Community Health Worker I

Mass General Brigham•Boston, MA

2d•$18 - $26•Hybrid

About The Position

This is a part-time position for someone interested in helping patients with complex psychiatric, medical and social problems improve their access and utilization of psychiatric/health care services. A Community Health Worker (CHW) is a trusted member of the community who helps patients better access and coordinate their psychiatric care. We believe that CHWs have the skills and experience to understand what patients are going through and help them address the social and medical problems that lead to poor health. The goal of a community health worker is to assist the most high-risk patients with the tasks of getting psychiatric/medical care, working on health goals (such as arranging care, filling medication prescriptions, planning healthy meals, or finding time to exercise), and to help them deal with the “real-life” issues that keep them from staying healthy. Although a CHW is not in a clinical role, having the capacity to learn basic clinical concepts in order to identify when a referral to a licensed clinician is appropriate is an important skill. The CHW will work with patients receiving care at Brigham and Women’s Hospital outpatient psychiatric clinic. CHWs are integrated into the outpatient psychiatric team, serving as a bridge between the team and patients in the community. As a CHW in our department, you will develop trusting working relationships with your patients and be supported by a psychiatric team that includes social workers, nurses and psychiatrists.

Requirements

Local community resident with good knowledge of the resources of the community.
Prior experience as a community health worker, health coach or outreach worker desired; health care experience a plus but not required.
Demonstrated commitment to impacting the care of high risk patients.
Solid knowledge of the Core Competencies for CHWs (as identified by Massachusetts, Department of Public Health): Outreach Methods and Strategies - Client and Community Assessment Effective Communication Culturally Based Communication and Care Health Education for Behavioral Change Support, Advocate and Coordinate Care for Clients Apply Public Health Concepts and Approaches Community Capacity Building Writing and Technical Communication Skills Special Topics in Community Health
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Ability to carry out written and oral instructions.
Ability to exercise judgment in the application of professional services.
Self-motivated.
Ability to work both independently and as a team member in multicultural settings.
Detail-oriented with the ability to multi-task.
Ability to plan and structure workday.
Comfortable with community visits and outreach.
Strong time management, organizational and planning skills.
Must have two references.
Must successfully pass a background check and pre-employment physical exam.
Must be willing to commit to the full time period of employment.
Proficient in all Microsoft Applications, including MS Word and Exel.
Able to perform computer data entry.
Able to navigate virtual care platforms, like Zoom and Doximity.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree preferred.
Spanish speaking preferred.
Prior experience using motivational interviewing a plus but not required.

Responsibilities

Provide community health work services for patients identified as high-risk due to psychiatric or psychosocial challenges.
Attend initial and continuing education training programs including self-directed reading and in-person and online learning.
Work with patient and interdisciplinary team to set goals for patient’s care.
Meet patients in the emergency department, primary care clinic or hospital to reinforce and advance patient goals.
Coordinate resources for identified problems including community mental health services, homelessness, substance abuse and food insecurity.
Make weekly follow-up calls to patients.
Motivate patients to meet their health goals.
Provide culturally sensitive services to patients from different cultures.
Assist patients with organizing their records, making follow-up appointments, and filling their prescriptions.
Help patients fill out applications for Medical Assistance and SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program).
Provide advocacy, patient education and support in accessing community-based and hospital-based programs.
Refer to internal or external care management services when other issues are identified (i.e., food insecurity, domestic violence, etc.)
Develop and maintain strong working relationships with the social worker, nurse, psychiatrist and health center behavioral health team.
Document each patient encounter in detail.
Prepare reports and documents as needed or requested.
Attend a clinical team meeting with program supervisors.
Other duties as reasonably assigned.