Over the course of our proud fifteen-year history, Bright Star Community Outreach (BSCO) has made significant contributions to the renewal of Chicago’s most vulnerable communities as a 501C3 nonprofit organization. Driven by our hope for change in this city and the families that call it home, Bright Star’s presence has been marked by effective programming, social development, and advocacy; particularly in the greater Bronzeville community of Chicago’s south side. Led by founder and CEO, Pastor Chris Harris, Sr., who grew up in the Bronzeville neighborhood where we are currently located, our strategy includes developing impactful community development initiatives aimed at facing our largest societal challenges: violence in our communities, poor economic opportunities, inadequate mental health services, affordable housing and education. These efforts are designed to strengthen local families and communities, as well as leverage our key partnerships with organizations and businesses that share our passion for seeing renewal in Chicago.
Bright Star Community Outreach (BSCO) is seeking a dedicated and community-centered Community Health Worker (CHW) to support the implementation of integrated health services across community-based settings. This role is central to advancing BSCO’s mission to prevent and manage chronic disease by addressing the social determinants of health (SDOH), reducing health disparities, and expanding access to equitable, culturally responsive care through wellness screenings, care navigation, and health education.
The CHW will primarily support services at community food distribution sites, while also contributing to broader initiatives including school-based wellness spaces, community events, and outreach efforts. The position focuses on connecting individuals and families to primary care, behavioral health services, and social resources, with a strong emphasis on culturally responsive and trauma-informed engagement.
The CHW serves as a trusted liaison between community members, BSCO programs, and healthcare partners, including Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs).
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Health Education and Promotion: Provide individuals and groups with culturally relevant information on health topics, including nutrition, disease prevention, chronic disease management, and mental health.
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Outreach and Community Engagement: Conduct outreach efforts to engage underserved populations, build trust, and connect them to healthcare services and social support.
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Care Coordination: Assist clients in navigating healthcare and social service systems, including helping with appointments, insurance understanding, and followups. Collaborate with healthcare providers to ensure continuity of care.
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Health Screenings and Referrals: Conduct basic health screenings such as blood pressure or glucose checks and refer clients to healthcare providers for further care when necessary.
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Advocacy: Serve as an advocate for the community, ensuring that their health needs and concerns are represented in health programs and policies.
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Data Collection and Reporting: Collect and maintain accurate health data, track client progress, and report health trends to supervisor.
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Resource Navigation: Connect individuals and families with community resources such as food banks, housing assistance, and other social services to address social determinants of health.
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Program Participation: Participate in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of community health programs to improve their impact and reach.
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Associate or bachelor’s degree in public health, social work, or a related field
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Community Health Worker certification
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Experience working in communitybased settings such as food distribution sites, schools, or nonprofit organizations
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Familiarity with healthcare systems, including FQHCs and Medicaid populations
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Experience with care navigation, referral coordination, or case management
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Bilingual skills (preferred but not required)
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Demonstrates cultural humility and a communitycentered approach to care
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Strong communication and active listening skills
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Ability to manage sensitive information with professionalism and confidentiality
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Problemsolving skills and the ability to navigate complex systems
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Ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative team environment
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Adaptability and comfort working in dynamic, communitybased settings
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Communitybased setting.
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May require travel.
Part-time employees are offered paid sick leave and paid time off in accordance with the Chicago Paid Leave and Paid Sick and Safe Leave Ordinance
This is a part-time, grant-funded position with an hourly rate of $25 per hour, scheduled for 20 hours per week. The position is currently supported through external grant funding dedicated to expanding community-based health services, including wellness screenings, care navigation, and access to primary and behavioral healthcare. As such, continuation of the role is contingent upon ongoing grant funding and program needs.
The schedule is flexible and aligned with community programming, including food distribution events, outreach activities, and occasional evenings or weekends. BSCO offers a mission-driven, collaborative work environment with opportunities for professional development and advancement within community health and care navigation roles.
For more information or to apply, please contact Jessica Hollie at [email protected].
Bright Star Community Outreach is an equal-opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
Over the course of our proud twelve-year history, Bright Star Community Outreach has made significant contributions to the renewal of Chicago’s most vulnerable communities as a 501C3 nonprofit organization. Driven by our hope for change in this city and the families that call it home, Bright Star’s presence has been marked by effective programming, social development, and advocacy; particularly in the 3rd and 4th wards of Chicago’s south side.
