Community Health Worker

Job Code: CHW - 111
Revised: January 12, 2024

Starting Salary: $18.59 hourly; $38,672 annually

FLSA: Non-Exempt

Overview

We are an agency committed to innovative behavioral health services in trauma-informed care that promote healing and recovery to instill a sense of empowerment and foster a lifelong sense of resilience.

General Description

The purpose of the Community Health Worker (CHW) is to work primarily in the community to provide for increased opportunities to substance users, including opioid users, to reduce harms related to substance use; increase retention in substance use and mental health services; help individuals address medical needs and help individuals who desire change to build a foundation for their recovery. Targeted population are individuals who use substances, including populations who are marginalized or stigmatized experiencing housing instability or homelessness inject substances, live with or at risk of Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) or Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), experience greater barriers to entering treatment or recovery services, and those seeking to enhance their recovery capital and maintain their recovery from substance use disorders.

This class works under general supervision, independently developing work methods and sequences.

Duties and Responsibilities

The functions listed below are those that represent the majority of the time spent working in this position. Management may assign additional functions related to the type of work of the position as necessary.

• Engage in assertive outreach in locations and times where eligible populations are likely to be found.
• Distribute Opioid Reversal Kits
• Distribute other harm reduction tools that may include but not limited to; substance use harm reduction tools including syringe cleaning kits with bleach, Pre-Exposure Prophylactic treatment (PrEP) education and information, condoms, lubricants, safer sex tools, wound care kits and hygiene kits and/or other health care kits.
• Promote and encourage entry into substance use disorder and/or mental health services including intervention, treatment, or recovery by providing linkage and support.
• Provide information, referrals, linkage and support to other services and community resources to help individuals in the eligible population improve their lives.
• Refer to other System Agency-funded programs as appropriate.
• Promote and encourage entry into medical services including HIV, HCV, HBV, TB and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) testing or treatment.
• Use Motivational Interviewing techniques and skills when appropriate to help individuals enhance their confidence and motivation for change.
• Provide group facilitation as needed.
• Must be knowledgeable and able to discuss topics such as communicable diseases associated with substance use, and topics that touch on sexuality. Be knowledgeable and competent in discussing opioid overdose and be able to demonstrate ability to train individuals to use overdose reversal medication and harm reduction materials.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

Requires High School Diploma or GED. Associate's degree preferred supplemented by one (1) year of experience as a Community Health Worker; or possession of any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Required Knowledge and Abilities

Knowledge of trauma-informed theories, principles, and practices (includes multi-faceted understanding of concepts such as community trauma, intergenerational and historical trauma, parallel processes, and universal precautions), preferred.

Physical Demands

Performs sedentary work that involves walking or standing some of the time and involves exerting up to 10 pounds of force on a regular and recurring basis or sustained keyboard operations.

Unavoidable Hazards (Work Environment)

• Involves routine and frequent exposure to:
• Bright/dim light; Dusts and pollen.
• Extreme heat and/or cold; Wet or humid conditions.
• Extreme noise levels, Animals/wildlife.
• Vibration; Fumes and/or noxious odors.
• Traffic; Moving machinery.
• Electrical shock; Heights.
• Violence.
• Other extreme hazards not listed above.

Special Certifications and Licenses

• Requires Community Health Worker (CHW) Certification.
• Must possess and maintain a valid state Driver's License with an acceptable driving record.
• Must be able to pass a TB, criminal background and drug screen.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Compliance

Emergence Health Network is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ADA requires Emergence Health Network to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss ADA accommodations with management.

Other Job Characteristics

• Staffing requirements, including criteria that staff have diverse disciplinary backgrounds, have necessary State required license and accreditation, and are culturally and linguistically trained to serve the needs of the clinic's patient population.
• Credentialed, certified, and licensed professionals with adequate training in person-centered, family centered, trauma informed, culturally- competent and recovery-oriented care.
• Responsible for adhering to the EHN common purpose and service framework to continuously provide exceptional care to all constituents.

Note: This Class Description does not constitute an employment agreement between the Emergence Health Network and an employee and is subject to change by the Emergence Health Network as its needs change.