Community Health Worker (CHW) LAREDO

BASIC FUNCTION: The Community Health Worker (CHW) is responsible for ensuring a recovery-oriented approach to helping people with substance abuse and mental health issues to initiate or sustain their recovery. The CHW worker will conduct outreach, health education, transportation coordination, and linkage to healthcare and community services. The Community Health Worker will also ensure that the program is culturally sensitive and appropriate to meet the needs of the target population. The CHW will be responsible for appropriate record-keeping, assisting with data collection via the SUPRT tool, submitting required documentation for reports and ensuring the program meets desired outcomes. The CHW will travel to other sites and locations to screen and provide educatoin for clients as needed and required. The CHW will also assist clients with referrals to other needed services. The CHW will particpate in outreach and recruiting activties such as health fairs and other community events. May be required to transport clients in agency van. Bilingual in Spanish highly preferred.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

High school diploma/G.E.D. Must have acquired or be able to meet the qualifications to be a Community Health Worker. Must be willing to be fingerprinted as necessary in order to provide services to youth or within schools, if applicable, and pass background check. Additionally:

• Proficiency in the use of the computer and Microsoft Word programs
• Ability to work with groups from diverse racial, cultural, and socio-economic backgrounds.
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Skill in managing multiple tasks simultaneously.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Assist with collection of SUPRT data.
• Have a strong understanding of prevention, treatment and referral resources and processes.
• Experience with behavioral health screening tools for youth and adults
• Adhere to program goals, outcomes, and activities in collaboration with others to meet the specifications of grants (if any) and aligned with AAMA's mission.
• Completes monthly reports and helps monitors progress against stated goals and outcomes.
• Maintains compliance with stated goals and objectives, AAMA's policies and procedures and in keeping with AAMA's mission.
• Ensures compliance with SAMHSA and/or other contractual requirements, state rules and other regulatory standards as required.
• Submits data, reports, and any contractual required documents on time and through any mechanism required.
• Remain up to date with required training and keeps specialty required training up to date
• Behave according to standard business protocols, expectations and standards of conduct.
• Develop relationships with community groups/agencies in partnership with others in the agency.
• Identify barriers (internal and external) to full participation in community resources and develop strategies to overcome those barriers.
• Maintain contact by phone and/or e-mail with clients after they leave the program to ensure their ongoing success and to provide re-engagement support in partnership with others in the agency if needed.
• Foster connections between vulnerable populations and healthcare providers.
• Help clients navigate healthcare and social service systems, if needed
• Manage care and care transitions for vulnerable populations
• Reduce social isolation among patients
• Determine eligibility and assist clients to enroll individuals in health insurance plans
• Provide culturally appropriate health education on topics related to chronic disease prevention, physical activity, and nutrition
• Advocate for underserved individuals or communities to receive services and resources to address health needs
• Provide informal counseling, health screenings, and referrals
• Build community capacity to address health issues
• Address social determinants of health
• Performs other duties as assigned.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL REQUIREMENTS

Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing. Ability to maintain and protect client confidentiality. Ability to remain calm and make informed, well thought-out decisions at all times. Ability to effectively deal with and help resolve client crisis situations. Ability to collaborate well with the treatment team to ensure the best quality care of clients. Ability to read, write, speak clearly and use a computer, telephone and other office equipment. Ability to safely drive a vehicle. Ability to adhere to deadlines and work under stress with a professional demeanor.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: Office and work in the community as appropriate.