Community Health Ambassador, Infectious Diseases Research

Position: Community Health Ambassador, Infectious Diseases Research

Location: Boston, MA

Schedule: Per Diem

POSITION SUMMARY:

A Community Health Ambassador (CHA) is a trusted member of the community who helps individuals to better access and coordinate their health care.  The CHA assists identified individuals with the tasks of getting medical care, working on health goals (such as arranging care, planning healthy meals, or finding time to exercise), and to help them deal with "real-life" issues that keep them from staying healthy.  The CHA collaborates with other team members to conduct needs assessments to identify and respond to barriers to health and wellness. 

The CHA will support this research study and initiatives under the NIH-funded Massachusetts Community Engagement Alliance (MA-CEAL) Program. This study focuses on chronic diseases (e.g. diabetes and hypertension) intervention among residents of Boston's public housing developments and Trinity Management. The CHA will work closely with the team and will serve as the main liaison for one of the intervention groups of the study. The CHA will cultivate relationships with participants to understand and support them in managing their chronic disease through healthy eating and physical activity. The CHA will connect with the participants in person and by phone. Collects and completes research data in a standardized format.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Initiates telephonic or face-to-face contact with eligible patients to describe role, explain program benefits and begin assessment process.

• Schedules and completes initial assessment, and follow up study visits and phone calls for enrolled participants within specified timeframes. 

• Provides key educational information in-person and over the phone. Clearly documents all activities in the study database.

• Increases awareness of chronic diseases in the community.

• Reinforces educational messages regarding chronic disease prevention and management by linking clients with supportive community services and programs.

• Records and monitors the participants' progress toward goals within specific timeframes.  Documents relevant study visit activities.

• Communicates with participants and follows up with them by connecting them to the care they need.

• Participates with other staff in activities, including community outreach, presentations to community organizations, development of materials, and phone calls.

• Provides support in accessing community-based and hospital-based programs.

• Demonstrates sensitivity and respect for the culture of the patient.

• Participates in regular training activities.

• Attends regularly scheduled supervision and other program assigned meetings.

• Presents study participants at review meetings succinctly and logically.  Consults with experts regarding complex participant situations, demonstrating an understanding of how to solicit and incorporate feedback in order to continuously develop the most optimal plan for care.

• Prepares reports and documents as needed or requested.

• Demonstrates the ability to function within an inter-disciplinary team), connecting the participants with resources as needed.

• Provide general administrative duties including assisting with scheduling follow up appointments for participants, making reminder phone calls, and maintaining contacts and study database.

• CHAs should be available by phone, email, in-person to assist participants, link to care and resources.

Must adhere to all of BMC's RESPECT behavioral standards.

(The above statements in this job description are intended to depict the general nature and level of work assigned to the employee(s) in this job.  The above is not intended to represent an exhaustive list of accountable duties and responsibilities required).

JOB REQUIREMENTS

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• High School Diploma or GED required, Bachelor's Degree is plus

PREFERRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Community-based experience in community setting.

• Equivalent education above a High School Diploma may be substituted for experience

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES (KSAs)

• Excellent English communication skills (oral and written).

• Bilingual preferred (Spanish and English).

• Outstanding interpersonal skills of foremost importance to interact with families and patients.

• Interest in community health and outreach.

• Cultural sensitivity and comfort with a wide range of social, racial and ethnic populations.

• Organizational ability to perform multiple tasks efficiently and to prioritize duties.

• Understanding of language, culture and socioeconomic circumstances and desire to work with diverse, inner city population.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (i.e. MS Word, Excel, Outlook) and web browsers. 

This research project is located within the Section of Infectious Diseases at Boston Medical Center and involves collaboration with partners across the Boston University Medical Campus, other universities, and community organizations. 

Ideally the CHA will be Bilingual (English and Spanish.)

This is a per diem position; 5-15 hours per week.

We prefer that the CHA be a resident of one of the following housing developments:

• Mildred C. Hailey Apartments

• West Broadway

• Alice H. Taylor Apartments

• Archdale

• Gallivan Boulevard

• South Street

Boston Medical Center is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. If you need accommodation for any part of the application process because of a medical condition or disability, please send an e-mail to  or call to let us know the nature of your request.

This research project is located within the Section of Infectious Diseases at Boston Medical Center and involves collaboration with partners across the Boston University Medical Campus, other universities, and community organizations. 

The CHA must be fluent in English and or Spanish. (Bilingual preferred English and Spanish)

This is a per diem position; 5-15 hours per week.

The CHA is preferred to be a resident of one of these developments:

• Mildred C. Hailey Apartments
• West Broadway
• Alice H. Taylor Apartments
• Archdale
• Gallivan Boulevard
• South Street

Equal Opportunity Employer/Disabled/Veterans

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