Community Health Worker

Community Health Worker – Mobile Cancer Screening Program
The Community Health Worker (CHW) will play a critical role in expanding access to colorectal cancer screening through the Mobile Cancer Community Screening Program, a collaboration between the Masonic Cancer Center (MCC) and the Mobile Health Initiative (MHI) at the University of Minnesota. This position focuses on community outreach, client navigation, education, and care coordination to ensure that underserved populations receive timely and accessible cancer screening services.
While the primary focus is on colorectal cancer screening, this role may expand to include outreach and navigation for other cancer screenings, such as skin, breast, cervical, lung, liver, and prostate cancers, as the program grows to address additional community needs. The CHW will work in community settings and partner sites to engage community members where they are at, assist with screening services, and help navigate follow-up care for those requiring additional testing. Health outreach events hosted by MHI/MCC occur across Minnesota, often on evenings and weekends. 
Type of position
This is a hybrid part-time position. We typically have 4-5 events per month that require in-person preparation and attendance. If not preparing for or attending an event, remote work is allowed.  
Community health fairs and mobile clinic events often occur on weeknights or weekends to reach community members best. The CHW in this position can expect to work 4-5 events per month (at least 1 event per week), which will typically include 1-2 weekends or 1-2 weeknight evenings each month. Travel outside of the Twin Cities metro area is required at least 1-2 times a quarter. 
Onsite and field-based work includes community centers, faith-based organizations, clinics, and on mobile health units.
The role will involve lifting supplies (up to 25 lbs), transporting them, and setting up at events.
Job Duties and Responsibilities
Community Outreach & Engagement (30%)
● Conduct outreach activities to educate community members about cancer prevention, early detection, and screening options.
● Assist in identifying and engaging at-risk populations, including racial/ethnic minorities, immigrants, and uninsured/underinsured individuals.
● Collaborate with community organizations, health departments, and clinical partners to promote screening services.
● Attend community health fairs, events, and local gatherings to build relationships and increase awareness.
Screening Coordination & Navigation (40%)
● Distribute and provide education on stool-based testing for colorectal cancer screenings, including non-invasive stool-based tests and colonoscopies.
● Complete regular participant follow-up and coordination via phone. 
● Assist participants with scheduling follow-up appointments for colonoscopy referrals at MNGI, if needed.
● Work closely with Oncology Access Nurse and Community Health and Engagement Coordinator to conduct navigation and program evaluation.
● Serve as a liaison between community and healthcare providers, and ensure that participants understand their test results and the next steps. 
● Support participants in addressing barriers to screening (e.g., transportation, insurance, language) and connect them with necessary resources.
● As the program expands, support navigation efforts for additional cancer screenings, including mammograms for breast cancer, Pap smears/HPV testing for cervical cancer, low-dose CT scans for lung cancer, PSA testing for prostate cancer, and HBV and HCV testing for liver cancer.
Administrative & Program Support (30%)
● Maintain accurate records of interactions, outreach activities, and referrals.
● Document program outcomes using electronic health record (EHR) systems, REDCap, and other tracking tools.
● Assist in developing culturally relevant educational materials and community outreach content.
● Participate in team meetings, trainings, and professional development opportunities to enhance skills and program impact.
Other duties as assigned.
The continuation of this position is contingent upon the availability of funds and on performance. 
We regret that this position does not provide Visa sponsorship.
 

All required qualifications must be documented on application materials. 

Required Qualifications
● BA/BS degree or a combination of education and work experience (minimum 4 years in community health, patient navigation, public health or other related degree/experience).
● At least 1 year of experience in community health education, patient navigation, or outreach.
● At least 1 year of experience working with populations who experience barriers to healthcare in rural or urban settings.
● Valid driver’s license and access to reliable transportation to transport supplies to and from events.
Preferred Qualifications
● Detailed understanding of cancer prevention, screening guidelines, and healthcare navigation.
● Community Health Worker (CHW) certification or willingness to obtain certification.
● Bilingual in Somali, Spanish, Hmong, or another language spoken by Minnesota’s diverse communities.
● Experience using electronic health records (EHR) or RedCap for patient documentation.
● Prior experience in mobile health clinics or community-based screening programs.
● Background/passion for addressing health disparities, advancing health equity, and public health initiatives.
● Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
● Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.
● Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Suite, and data-tracking systems.

The Masonic Cancer Center (MCC) is an NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center dedicated to cancer research, education, and patient care for the citizens of Minnesota and the surrounding region. Since the time of the first award in 1997, there has been consistent growth of the membership and research base, enabling our center to further advance our knowledge and enhance care for our catchment area.  We are driven to be the choice academic healthcare environment for patients, clinicians, scientists and students who seek exceptional, compassionate, precision cancer therapy; innovative clinical trials and prevention programs; cutting-edge research opportunities; and outstanding advanced education. 

Pay Range: $24/hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 50% Appointment

Position Type: Civil-Service & Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services 
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

Applications must be submitted online.  To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions.  You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission.  The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.  To learn more about diversity at the U:  http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America’s Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).