Community Health Worker

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Community Health Worker (CHW) provides culturally appropriate health education, information, outreach and navigation services to patients with chronic health conditions including type 2 diabetes (T2DM) The CHW assists patients with access to services specific to the funded project as well as other resources as applicable and available. The CHW supports providers through an integrated, team-based practice approach and provides social support and informal counseling, while advocating for individuals and community health needs. The CHW possesses a thorough understanding of community resources and culture to address the barriers to care, and to better tailor health messages.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Assist PI in development of protocol-specific tools to aid in study documentation
• Assess eligibility of research subjects in accordance with the approved protocol and all applicable regulations including HIPAA
• Serves as a liaison between the provider and community resources, including those that are the focus of the specific funded project, and the patient's community, family, and social context to facilitate connections across systems of care.
• Engages with patients identified and referred by UMass Chan.
• Meets with patients per the project's timeline and facilitate patient access to community resources. Conducts initial needs assessment, reviews the patient's history, and identifies the patient's goals and expectations;, facilitates referrals as appropriate.
• Works collaboratively with research team team to implement evidence-based study services to patients.
• Helps patients navigate the healthcare system and social service system.
• Educates patients about community resources and utilizes motivational enhancement techniques to promote health.
• Provides peer counseling and supports patients in establishing and achieving health goals.
• Addresses barriers to successful self-management and serves as advocate.
• Conducts active outreach efforts to encourage referral completion.
• Assists with data collection and milestone tracking for quality assurance, program evaluation and grant reporting.
• Develops a navigation plan with patients and research team.
• Monitors patients' progress and evaluates outcome, using a patient tracking system.
• Clearly and effectively facilitates communication between the patient, research team, care team,, and any external stakeholders maintaining appropriate confidentiality procedures and boundaries.
• Maintains accurate and up-to-date records and standardized data on all patients. Systematically reviews the caseload with the supervisor each week, focusing on new patients and patients who are having difficulties.
• Comply with established policies, health and safety regulations and requirements, procedures, and department objectives
• Maintain patient and study subject confidentiality
• Perform other duties as required

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Current Certification as a Community Health Worker or Peer Specialist or equivalent experience or education.
• 1- 3 years experience working in a community agency or health care setting.
• Strong interpersonal, facilitation, and leadership skills.
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a multidisciplinary health care team.
• Strong advocacy skills along with knowledge of community based services and resources.
• Willingness to embrace a patient-centered approach that recognizes an individual's preferences and autonomy.
• Comfort in working in both medical and social service settings.
• Willingness to complete training in motivational enhancement strategies.
• Ability to provide accurate feedback without judgment or discomfort.
• Flexibility to adapt to unforeseen needs or circumstances.
• Excels at problem solving and multi-tasking, organized, efficient and goal directed. Ability to maintain effective working relationships with patients/families and staff.
• Excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills.
• Effective use of the Internet and Microsoft Office programs such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.
• Ability to handle confidential information.