Community Health Worker

Essential Functions:

The Community Health Worker will serve as the essential link between patients and all other care providers.

• Assess barriers to taking medication and remaining in medical care, support patients in implementing interventions developed by the patient's care team
• Provide engagement and reengagement services to patients utilizing a strength based and harm reduction framework
• Provide community-based services and clients residents in natural environments as well as health institutions
• Coach patients in setting their own goals and identifying realistic steps to achieve the goals.
• Help patients navigate various systems that provide benefits, healthcare or other services required by law
• Assist patients in understanding their diagnosis treatment options and resources available to them
• Follow up with specialty appointments outside of spectrum health services including inpatient settings
• Meet and communicate regularly with medical providers case management and mental health staff to promote coordination of collaborative care
• Engage in advocacy on behalf of stigmatized and disenfranchised populations
• Record patient care management information in the EMR and other software no later than 24 hours after patient contact (training provided)
• Attend regular staff meetings trainings and other meetings as requested
• Manage assigned caseload of patients
• Participate in and help develop and implement community outreach events, as needed
• Other duties as assigned

Service Coordination

• The community health worker is responsible for assuring that services required by the client or coordinated which assist the client in meeting long term and short-term goals
• The community health worker will maintain current information on available services to patients living with or at high risk of HIV/AIDS in Philadelphia
• The community health worker will be responsible for making quick decisions in the event that a crisis occurs therefore she or she must be easily accessible to the client.

Qualifications/Experience:

• High school diploma or its equivalent
• Successful completion of a community health worker's formal training program institution is preferred
• Knowledge of some medical terminology preferred
• Basic computer skills
• The community health worker will have demonstrated experience in the field possesses strong interpersonal communication skills be patient outgoing and sensitive
• Have cultural awareness and competency related to race, sex, gender, language, and religion.
• Experience working with adults who have HIV a mental illness, substance abusers, a criminal record and or health concerns preferred
• De-escalation and crisis management skills
• Harm reduction philosophy
• Demonstrated critical thinking problem solving effective communication and time management skills
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in an interdisciplinary team format
• Excellent analytical customer service skills to facilitate care plans and the resolution of case management problems
• Familiarity and comfort with public transportation
• Ability and willingness to provide emotional support and encouragement and motivational to patients

Licenses and Certifications

• High school diploma
• CHW certification
• Valid Pennsylvania driver's license