Community Health Workers

Job Description
Job Summary:
Community health worker (CHW) are front-line public Health Workers who have a close understanding of the community we serve. This trusting relationship enables the CHW to serve as a liaison/link/intermediary between health/social services and the community to facilitate access to services and improve the quality and cultural competence of service delivery. I noticed throughout the body of the job description CHW was referenced as singular
Community health worker also build individual and community capacity by increasing health knowledge and self-sufficiency through a range of activities such as outreach, community education, informal counseling, social support and advocacy
Essential Functions:
The Community Health Worker will serve as the essential link between patients and all other care providers.

1. Assess barriers to taking medication and remaining in medical care; implement interventions developed by the patient's care team.
2. Provide engagement/reengagement services to patients utilizing a strengths-based and harm reduction framework.
3. Provide community based services in client's residence and natural environment as well as health institutions.
4. Coach patients in setting his/her own goals and identifying realistic steps in order to achieve the goals.
5. Help patients reestablish sense of self and personal aspirations related to life goals and navigate various systems that provide benefits, care, legally mandated doesn't seem to describe the various systems - should you say 'services required by law'???.
6. Assist patients in understanding their diagnosis, treatment options and resources available to them.
7. Follow-up with specialty appointments outside of Spectrum Health Services, including inpatient settings.
8. Meet/communicate regularly with medical providers, case management and mental health staff to promote coordination of collaborative care.
9. Engage in advocacy on behalf of stigmatized and disenfranchised populations.

Service Coordination

1. The Community Health Worker is responsible for assuring that services required by the client are coordinated, which assists the client in meeting long-term and short-term goals.
2. The Community Health Worker will maintain current information on available services to patients living with or at high risk for HIV/AIDS in Philadelphia.
3. The Community Health Worker will be responsible for making quick decisions in the event that a crisis occurs; therefore s/he must be easily accessible to the client.

Experience and Skills
Qualifications:

1. The Community Health Worker will have demonstrated experience in the field. Possess strong interpersonal communication skills; be patient, outgoing and sensitive.
2. Have cultural awareness and competency related to race, sex, gender, language, and religion.
3. Experience working with adults who have HIV, a mental illness, substance abuse, a criminal record and/or health concerns preferred.
4. De-escalation and crisis management skills.
5. Harm reduction philosophy.
6. Demonstrated critical thinking, problem-solving, effective communication and time management skills.
7. Demonstrated ability to work effectively in an interdisciplinary team format.
8. Excellent analytical, customer service skills to facilitate care plans and the resolution of case management problems.
9. Familiarity and comfort with public transportation.

Licenses and Certifications

• High School Diploma
• CHW Certification
• Valid Pennsylvania Driver's License