Housing First Community Health Worker for our Providence Office

GENERAL SUMMARY:

The WWHEZ Community Health Worker (CHW) is a peer who has experience in navigating Rhode Island's health system for themselves, a family member or through previous employment. This CHW will work with the Housing First Program, addressing the Social Determinants of Health for individuals who are currently experiencing housing instability. The CHW will be a critical part of a community outreach team providing support, resources, education and referrals. CHWs will engage with consumers in community settings providing person centered, culturally sensitive support, and building on the values, strengths and preferences of the patient. The CHW will also serve as an effective role model and mentor.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES/TASKS 

• Become knowledgeable of the Principles of Housing First evidenced based practice (training provided) and the practices of the housing First RI Program, as well as harm reduction and trauma-informed care.
• Assist residents of West Warwick who are high risk and underserved by addressing Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) as they related to Housing and COVID-19 health disparities
• Review and educate self and consumers on various benefits and resources that will work to assist the individual in gaining a greater quality of life.
• Assist the consumer in completion and submission of enrollment or benefit applications. Refer consumers to other services and public or private agencies for additional supports as needed.
• Utilizing motivational interviewing skills and culturally sensitive methods to collaborate with patients to explore preferred post-discharge supports and identify social determinants of health and/or areas of need within their community environment. Review care options including natural supports, home care services, medical equipment, adult day health programs, senior centers and assisted living communities.
• Maintain current on information about statewide housing services ranging from shelters, subsidized apartments and housing programs.
• Be familiar with Homeless service providers, resources for individuals who are homeless and be familiar with common places clients, who are homeless, are regularly found.
• Attend and complete Community Health Worker trainings as required by the grant.
• Maintain timely, accurate records, documentation, and reports as required.
• Actively participate and complete training and professional development activities.
• Assist in statewide system analysis, planning and coordination with state agencies, state and local boards, community-based organizations, and community rehabilitation programs.
• Schedule and maintain client hours sufficient to achieve individual / program billing targets.
• Participate in team meetings to ensure smooth coordination of client services and treatment.  Participate in regular supervision with supervisor.
• Provide crisis intervention and transport to BHLink and Hospitals as needed.
• Be willing to actively outreach engagement-challenged individuals out in the community.
• Accompany client to community appointments to assist them in successful completion of appointments and provide advocacy as needed.
• Assist in coordination and oversight of client's physical healthcare and needs.
• Review e-mail account daily for new messages, remain in contact with the team throughout the work day.
• Accept other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

• Ability to demonstrate sensitivity towards, relate to, form trusting connections with, and motivate consumers as a peer mentor and to address barriers to care, health and wellness
• Knowledge of Rhode Island health systems, terminology, supports, and services
• Demonstrated ability and skill to work collaboratively with co-workers, consumers, families, service providers, and health plans, etc.
• Skilled and/or willingness to learn and initiate motivational interviewing techniques with consumers
• Demonstrated prior success in accessing community-based resources in Rhode Island
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Excellent organizational skills to manage multiple priorities and tasks
• Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office/computer skills to enter data, prepare reports and correspondence

• High School diploma or GED
• Attained or working towards a bachelor's degree, or a combination of education, experience, and skills to effectively carry out responsibilities and assignments
• Personal experience navigating state and community services and programs on behalf of self or a family member
• Previous experience supporting families or individuals with special care needs or disabilities or families or individuals accessing health programs and services
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and as an effective team member
• Demonstrated experience working with diverse populations
• A combination of education and experience demonstrating acquisition of the skills and abilities required

CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS: 

• Valid driver's license and automobile insurance which meets Rhode Island minimum standards required, or the ability to obtain necessary transportation in order to perform the responsibilities/tasks of the job.
• Case Management /Community Support Professional Certification or working toward required. 
• Community Health Workers certification preferred; non-certified incumbents are expected to earn certification within 18 months of hire date.