Maniilaq Association
10/24
Title: Community Health Worker – Sexual Health and Syndemic Range: 14
Program: Medical Staff Status: Non-Exempt
Housing Priority: None Covered: Yes
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Community Health Worker (CHW) directly impacts individuals, families, and the community by providing health education and promotion. The CHR will increase community understanding, reduce stigma, and link persons to resources. The CHW will be an accessible, knowledgeable, empathetic, trusted, and supportive source of knowledge for all community members.
The CHW works closely with other medical and social service providers to provide patient education and care coordination. Works in both clinical and community-based settings, including clients' homes. Travel to villages as assigned to provide impact services. Community Health Worker (CHW) must work under close supervision and travel with a PHN II/III for the duration of work plan. Reports Directly to the Medical Director or Designee.
PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Provides education to communities and patients on syndemic related issues such as sexual health, reproductive health, HIV, hepatitis C virus (HCV), sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and substance use disorder (SUD).
2. Actively identify opportunities for education, events, and outreach for the general community, schools, and other groups.
3. Work closely with the PHN, CHWs, and CHAPs to identify, and if necessary adapt, syndemic educational materials such as posters, brochures, digital media for use with schools, communities, and individuals.
4. Liaison with advisory committees, Elder focus groups, and other stakeholders as needed.
5. Link patients and community members to resources for sexual health.
6. Link patients and community members to testing services in facilities, point of care testing, and mail such as I Know Mine. Perform point-of-care tests and follow up in collaboration with Public Health Nursing.
7. Organize community events that raise awareness of syndemic related issues in a way that is relevant and effective for the local community.
8. Help ensure that healthcare incorporates safe and confidential spaces for counseling and services of sexual health and syndemic-related conditions.
9. Provides feedback to medical and social providers of potential barriers to accessing care for patients such as youth, LGTBQ, persons who use drugs, and other groups who may experience stigma.
10. Assists clients in their homes, community, or clinic setting. Helps patients identify socio-economic issues that affect their overall health and develop health/social management plans and goals.
11. Coaches patients in effective management of their health conditions and self-care. Assists patient in understanding care plans and instructions. Motivates patients/clients to be active and engaged participants in their health and overall wellbeing.
12. Assists clients in accessing health related services, including but not limited to: obtaining a medical home, providing instruction on appropriate use of the medical home, overcoming barriers to obtaining needed medical care and /or social services.
13. Provides support and advocacy when necessary to assure clients' medical needs and referrals required are being conveyed. Follows up with both clients and providers regarding health/social services plans..
14. Facilitates communication and coordinate services between providers and the clients/patients. Coordinates and monitors services, including comprehensive tracking of clients' compliance in relation to care plan objectives.
15. Act as a patient advocate and liaison between the patient/family and community service agencies, and provide feedback
16. Follow – up with patients via phone calls, home visits and visits to other settings where patients can be found.
17. Travels extensively to client homes, community locations, various agencies, and other outreach destinations.
18. Responsible for establishing trusting relationships with patients and their families while providing general support and encouragement.
19. Maintain a high level of integrity and discretion in handling confidential information.
20. Performs other job-related duties as assigned.
21. Documents all client encounters and contracts made on behalf of clients; completes and submits monthly reports; maintains comprehensive electronic client files, which include client notes, release of information, assessments and other medical documents acquired on behalf of the client. Documents activities, service plans, and outcomes achieved by client in an effective manner.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
High school diploma or GED; at least 1 year of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified preferred. Any combination of 3 years health/social services experience and/or education preferred. Ability to effectively and comfortably communicate on sensitive topics such as sexual health. Ability to preserve and respect confidentiality in small communities. Strong interpersonal communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community. Knowledge of community agencies and resources. Working knowledge of multi-system outreach programs related to health care delivery, clinical education, and health-related services. Ability to plan, implement, and evaluate individual client care plans. Knowledge of transportation and other barriers to care that may be encountered by client. Ability to communicate medical information to health care professionals and care coordinators over the telephone. Skill in use of personal computers and related software applications, including e-mail. Skill in organizing resources and establishing priorities. Creative and analytical thinking. High familiarity or lived experience with syndemic related issues such as sexual health, HIV, Hepatitis, Substance Use Disorder, although training will be provided on these topics.
DISCLAIMER
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be considered an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel in this job, and the employer reserves the right to revise or change this description. This description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to satisfactorily perform each of the above essential duties and meet physical demands. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to meet those conditions.
