Community Health Worker

POSITION SUMMARY:

A Community Health Worker (CHW) is a trusted member of the community who helps promote and maintain stable health and wellness for families, through connecting hospital, home-based, and community-based services. The Wellness and Recovery after Psychosis (WRAP) CHW is responsible for providing advocacy and education around psychosis care; partnering with patients to establish and enact health goals; facilitating access to and coordination among internal and external resources; monitoring patients' progress; and problem-solving with patients, families, and caregivers to increase engagement in outpatient psychosis care. The CHW will play a crucial part in decreasing barriers to accessing first-episode psychosis clinical care, contributing to the overall effectiveness of the WRAP program's initiatives. 

Position: Community Health Worker

Department: Psychiatry Research

Schedule: 40 Hours (Days)

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES / DUTIES:

Patient Connection, Navigation, & Education: 

• Serve as a central contact for first-episode psychosis (FEP) team members to help patients navigate the many systems encountered during the recovery journey. 

• Develop FEP CHW referral process for FEP team members and community health centers in collaboration with WRAP leadership. 

• Offer psychosis psychoeducation for patients and families in accessible and culturally relevant language. 

• Work with patients and families/caregivers to set WRAP clinic visit cadence with shared decision making. Facilitates the scheduling of visits and additional testing/procedures, such as primary care appointments, etc.  

• Perform THRIVE screener with FEP patients and families/caregivers and provide referrals to relevant community resources.  

• Follow-up with patients and families/caregivers at regular intervals to problem-solve around any barriers to care.

• Assist patients and families/caregivers in identifying and accessing community support services. 

Resource Management: 

• Design culturally relevant educational materials for FEP patients and families/caregivers around psychosis treatment  

• Maintain and update resource directory, ensuring clinical team members have access to accurate and current psychosis-specific community resources. 

• Identify resources for financial assistance, medication needs, home health care, insurance questions, transportation, and other concerns.  

• Documents barriers to care and develop new plans for resource connections, ensuring a collaborative approach for psychosis treatment. 

Community Engagement and Leadership: 

• Serve as a liaison between communities and the Wellness and Recovery after Psychosis (WRAP) clinical program. 

• Attend local community health fairs and community groups. 

• Enhance community residents' ability to communicate effectively with health care providers. 

• Advocate for individual and community mental health. 

Training and Development: 

• Participate in trainings on first-episode psychosis. 

• Participate in training in the 10 Core Competencies for Massachusetts community health workers. 

• Use training to enhance patient care strategies. 

JOB REQUIREMENTS: 

EDUCATION:

High school diploma or GED required, Bachelor's Preferred

EXPERIENCE:

2-5 years of prior healthcare, public health, or community-based experience in community setting

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills. 

• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams and stakeholders. 

• A commitment to improving community mental health outcomes and addressing social determinants of health. 

• Willingness to undergo training in psychosis education and treatment and team-based approach to care. 

Why Join Us? This role offers a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact on community mental health by enhancing patient support and fostering collaborative care. As a CHW, you will be at the forefront of innovative mental healthcare strategies that directly benefit our patients and the community. 

Application Process: Interested candidates should submit their resume and a cover letter detailing their relevant experience and motivation for applying. We look forward to welcoming a passionate CHW to our WRAP team 

Equal Opportunity Employer/Disabled/Veterans

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