Community Health Worker - Childhood Onset Chronic Healthcare Needs

Duke University School of Nursing

Established in 1931, Duke University School of Nursing is a national leader in preparing nurse clinicians, scholars, and innovators who are transforming healthcare through excellence in education, research, and clinical practice. With more than 1,500 students, we offer a comprehensive range of programs, including the Master of Nursing (MN), Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), and PhD in Nursing. Our programs are designed to meet the evolving demands of today’s healthcare landscape, equipping graduates with rigorous training, evidence-based practice, and interdisciplinary collaboration to lead the future of nursing.

Our nursing program stands as a leader in healthcare education, earning #1 in the nation for Best Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Programs, #2 for Doctor of Nursing Practice, and #5 for Master’s programs, according to U.S. News & World Report. For over a decade, we’ve also been celebrated as a Best School for Men in Nursing by the American Association for Men in Nursing (AAMN)—11 years and counting! These accolades reflect our unwavering commitment to excellence, innovation, and inclusivity in preparing the next generation of nursing professionals.

NOTE: This position is 100% remote. It is part-time with a schedule of 6-8 hours per week.

Be You.

The Duke University School of Nursing's Positive Youth Development (PYD) Lab is seeking a Community Health Worker/Peer Coach to join an interdisciplinary team of researchers and clinicians dedicated to improving the lives of adolescents and young adults with childhood-onset chronic conditions and developmental disabilities and their families.

In this unique role, you will use your lived experience managing a chronic health condition or a developmental disability or supporting someone with special healthcare needs to provide peer-to-peer coaching, guidance, and encouragement. You will help patients/families navigate healthcare systems, build self-management skills, achieve personal goals, and successfully manage important life and healthcare transitions. Through meaningful connections and supportive coaching, you will play a vital role in improving the health and well-being of youth and families receiving services through Duke University Health System and participating in innovative research programs.

Minimum Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• One year of experience in a position involving patient, family, public, or community contact.
• Knowledge of and experience navigating one or more youth-serving systems on behalf of yourself or your child with special healthcare needs related to spina bifida.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and demonstrate professional boundaries.
• Ability to build trusting relationships with patients, families, and healthcare team members.
• Basic computer skills and ability to document services and interactions accurately.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience providing peer support, mentoring, advocacy, coaching, or community-based services.
• Experience working with adolescents, young adults, and families managing chronic health conditions or developmental disabilities.
• Familiarity with healthcare, educational, behavioral health, and community support resources.
• Demonstrated ability to encourage self-advocacy and patient engagement.
• Experience participating in research studies, community programs, or healthcare initiatives.

Other Requirements

• Successful completion of initial and ongoing peer coaching training provided by the PYD Lab.
• Ability to participate in regular supervision meetings and team activities.
• Ability to communicate effectively via telephone, virtual platforms, and other distance technologies.
• Maintain accurate records of coaching services and patient interactions.
• May require occasional attendance at meetings or training activities at Duke University locations.

Be Bold.

As a Community Health Worker/Peer Coach, you will:

• Provide peer health and wellness coaching to adolescents, young adults, and families through telephone and virtual platforms, drawing upon your lived experience to promote engagement and self-management.
• Support patients in navigating healthcare systems and community resources, helping them understand available services and overcome barriers to care.
• Guide individuals toward achieving self-identified goals by encouraging self-advocacy, self-management, and active participation in healthcare decision-making.
• Offer socio-emotional support and mentorship during healthcare, educational, and life transitions while promoting resilience and independence.
• Encourage appropriate clinical follow-up by directing patients to medical, behavioral health, and other professionals when concerns arise.
• Maintain accurate documentation and records of coaching encounters, services provided, and patient progress in accordance with program requirements.
• Participate in required trainings and supervision, including regular meetings with program leadership and the peer coach team to ensure quality and consistency of services.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary researchers, clinicians, and program staff to support clinical programs and research initiatives focused on improving outcomes for youth with chronic healthcare needs.

Choose Duke.

The Positive Youth Development Lab brings together experts from the Duke University School of Nursing and Duke University School of Medicine to develop and implement innovative programs that support adolescents and young adults living with chronic health conditions and developmental disabilities. Through groundbreaking research and peer-support initiatives, the team is helping patients and families build confidence, improve health outcomes, and successfully navigate complex healthcare systems.

At Duke, you will join a collaborative environment committed to excellence, discovery, inclusion, and compassionate care. This role provides an opportunity to make a direct and meaningful impact by using your lived experience to support others while contributing to innovative research and healthcare programs that improve lives across North Carolina and beyond.