and Reports Participant Interactions Maintains accurate and timely documentation in RedCap. Collects and reports data for quality and performance metrics. Communicates participant progress and barriers to the research and care team. Protects participant confidentiality and complies with HIPAA. Documents lessons learned, implantation barriers, and successful strategies to inform replication of the intervention at future sites. Supports Community-Based Initiatives Collaborates with community partners and coalitions. Identifies community needs and advocates for resources. Assists in program evaluation