Bilingual Community Health Worker (Haitian Creole)

Trenton Health Team Inc•Trenton, NJ

18h•Hybrid

About The Position

Trenton Health Team (THT) is an innovative multi-sector partnership dedicated to the health and well-being of the greater Trenton community. Nationally-recognized for results achieved over more than a decade of work, the collaborative is an innovative partnership among Capital Health, Henry J. Austin Health Center, the City of Trenton Department of Health and Human Services, and more than 100 community organizations. THT operates with a broad understanding of what health, health equity, and well-being mean for Trenton, as well as what activities and strategies will help address all the factors influencing a healthy city. Our shared Vision for a Healthy Trenton incorporates social determinants of health, defining a “healthy Trenton” that includes: Healthy Environment and Housing; Vibrant Public Spaces; Growing Economy; Healthy Food; Improved Safety; Equity and Social Cohesion; and Quality Healthcare. Every day, we care for low-income patients in our hospitals and doctors’ offices. We try our best to keep them feeling well so that they can live their lives to the fullest. However, life can be tough, making it harder for people to stay healthy and recover when they are sick. Patients have worries such as: “How will I get to the pharmacy to get my prescriptions filled?” “Who will watch my children while I go to the doctor?” and “Will I have food, transportation, and housing?” We believe that Community Health Workers (CHWs) possess the skills and experience to understand the challenges faced by low-income patients and support them through difficult times. CHWs are people who come from the communities they serve. CHWs act as caring neighbors to help patients address the social, medical, and community problems that lead to poor health. Serving both the English-speaking and bilingual community, their goal is to help patients deal with the ‘real life’ issues that keep them from staying healthy, help with the tasks of getting medical care, and work on health goals by doing things like planning healthy meals or finding time to exercise. Serve as the primary Trenton Health Team representative for individuals and communities whose preferred languages include Spanish and Haitian Creole. This is a 8-month grant-funded position starting October 1.

Requirements

Bilingual in written and spoken English and Haitian Creole
Excellent oral and written communication skills
Ability to carry out written and oral instructions
Ability to exercise judgment in the application of professional services
Engages effectively in home visits and community outreach
Proficient in computer data entry
Able and willing to work full-time
High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent
Ability to obtain NJDOH or Impact CHW Certification (or equivalent) within 6 months of hire
Some computer experience with proficiency in Google Apps suite, Microsoft Word and Excel, email, and web browsers.

Nice To Haves

Resident of Trenton with good knowledge of the resources of this community
Prior experience as an outreach worker
Associate's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience
Multilingual in written and spoken English, Spanish and Haitian Creole
Valid driver’s license with a driving record that complies with THT’s insurance carrier

Responsibilities

Makes initial outreach to patients identified for potential enrollment, explains THT’s programs, and engages with patients to encourage enrollment and participation.
Meets patients in a clinic, hospital, or at home and conducts a needs assessment, including helping patients to set health goals
Makes weekly follow-up calls and/or home visits to patients
Motivates patients to meet their health goals
Helps patients with social issues like homelessness, substance abuse, and hunger
Assists patients with organizing their records, making follow-up appointments, and filling prescriptions
Helps patients fill out applications for benefits like insurance and food stamps
Documents each patient encounter in detail
In collaboration with the Program Manager, Chief Health Officer, the client, and the client’s external healthcare and social service providers, develop and document the care plan.
Pick up and deliver medications or other appropriate equipment, supplies, or medications to clients as needed.
Provide translation and bilingual support across teams within THT
Prepares reports and documents as needed or requested
Attends and participates in regular team meetings
Assumes all other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Program Manager(s), Chief Health Officer, and Senior Leadership.