Community Health Worker - Paid Internship (July- Sept 2026)

Community Health Worker (CHW) Intern

The Community Health Worker (CHW) Intern supports older adults and individuals with disabilities by connecting them to healthcare, social services, and community resources. The intern serves as a liaison between participants, caregivers, providers, and community organizations to help reduce barriers to care and improve overall health and well-being. This position provides valuable hands-on experience in community outreach, care coordination, participant engagement, and advocacy.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist participants in their homes and community settings.
• Educate participants about available programs, services, and resources that support health and independence.
• Help identify social, economic, transportation, housing, food, and healthcare barriers affecting participant's well-being.
• Support participants in developing and achieving health and wellness goals.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation of participant contacts, activities, referrals, and outcomes.
• Assist with scheduling appointments and connecting participants to community resources and support services.
• Facilitate communication between participants, caregivers, healthcare providers, and DAAA staff.
• Provide outreach, follow-up, and participant engagement activities as assigned.
• Advocate for participants and assist them in navigating healthcare and social service systems.
• Promote participant understanding of care plans, self-management strategies, and available community support.
• Maintain participant confidentiality and comply with agency policies and procedures.
• Participate in staff meetings, training, professional development activities, and special projects.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Current Community Health Worker Certification
• Interest in public health, social work, community outreach, aging services, healthcare, or human services.
• Knowledge of community resources and services is preferred.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and basic computer skills.
• Valid Michigan driver's license, reliable transportation, and automobile insurance required.
• Professional references are required.

Physical Requirements and Work Conditions

• Field-based position with approximately 75% of work performed in participant homes, community locations, partner agencies, and throughout the DAAA service area.
• Remaining work performed in an office or remote environment as assigned.
• Frequent local travel is required.
• Ability to operate a computer, telephone, and other standard office equipment.
• Ability to occasionally lift and carry materials weighing up to 35 pounds.
• Ability to work indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Ability to move between participant homes, community sites, and agency locations throughout the workday.

Core Competencies

This individual must be able to demonstrate strong analytical and problem-solving skills, exercise sound judgment, and activities. The person should be forward-thinking and creative, with high ethical standards, and an appropriate professional image. Operate as a strategic visionary with effective communication, sound technical skills, analytical ability, good judgment, and strong operational focus. Be a well-organized and self-directed individual who is a team player. Servant leadership: The individual should have exceptional listening skills, a high level of energy and integrity; compassion for the elderly and the community as well as the staff; is centered and mature; exercises durability, adaptability, and a sense of humor. Values fun in the workplace as an integral instrument of staff motivation and operates with a spirit of excellence.