Community Health Worker

GENERAL SUMMARY:

The WWHEZ Community Health Worker (CHW) is a peer who has experience in navigating Rhode Island’s health system for themselves, a family member or through previous employment. This CHW will work with the Housing First Program, addressing the Social Determinants of Health for individuals who are currently experiencing housing instability. The CHW will be a critical part of a community outreach team providing support, resources, education and referrals. CHWs will engage with consumers in community settings providing person centered, culturally sensitive support, and building on the values, strengths and preferences of the patient. The CHW will also serve as an effective role model and mentor.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES/TASKS

• Become knowledgeable of the Principles of Housing First evidenced based practice (training provided) and the practices of the housing First RI Program, as well as harm reduction and trauma-informed care.
• Assist residents of West Warwick who are high risk and underserved by addressing Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) as they related to Housing and COVID-19 health disparities
• Review and educate self and consumers on various benefits and resources that will work to assist the individual in gaining a greater quality of life.
• Assist the consumer in completion and submission of enrollment or benefit applications. Refer consumers to other services and public or private agencies for additional supports as needed.
• Utilizing motivational interviewing skills and culturally sensitive methods to collaborate with patients to explore preferred post-discharge supports and identify social determinants of health and/or areas of need within their community environment. Review care options including natural supports, home care services, medical equipment, adult day health programs, senior centers and assisted living communities.
• Maintain current on information about statewide housing services ranging from shelters, subsidized apartments and housing programs.
• Be familiar with Homeless service providers, resources for individuals who are homeless and be familiar with common places clients, who are homeless, are regularly found.
• Attend and complete Community Health Worker trainings as required by the grant.
• Maintain timely, accurate records, documentation, and reports as required.
• Actively participate and complete training and professional development activities.
• Assist in statewide system analysis, planning and coordination with state agencies, state and local boards, community-based organizations, and community rehabilitation programs.
• Schedule and maintain client hours sufficient to achieve individual / program billing targets.
• Participate in team meetings to ensure smooth coordination of client services and treatment.  Participate in regular supervision with supervisor.
• Provide crisis intervention and transport to BHLink and Hospitals as needed.
• Be willing to actively outreach engagement-challenged individuals out in the community.
• Accompany client to community appointments to assist them in successful completion of appointments and provide advocacy as needed.
• Assist in coordination and oversight of client’s physical healthcare and needs.
• Review e-mail account daily for new messages, remain in contact with the team throughout the work day.
• Accept other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Perform all duties in accordance with and demonstrate knowledge of all Organization standards, policies and procedures.
• Be punctual and timely in meeting all requirements of performance, including, but not limited to, attendance standards and work deadlines; beginning and ending assignments; working the assigned scheduled hours and/or shift and scheduled work breaks, where applicable.
• Maintain courteous, professional, dignified and effective working relations with both internal and external customers to facilitate the department’s ability to meet its goals and objectives.
• Present a neat appearance in proper attire as required by the position, department and Organization polices & procedures.
• Attend, prepare and actively participate in all Organization/department required trainings and meetings within the prescribed time frame, which may include completing assignments, preparing agenda and engaging in problem solving.
• Accepts his/her responsibilities related to the general safety, department safety, and specific job-related hazards and responsibilities.
• Must adapt, with minimal or no advance notice to changes in how business is conducted and work is accomplished and be flexible in meeting the needs of clients within the guidelines of the program.
• Maintain and enhance the Organization's culture of learning and growing by serving as a role model, mentor, facilitator, educator, and consultant to Organization staff on program and service issues.
• Carry and enliven a positive Organization image consistent with the Organization’s Guiding Principles and professional code of ethics.
• Function as a member of a team, i.e. is a "Team Player".

CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:

• Valid driver's license and automobile insurance which meets Rhode Island minimum standards required, or the ability to obtain necessary transportation in order to perform the responsibilities/tasks of the job.
• Case Management /Community Support Professional Certification or working toward required.
• Community Health Workers certification preferred; non-certified incumbents are expected to earn certification within 18 months of hire date.