C2C Community Health Worker (Full Time)

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

The C2C Community Health Worker (CHW) will provide outreach, counseling, navigational, and case management services to offenders within 90 days of scheduled release or recently released from a Macomb County carceral authority, with chronic health conditions including those affected by substance (SU) and/or mental health (MH) issues. Specifically, the role of the community health worker is to:

Operate in a supportive role within an interdisciplinary health care team utilizing an integrated care and treatment model.

Provide outreach, case management and navigational services to offenders within 90 days of release or those recently released with chronic medical, psychiatric and substance use conditions.

Collaborate with primary care provider (PCP) and the Behavioral Health Provider post release, to provide health and behavioral interventions that will maximize patient health outcomes.

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND JOB FUCTIONS:

Under supervision of C2C Program Manager, the Manager, the C2C Community Health Worker is responsible for performing the following essential job functions:

Provides support, empowerment, education and case management services to offenders pending or 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 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.

Makes referrals for needed services and facilitates access to community resources.

Participates regularly in MyCare 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.

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 or facilitate language interpretation services in contacts with non-English speaking clients.

Assist in gathering and evaluating data concerning the program to which it is assigned; may perform clerical duties such as keeping records, answering the telephone and arranging patient appointments.

May transport patients between their homes and clinics, hospital, or other social agencies; may transport staff members to meetings with administration approval; report malfunctions of the vehicle to supervisor.

Other duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Must demonstrate excellent interpersonal skills and team-building skills;

Must have excellent decision-making skills, and attention to detail is imperative;

Professional written, verbal and listening communication skills;

Computer skills including expert knowledge of Microsoft Office suite and Outlook; as well as manual dexterity to operate office equipment, including keyboard, copier, telephone.

Database management proficiency and data entry skills required;

High functioning stress management, time management, and critical thinking skills.

An ability to gain respect and build rapport with community members while effectively navigating the health care system and advocating for others.

Excellent organization, follow through, and ability to juggle multiple priorities in a fast- paced environment with multiple collaborators.

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES:

Must maintain strict confidentiality in performing the assigned duties.

Must be honest and trustworthy, respectful of others.

Must be flexible and possess cultural awareness and sensitivity.

Must demonstrate excellent attendance and reliability.

Must be comfortable working with culturally diverse populations, including current or former prisoners, including sex offenders.

Must be willing to work in various environments, including prison/jail settings, street outreach, home visits at transitional housing or patient’s residence.

Must demonstrate a commitment to the mission of MyCare Health Center.

ACADEMIC EDUCATION OR EQUIVALENT REQUIREMENT:

High school diploma or equivalent required.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Two (2) years of verifiable experience providing information, education, intervention and/or referral services to culturally diverse populations preferred.

Recent experience (within the last 5 years) working collaboratively on a multi-disciplinary team—including PCPs, health workers, health educators, and other professionals—as well as experience with multicultural populations in healthcare, substance use treatment, or community-based settings, preferred.

Federally Qualified Health Center experience preferred but not required.

History of prior incarceration.

Experience with client assessment, treatment planning, conducting interviews/investigations, advising/counseling clients, and participating in health promotion and health education activities.

Able to work flexible job hours, including some evenings and weekends.

Successful completion of pre-employment requirements, including urine drug screen, TB test, criminal background check, previous employment verification, and applicable background checks required by carceral authorities.

Valid Michigan Chauffeurs’ Driver’s license preferred, with favorable driving record to be re-evaluated at least every 6 months

Experience navigating within Macomb County, and within the Metro Detroit area.

Successful candidates must currently be certified as a CHW or will be required to complete the paraprofessional CHW Program within 180 days of hire.

Must obtain and maintain CPR (BLS) certification.

MyCare Health Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applicants will be considered for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other characteristics protected by applicable law.