Job Description

Community Health Navigator (Part-Time) Job Description

Reports To: Program Director

Department: AHI Programs

About Afghan Health Initiative

Afghan Health Initiative (AHI) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering immigrant and refugee communities through culturally and linguistically appropriate social services, educational support, and health and wellness resources. We strive to foster equitable access to opportunities that promote health, well-being, and economic growth. Our mission is guided by a deep commitment to community-centered care, cultural humility, and building trust with the people we serve.

Position Overview

The Community Health Navigator (CHN) supports Afghan families in navigating healthcare systems, accessing culturally responsive services, and strengthening their overall wellbeing. This role blends direct service, community education, and systems partnership work to ensure families receive the care, information, and support they need.

The CHN also serves as a bridge between the community and healthcare systems; stewarding partnerships with healthcare providers, clinics, and agencies to strengthen coordination of care, improve cultural responsiveness, and ensure equitable access to services.

This position embodies AHI’s commitment to ensuring that every person can navigate care confidently and that providers have the tools and understanding to meet communities where they are.

Key Responsibilities

1. Direct Support & Navigation

• Provide warm, relationship-based navigation to help families access healthcare, prenatal and postpartum care, behavioral health services, benefits, and community resources.
• Support Afghan women in understanding and accessing prenatal, postpartum, and early childhood care.
• Offer in-home support as needed, including conducting basic environmental assessments and connecting families with appropriate follow-up services.

2. Health Systems & Partnerships

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with healthcare providers, clinics, and community organizations to expand culturally responsive access points.
• Collaborate with healthcare systems and providers to integrate CHNs into care pathways for Afghan families.
• Partner with cultural leaders, faith communities, and local service providers to strengthen referral pathways and build trust-based community networks.

3. Lead & Environmental Health Education

• Conduct in-home lead safety assessments and share recommendations in culturally and linguistically appropriate ways.
• Distribute lead-safe kits and track usage and follow-up needs.
• Facilitate lead exposure screening and support families in accessing testing services.
• Host community workshops focused on prevention, safety, and family health.
• Deliver ongoing education through workshops, home visits, group sessions, and community events.

4. Train-the-Trainer & Capacity Building

• Develop and co-facilitate train-the-trainer workshops for community members and partner organizations.
• Support development of a community action toolkit for trainers and cultural leaders.
• Distribute educational materials and help build community capacity to sustain health and wellness messaging.

5. Program Coordination & Reporting

• Maintain accurate, timely records of client interactions, referrals, follow-ups, and outcomes.
• Participate in team meetings, cross-program collaborations, and community events.
• Assist with outreach, resource distribution, and connecting families to AHI programs including ESL, Youth, Employment, and Wellness.

6. Program Integration and Growth 

• Collaborate across AHI teams to align outreach and communications strategies.
• Contribute to the design and piloting of new navigation approaches that address emerging community needs.
• Support the development of cross-sector collaborations that connect health, housing, education, and social services.

Additional Duties

• Participate in staff meetings, trainings, and professional development.
• Represent AHI at community events and coalition activities.
• Perform other duties as needed to advance maternal health equity.

Qualifications

Required

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Public Health or Social Services.
• At least 1–2 years of program or project coordination experience, ideally in health, maternal health, or social services.
• Strong skills in community outreach, facilitation, and cross-cultural communication.
• Experience with data management systems and reporting for health or social programs.
• Problem-solving skills to address barriers clients face in accessing healthcare.
• Excellent English communication skills (speaking, reading, writing).
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills.
• Knowledge of Afghan cultural values and lived community experience.
• Bilingual/Trilingual (Dari, Farsi, Pashto, and English).
• Field-based community experience.
• Own means of transportation and flexible availability.

Preferred

• Experience working with immigrant/refugee or diverse communities.
• Knowledge of maternal health disparities and culturally responsive health promotion.

Work Environment & Schedule 

This is a part-time in person, 20-hour per week position based at AHI’s office in Covington, WA. Standard office hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with flexibility required for some evenings and weekends.

Compensation & Benefits

Hourly Rate: $23.33–$27.50

Benefits:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance (AHI covers 99% of premiums and deductibles).
• 401(k) retirement plan.
• Paid Time Off, including vacation, holidays, and sick leave.

Equal Opportunity

Afghan Health Initiative is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, marital status, genetic information, veteran, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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