Community Health Worker – Street Medicine Program
About The Position
Penn State Health is seeking a compassionate and resourceful Community Health Worker (CHW) to support the development and implementation of a new Street Medicine Program serving individuals experiencing unsheltered homelessness and other vulnerable populations. The CHW will serve as a trusted bridge between the healthcare system and the community by conducting outreach, building relationships with individuals living outdoors or in unstable housing, helping patients navigate medical and social services, and supporting interdisciplinary street medicine teams in delivering care directly where people live. Candidates with lived experience of homelessness, housing instability, substance use recovery, justice involvement, or navigating complex social systems are strongly encouraged to apply.
Requirements
- Strong interpersonal communication and relationship-building skills
- Ability to work independently in community settings and as part of an interdisciplinary team
- Commitment to working with vulnerable and marginalized populations using a trauma-informed and harm-reduction approach
- Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation, or ability to travel to outreach locations
- Bachelor's Degree
- 1+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted
Nice To Haves
- Prior experience as a Community Health Worker, peer support specialist, outreach worker, case manager, EMT, medical assistant, or social service worker
- Experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness, serious mental illness, substance use disorders, or poverty
- Knowledge of local community resources and social service systems
- Bilingual language skills (English and Spanish)
- Lived experience with homelessness or housing instability
- CHW certification or willingness to obtain certification
Responsibilities
- Conduct street outreach alongside clinical and interdisciplinary street medicine teams
- Build trusting relationships with individuals experiencing homelessness or housing instability
- Assist patients in accessing healthcare, behavioral health services, housing resources, insurance, identification documents, transportation, food assistance, and other social supports
- Help coordinate follow-up appointments and continuity of care after emergency department visits or hospitalizations
- Serve as a patient advocate and provide trauma-informed support
- Participate in case discussions and care coordination meetings
- Document outreach encounters and patient interactions in accordance with program policies
- Assist with community partnership development with shelters, faith organizations, social service agencies, and local government organizations
- Provide culturally responsive and nonjudgmental engagement with patients from diverse backgrounds
- Support distribution of basic supplies including hygiene kits, weather-related gear, food, and harm reduction materials as appropriate
- Assist in identifying barriers to care and opportunities for program improvement
- Participate in program development activities as the street medicine initiative expands
- Facilitate collection of identification documents and applications for health insurance
Benefits
- Comprehensive medical coverage
- Dental coverage
- Vision coverage
- Robust retirement plans
- Substantial paid time off (holidays, vacation, sick time)
- 75% tuition discount for employees, eligible spouses, and children
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
