PUBLIC HEALTH ADVOCATE OUTREACH WORKER

PUBLIC HEALTH ADVOCATE OUTREACH WORKER
DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
CITY OF WORCESTER

The City of Worcester seeks qualified applicants for the position of Public Health Advocate Outreach Worker (Staff Assistant II) for the Housing Division within the Economic Development Office. Under the direction of the Lead and Healthy Homes Program Manager, the Public Health Advocate Outreach Worker is responsible for providing culturally competent case management services and health education to families with children under the age of six affected by lead poisoning. The position will work with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health's Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program to reduce the number of lead poisoned children and increase accessibility to lead-safe housing across central Massachusetts.

Bilingual applicants are encouraged to apply.

ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS:

• Responsible for case management and conducting home visits with families who have children who are lead poisoned or have elevated blood lead levels throughout the Central Massachusetts area
• Work closely with Massachusetts Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program staff throughout the duration of case to ensure that pertinent information related to cases is communicated effectively
• Conduct and coordinate community outreach efforts which include building relationships with local, state, and community partners, providing health education, and educating the public on other specific topics related to lead poison prevention
• Provide training and technical support on lead law compliance to community groups, public housing authorities, city personnel and others
• Manage application process from individual owners/tenants as well as contracted application assistance agencies
• Plan and manage quarterly Worcester Healthy Homes Meeting with community partners

SECONDARY ELEMENTS:

• Participate in Neighborhood, as well as Community and Economic Development related meetings and events when necessary.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Experience in Healthcare, Public Health, Healthy Housing fields (lead, mold, asbestos, IAQ, etc.), social services, or as a community health worker.
• Experience performing community outreach and case management
• Ability to obtain necessary license, training, or certification required by law
• Ability to exercise good judgment when making decisions
• Ability to regional travel 2-3 days per week in the Central Massachusetts region and have private automobile.
• Experience using online databases and portals
• Strong experience with working with diverse, ethnic, cultural and socio-economic groups.
• Ability to use modern office equipment including but not limited to a personal computer, PDA, calculator, copier, and multi-line telephone system.
• Must demonstrate excellent interpersonal communication and written skills.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision,
• Ability to maintain an organized work environment, and maintain accurate, timely documentation within electronic database systems
• Ability to remain flexible and adapt to change
• Have a high interest in sensitivity toward working with diverse populations
• Ability to build effective working relationships with the public, city officials, and employees.
• Knowledge of the methods and techniques for general report writing.
• Ability to read and interpret the laws, rules, and regulations related to Massachusetts, CDC and HUD lead poisoning prevention and abatement.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Associate's Degree in Public Health, Social Services or in a related field; OR;

o Or a combination of education and training with two (2) years related healthcare, social service, or community engagement experience OR;
o Possession of a valid Massachusetts Community Health Worker Certification

• Valid Driver's license and access to reliable transportation.
• Excellent communication skills
• Experience working with Microsoft Office Suite
• Experience with communicating and working collaboratively with populations diverse in language, social-economic status, race, gender, ethnicity or cultural backgrounds.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Two (2) years of experience performing community outreach
• Two (2) years of experience with case management and interviewing techniques
• Two (2) years of experience with performing home visits or inspections

SALARY RANGE: $28.78 - $34.89 hourly, full-time, with an excellent benefits package.

To apply, please visit: www.worcesterma.gov/employment or send resume and cover to: City of Worcester, 455 Main Street, Room 109, Worcester, MA 01608. OPEN UNTIL FILLED, applications received prior to or on FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2024, will receive preference. Preference is given to Worcester residents. The City of Worcester is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. Women, minorities, people with disabilities and protected veterans are encouraged to apply. Direct inquiries to: City Hall, Human Resources, Room 109, 508-799-1030, HR@worcesterma.gov.