Health center seeks bilingual volunteers

The Lake County Health Department North Shore Health Center is looking to expand its Community Health Promoters Program (Promotoras de Salud).

Traditionally, Health Promoters are bilingual, trained volunteers that reside within Highwood, Highland Park and Deerfield. Their concern for general health and overall well-being of the community drives them to volunteer their time and talent in educating the community.

Health Promoters serve as a link between the community and the health center. While under the direct supervision of the health and wellness coordinator, they work independently or as a team to develop and facilitate education/outreach presentations and activities at the North Shore Health Center and in the community.

Previous volunteer experience is preferred. The position requires basic computer skills and good communications, interpersonal and teaching skills. This position requires frequent interaction with Spanish-speaking clients who have limited understanding of the English language or who may speak only Spanish.

The Health Promoter is expected to commit to volunteer for 1 year, with a required minimum of 120 hours of service. The time commitment is approximately 2-4 hours per week, along with a monthly meeting for program planning. Hours may include days, evenings and weekends.

As a symbol of our appreciation and the importance it places on the role of the Health Promoter, the Lake County Health Department will offer a stipend payment upon the completion of 120 hours.

The payment will be administered twice. After the completion of 60 hours of service, the Health Promoter will receive the first stipend payment. If the Health Promoter cannot fulfill their obligation, they may be deemed ineligible to receive the stipend.

To apply, call Gaby Ocampo at (847) 984-5323. All completed applications must be mailed, emailed or faxed to Ocampo by Wednesday, Dec. 23. Mail to: North Shore Health Center, 1840 Green Bay Road, Highland Park, IL 60035; email gocampo@lakecountyil.gov; or fax to (847) 984-5896.

All candidates are subject to a criminal-background check, personal reference checks and tuberculosis skin testing.