Transitions Clinic Network Community Health Worker Lived Experience

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Job description

POSITION SUMMARY: The Transitions Clinic Network Community Health Worker (CHW) - Lived Experience will provide outreach, counseling, navigational, and case management services to recently released prisoners with chronic diseases including those affected by substance use and/or mental health (MH) issues who present at or are recruited by Transitions Clinic Program. SPECIFIC DUTIES: Provides support, empowerment, education and case management services to recently released chronically ill individuals with co-morbid substance use and mental illness individually and in a group setting. Recruits patients by conducting outreach activities in the community, prison, or local jails. Conducts periodic assessments of patient's substance use, physical activity, dietary habits, cigarette smoking habits, and social and economic resources. Educates clients with chronic illness about evidence-based standards of care and self-management of their chronic illness. Educates patients about the health care system and facilitates relationship building between the two. Documents work with patients through appropriate record keeping that follows the project's policies and procedures. Process referrals for needed services and facilitates access to community resources. Participates regularly in Clinic program meetings. Participates/assists as needed in any activities related to the Clinic. Works in collaboration with partners of the Clinic network. Attends ongoing training for community health workers. May act as preceptor for community health worker students, interns and other community health worker colleagues. Advises patients and others regarding health care and other facilities available to them; assists patients in utilizing services; makes follow-up contacts when required. Serves as liaison between the professional staff and the community; including developing relationships with various stakeholders in the re-entry community. May provide language interpretation services in contacts with non-English speaking clients. Assist in gathering and evaluating data concerning the program to which assigned; may perform incidental clerical duties such as keeping records, answering the telephone and arranging client appointments. May transport ambulatory patients between their homes and clinics, hospitals or other social agencies; may transport staff members to meetings with administration approval; report malfunctions of the vehicle to supervisor. Perform other tasks as assigned PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS: Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Knowledge of routine office practices Knowledge of community resources and referral agencies Knowledge of computer systems and applications Knowledge of grammar, spelling and punctuation to compile and type reports Knowledge of instructional skills and educational techniques to influence and guide participants Knowledge of group dynamics Skill in interviewing and communicating to elicit information and cooperation from patients Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with patients, staff, and the public Skill in public speaking Skill in facilitating support groups Ability to communicate information on sensitive issues including sexual activities and drug related practices Ability to identify problems, provide information, and recommend solutions Ability to prepare routine records and reports using terminology common to outreach programs Ability to interpret, adapt, and apply appropriate written guidelines and work practices Ability to work flexible job hours (including some evenings and weekends). Ability to work in various environments, including prison/jail settings, street Excellent organization, follow through, and ability to juggle multiple priorities in fast- paced environment with multiple collaborators. TYPICAL PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Require sitting for long periods of time. May require occasional bending, stretching or lifting. Requires frequent walking and standing for prolonged periods of time. Lifts and carries items weighing in excess of 50 pounds. Vision must be correctable to 20/40 and hearing must be in the normal range for telephone contacts. May require contact with individuals with communicable diseases. Requires the ability to work under stressful conditions. Ability to prepare written reports. Requires ability to drive to outreach areas for presentations and other activities. TYPICAL WORKING CONDITIONS: Normal office environment and occasionally work performed outside where exposure to rain, heat, dust, wind, pesticides, pollens, and other weather demands common to a labor camp, park, community center or health fair. Exposure to individuals who are violent, abusive and/or under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Qualifications MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: High School Diploma, GED or higher degree. Two (2) years of verifiable experience providing information, education, intervention and/or referral services to culturally diverse populations and/or community health worker certificate/ Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC). History of prior incarceration is highly preferred. Experience with client assessment, treatment planning, conducting interviews/investigations, advising/counseling clients, and participating in health promotion and health education activities. Ability to work in various environments, including prison/jail settings, court environments, and on streets outreach, home visits, patient's residence, and homeless encampment. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Bilingual English/Spanish is not required but preferred Valid California driver's license, proof of auto insurance, and personal transportation Community Medical Centers is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is CMC's policy to provide equal employment opportunities to all persons, regardless of age, race, religion, color, national origin, sex, political affiliations, marital status, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, membership, or non-membership in an employee organization or on the basis of personal favoritism or other non-merit factors except where otherwise provided by law.

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