Community Health Worker

The University of New Mexico's Office for Community Health is seeking a dedicated and motivated Community Health Worker (CHW) to join the Senior Employee Participant program (SEP+). This program, in partnership with the New Mexico Aging & Long-Term Services Department, supports the Health Equity and Social Connectedness for Older Adults initiative.

CHWs play a vital role in addressing Social Drivers of Health (SDOH) by engaging directly with older adults in senior centers, partner sites, and when needed, meet clients in a public setting to address client need(s). CHWs connect clients with critical health, housing, food, and social resources, and provide short-term, light case management, care coordination and education to improve health and well-being. CHWs may also offer peer support when they have personal lived experience in areas such as mental health or substance use recovery.

This is a training position designed to prepare CHWs for certification. Training and certification costs are fully covered by the program, and certification through the New Mexico Department of Health is expected within the first year of employment.

As a CHW with SEP, you'll be part of a mission-driven team improving access to care, reducing barriers, and strengthening health equity for older adults across New Mexico. In an effort to do so, travel to various counties is required and expected. You'll receive training, support, and the opportunity to build lasting relationships in the communities and program you serve.

Key Responsibilities:

• Travel within assigned counties (weekly/ daily) to conduct outreach and client visits. Sites include but are not limited to (Bernalillo, Sandoval, Valencia, Torrance Counties).
• Assess and address clients' social and health needs; develop action plans to connect clients with resources.
• Conduct outreach and engagement in senior centers, libraries, community fairs, and other public spaces.
• Provide one-on-one support to clients in both community and home settings.
  Assist clients with applications for programs such as Medicaid, SNAP, housing assistance, and utility support.
• Build trusted relationships with clients, caregivers, and partner organizations.
  Document interactions and maintain program data in REDCap and other systems.
  Collaborate with health providers, primary care teams, and social service partners to ensure coordinated care.
• Participate in weekly CHW meetings, SEP team meetings, and professional development opportunities, including CEU-eligible trainings.

See the Position Description for additional information.

• Possession of a valid New Mexico driver's license is a requirement for this job.
• Must pass a pre-employment criminal background check.
• Fingerprinting, and subsequent clearance, may be required for this position depending on assignment.
• May be required to obtain a Community Support Worker (CSW) certification within six months of hire.
• Employees who provide services or work in patient care or clinical areas are required to be in compliance with the University's influenza vaccination requirement.
• Successful candidate must submit to post-offer, pre-employment physical examination and medical history check.

High school diploma or GED; at least 1 year of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.

Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution that are above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.

• Valid driver's license, reliable transportation, and willingness to travel frequently.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage time effectively.
• Commitment to confidentiality and professional boundaries.
• Completion of NM CHW certification (or willingness to pursue within the first year).
• Experience supporting older adults, vulnerable populations, or working in health/social services.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish or other languages common in New Mexico communities).
• Familiarity with local community resources and support networks.

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the official UNMJobs site will be accepted. If you are viewing this job
advertisement on a 3rd party site, please
visit UNMJobs to submit an application.

Positions posted with a Staff Type of Regular or Term are eligible for the Veteran Preference Program. See the Veteran Preference Program webpage for additional details.

The University of New Mexico is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.

The University of New Mexico requires all regular staff positions successfully pass a pre-employment background check. This may include, but is not limited to, a criminal history background check, New Mexico Department of Health fingerprint screening, New Mexico Children, Youth, and Families Department fingerprint screening, verification of education credentials, and/or verification of prior employment. For more information about background checks, visit https://policy.unm.edu/university-policies/3000/3280.html. Refer to https://policy.unm.edu/university-policies/3000/3200.html for a definition of Regular Staff.