Community Health Worker

The Role:

The Community Health Worker reports to the Senior Manager of Direct Services and Programs and provides client-centered breast and chest health education, screening navigation, care coordination, and community outreach. The role helps clients access preventive screenings, overcome barriers to care, navigate referrals and social-service resources, and complete recommended follow-up and treatment. The position also maintains client documentation, builds relationships with healthcare and community partners, and conducts outreach throughout Chicago’s South Side to expand access to breast and chest health services. The Community Health Worker will partner with the Breast Cancer Peer Advocate and Senior Manager of Direct Services to co-lead a monthly support group focused on uplifting those who are predisposed to, navigating treatment for, and/or survivors of breast cancer. This person will also serve on Lighthouse Foundation’s Community Advisory Board, ensuring that breast and chest health is woven into our broader programming.

Responsibilities:

Community Outreach, Engagement & Program Integration (40%)

• Lead events and conduct community outreach to increase awareness of breast and chest health, preventive screenings, and available navigation services.
• Attend, table, and represent Lighthouse Foundation at events hosted by Black, LGBTQ+-, and other community-serving organizations throughout the South Side service area.
• Engage community members, provide health education, identify individuals who may benefit from screening, and facilitate connections to services.
• Serve as a member of Lighthouse Foundation’s Community Advisory Board (CAB) and represent breast and chest health priorities within broader organizational programming.
• Bring client experiences and emerging community needs into program planning and organizational discussions.
• Collaborate with staff, CAB members, healthcare providers, and community organizations to integrate breast and chest health education and resources across Lighthouse Foundation programs and events.
• Identify gaps and barriers in screening, referral, and care navigation systems, and communicate emerging needs to program leadership.

Client Education, Screening Navigation & Care Coordination (35%)

• Provide individualized health education, risk-reduction counseling, and prevention planning related to breast and chest health.
• Educate clients about recommended screenings, follow-up care, treatment options, and available health and social-service resources.
• Conduct client intake and barrier assessments to identify needs related to transportation, childcare, mental health, insurance, and other social determinants of health.
• Coordinate and schedule breast and chest health screenings with healthcare and community partners.
• Provide ongoing care coordination for approximately 10–14 enrolled clients per quarter.
• Provide referral and navigation support to clients with abnormal screening results or diagnoses within 48 hours of notification.
• Maintain regular communication with clients to encourage completion of follow-up appointments, referrals, and recommended treatment plans.
• Accompany clients to appointments when additional navigation, advocacy, or emotional support is needed.

Benefits, Referrals & Client Support (15%)

• Assist clients in accessing breast and chest health screenings, healthcare services, and other needed resources.
• Screen uninsured clients for eligibility and enroll eligible clients in the Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program (IBCCP).
• Connect clients to social supports, including food assistance, housing resources, transportation, mental health services, and other community-based resources.
• Develop and maintain strong referral relationships with healthcare providers and social-service organizations.
• Partner with the Breast Cancer Peer Advocate and Senior Manager of Direct Services to co-lead a support group for individuals who are predisposed to breast cancer, navigating treatment, or breast cancer survivors.
• Help create a welcoming, affirming, and culturally responsive environment where participants can receive education, share experiences, build community, and access resources.
• Assist with planning support-group topics, activities, guest speakers, and educational opportunities based on participant needs and interests.

Documentation, Compliance & Program Support (10%)

• Maintain timely, accurate, and confidential client records, including intake documentation, consent forms, referrals, care-coordination activities, and program outcomes.
• Complete required data collection and program reporting in accordance with organizational and funder requirements.
• Protect client confidentiality and ensure compliance with HIPAA, organizational policies, and applicable professional standards.
• Follow established safety protocols, infection-control procedures, and ethical standards in all client interactions and program activities.
• Maintain regular communication with healthcare and community partners to facilitate coordinated client care.
• Participate in program meetings, training sessions, outreach activities, and continuous quality improvement efforts.
• Support the planning and implementation of breast and chest health events, educational activities, and community initiatives.
• Perform other related duties that support the successful implementation and growth of Lighthouse Foundation’s breast and chest health initiative.

Job Requirements

• Must possess Community Health Worker certifications.
• High school diploma or GED required; Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Nursing, Public Health, Health Education, Social Work, or a related field preferred.
• Knowledge of breast and chest health, preventive healthcare, HIV/STI prevention, immunization practices, social determinants of health, and public health principles.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, facilitation, and community-engagement skills.
• Experience or demonstrated commitment to working effectively with Black LGBTQ+ communities and other populations experiencing barriers to healthcare.
• Ability to build trusting relationships with clients experiencing complex health and social-service needs.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to maintain accurate, confidential client documentation.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, to support community events, outreach, and programming.