Community Health Worker (Shelter Program)

South Suburban PADS (SSPADS) is seeking a leader who is passionate about helping people to overcome homelessness and improve their overall health. The Shelter Community Health Worker is a member of our Emergency Shelter Department and is responsible for helping to coordinate and connect our shelter guests to healthcare services.

All newly hired employees will be required to supply proof of Covid-19 immunization or receive an approved exemption during the onboarding process.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

· Use effective engagement strategies to build a trusting relationship with guests and family members for ongoing partnership.

· Perform basic health assessments for of SSPADS guests to determine health needs.

· Connect guests to a medical home as needed.

· Schedule appointments as needed with guests to provide them and their families with ongoing support and education.

· Develops working relationship with leaders in community resource groups, representing the agency at meetings and on various committees that address the social needs of clients

· Assist guests in obtaining medications through prescription assistance programs and other means.

· Ensure that guests needing mental health/substance abuse counseling are connected to appropriate mental health providers.

· Provide structured education on health coverage, facilitate enrollment, engage in follow-up conversations, and offer renewal assistance for enrolled individuals.

· Establish and maintain a working relationship with local health system providers, ensuring that guest medical confidentiality and HIPPA guidelines are maintained. This includes referring and scheduling guests, communicating with vendors regarding pertinent health issues, and communication with provider staff.

· Participate in outside community meetings or health fairs to understand community issues and build relationships with community members.

· Coordinate health fairs, clinics or health related awareness workshops quarterly for SSPADS guests. Focus on health education, confidential HIV testing and counseling, influenza vaccination programs, and tuberculosis screening/prevention program for staff, volunteers, and guests.

· Assist guests in contacting their health care providers to complete disability verification for Coordinated Entry paper work and complete all coordinated entry course requirements.

· Maintain confidential records according to SSPADS guidelines and provide needed reports as requested in a timely manner.

· Document all patient services, enter data into Homeless Management Information System and be responsible for performing grant-related data entry.

· Attend and successfully complete all required training programs; participate in ongoing conference calls, webinars, and other professional development opportunities.

· Other duties as assigned

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

· Certification as a Community Health Worker from an accredited educational institution

· High School Diploma or equivalent required, some college preferred

· 1+ years of Community Health Outreach experience

· Medical Assistant/Certified Nursing Assistant experience preferred.

· Two (2) years of experience working with working with people experiencing homelessness, mental illness, those with intellectual disabilities, and/or substance abuse

· Minimum two (2) years of experience working in public/Community Health

· Knowledge of health education, trauma informed practice and motivational interviewing strategies

· Thorough knowledge of the local community, and its residents, healthcare providers, state social service agencies, and community resources.

· Demonstrated compassion for helping others.

· Proven dedication to professional excellence.

· High-level verbal and written communication skills.

· Microsoft Outlook and Excel skills required.

· Ability to work as a member of a multi-disciplinary team.

· Self-starter. Ability to multi-task, take initiative, and be self-directed.

· Ability to work a flexible schedule

· Access to reliable transportation

· Bi-lingual English/Spanish preferred

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.
• May be exposed to guests with infectious diseases.

South Suburban PADS works to prevent and end homelessness in south suburban Cook and Will Counties. Over the past 33 years, the organization has provided shelter and meals to enable over 20,000 people to overcome homelessness. South Suburban PADS ultimately seeks to provide pathways home, and currently helps about 400 people to preserve or access affordable rental homes every year. More at sspads.org

We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, or any other status protected by law or regulation. It is our intention that all qualified applicants be given equal opportunity and that selection decisions be based on job-related factors.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $23.00 - $26.00 per hour

Expected hours: 16 – 24 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Paid time off

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Required)

Experience:

• Community Health: 2 years (Required)
• homeless service: 2 years (Preferred)

Language:

• Spanish (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• Community Health Worker Certification (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• Chicago Heights, IL (Required)

Work Location: In person