HBCU Health Discovery Liaison

ABOUT VOORHEES UNIVERSITY

Voorhees University is a private, diverse, historically black, coeducational, liberal arts, baccalaureate degree-granting institution affiliated with the Episcopal Church. Located in rural Denmark, South Carolina, the University serves traditional and nontraditional students primarily from South Carolina and the southeastern region of the United States. The University offers each student a comprehensive general education experience coupled with professional education in the values-centered liberal arts environment that supports educational opportunities designed to help prepare students to function in a diverse and increasingly technological society. Accordingly, the University seeks to produce highly qualified graduates who coalesce intellect and faith in pursuit of lifelong learning, healthy living, the betterment of society, and an abiding faith in God.

PRESIDENTIAL CHARGE AND SCOPE OF APPOINTMENT

In accordance with the University’s mission, Dr. Ronnie Hopkins, 10th President of Voorhees University has issued the charge and call to action articulated through the University’s mantra: Begin. Believe. Become. that will advance Voorhees University to The Next Level of Excellence. In order to level up, in full transparency, the University has identified existing phenomena that challenge our Institution to seek investment from external stakeholders as well as increased cooperation and collaboration with business, community, and industry to provide learning opportunities, service prospects, and currency of curriculum to create a more forward-looking, future-oriented institution of higher education. Indeed, the strategic plan serves as the A.T.L.A.S. to the Next Level of Excellence to mitigate the aforementioned circumstances and reality for our HBCU and certainly truly embrace transformation to realize the Next Level of Excellence.

BACKGROUND

At Voorhees University (VU)’s Rural Community Development Institute (“RCDI”), we are driven by a holistic multidisciplinary approach to improving the quality of life in rural communities and counties surrounding Voorhees University. Our undergirding philosophy is the critical importance of advancing educational opportunities from the ‘cradle’ and throughout life to promote lifelong learning and development in an ever-changing world. Our vision is to create and implement sustainable community initiatives that address the socio-economic well-being of Voorhees University’s students, staff, faculty, and neighboring rural community citizens. Our mission is to develop innovative approaches to improve educational, career, and housing opportunities, healthcare access, infrastructure needs, and community relationships and partnerships. We aim to improve the living standards of our rural community citizens by utilizing readily available natural and human resources to enhance economic possibilities and increase social mobility. The work of the RCDI is vital in rural areas, medically underserved populations, and economically disadvantaged communities. Many people in our communities lack access to affordable healthcare options and educational support to help them maintain good health.

ROLE SUMMARY

The HBCU Health Discovery Strategist role at Voorhees University offers a unique opportunity for professional growth. You will work closely with Voorhees University’s nurse and other members of the RCDI team to develop, align, execute, and evaluate community and social impact strategies. This role will allow you to improve healthcare education and increase healthcare access for our students and our underserved neighboring communities in an innovative way designed to shape the health landscape for our communities. You will also be responsible for researching, drafting, and submitting grant proposals to support community health-empowering activities within a holistic framework that understands the interconnectedness of policies, systems, economies, environments, and inequities in order to support and develop sustainable rural and primary care partnerships and resources.

Position: HBCU Health Discovery Liaison
Department/Division: Rural Community Development Institute/Academic Affairs
Salary Range: $35,000-$40,000
FLSA Classification: Exempt
Position Duration: Full-time/Grant Funded
Position Schedule: 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Monday – Friday (Extended hours and weekends may be required)

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Specifically, the HBCU Health Discovery Liaison will:

• Cultivate key local stakeholder relationships, ensure that community member voices are heard, and work to ensure equitable and empowering collaboration,
• Serve as a CHW for Voorhees University students and its neighboring rural community,
• Collaborate with stakeholders and community-based organizations to facilitate the development of community partnerships and assist in the translation of partnerships into operational strategies,
• Facilitate and maintain communication between internal and external audiences and, coordinate outreach activities, and
• Monitor and report on the achievement of committed action plans.

The selected HBCU Health Discovery Liaison will also work with VU’s nurse to:

• Engage and educate communities about healthy lifestyles and disease prevention,
• Provide access to health screenings for common diseases, including obesity, diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, and other chronic health problems,
• Conduct health assessment information/data to identify health risks and
• Describe how insurance works and help uninsured or underinsured people gain access to healthcare services.

EDUCATION

• A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university or
• An associate degree in any field with at least one (1) year of experience in a health-related field and/or some experience working with community-based organizations and community leaders or
• A high school diploma or GED with at least two (2) years of progressively responsible work experience in a community-based capacity.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Standard Office Environment

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

The HBCU Health Discovery Liaison is a high-visibility position and must:

• Be skilled at relationship building, have strong verbal and written communication skills, and have excellent problem-solving and interpersonal skills.
• Have a positive attitude, empathy, and cultural sensitivity when working with diverse communities, and be committed to confidentiality and professionalism.
• Possess excellent time management skills, adaptability, flexibility, ability to work independently and on teams, attention to detail and strong organizational skills, and a readiness to assist the Team with special projects as assigned,
• Be proficient in computer operations and complete other related responsibilities as assigned by your supervisor.

Other Requirements:

• Must participate in a Community Health Workers (CHW) training program provided to the HBCU Health Discovery Strategist, pass the CHW certification requirements, and renew such certification as required (if not a licensed nurse).
• Must participate in a CPR instructor course that will be provided to the HBCU Community Health Discovery Strategist, receive an instructor certification, and renew such certification every two years.
• Travel to work assignments, a valid current license, and appropriate individual automobile insurance must be maintained.

APPLICATION INFORMATION

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

Please submit an employment application, cover letter detailing your interest and qualifications for the position, resume, and relevant transcript to apply.