Community Health Worker (CHW) School Based Health Center

Greater Lawrence Family Health Center•Lawrence, MA

4d•$19 - $23•Onsite

About The Position

GLFHC is looking for a Community Health Worker (CHW) at our School-Based Health Center (SBHC) to play a key role in promoting the health and wellness of students by providing outreach, education, Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) screening and referral to community resources and support to students, of Lawrence High School. The CHW works closely with SBHC providers, school staff, and community based organizations to ensure that students and their families have access to the social and health services they need.

Requirements

High School Diploma or GED required
At least two years of experience in a health-related role or working with youth and/or the community.
Bilingual/bicultural (English/Spanish)
Experience working in a school setting or with children/adolescents.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to connect with students, families, and school staff.
Strong knowledge of community resources, healthcare systems, and social services.
Ability to work independently, manage multiple tasks, and maintain confidential information.
Strong computer skills for documentation and reporting.
Critical thinking skills
Cultural Competency; i.e. sensitivity and understanding of diverse cultural, social, and economic backgrounds.

Nice To Haves

Certification as a Community Health Worker preferred or will obtain it within one year of hire
Certified Application Counselor or will obtain certification within one six (6) months of hire
BLS Certification required.

Responsibilities

Build trusting relationships with students to encourage participation in health services.
Conduct outreach to identify students who may benefit from health services, including those with chronic conditions, mental health needs, or social determinants of health impacting their well-being.
Collaborate with school staff to identify and engage students who may require health interventions.
Provide health education to students on topics such as safe sex, HIV, Hep C, STIs, OEND as needed.
Facilitate group workshops and/or one-on-one sessions to educate students and their families on understanding health resources, and promoting wellness.
Serve as a resource for information on topics such as healthy lifestyles, substance abuse prevention, reproductive health, and social determinants of health.
Conducts screening for Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) on patients at defined internals using organizational approved Health Related Need Screening (HRNS) tool
Identifies interventions to address positive SDoH screens
Addresses SDoH by referring patients and family to culturally responsive community resources
Helps patient and family access community and government-based services.
Find resources for clients and family
Coordinates care between patients and family and multiple community resources
Engages (outreaches) with patients between visits either by phone, home, or community visits
Schedules appointments and conducts appointment reminders according to patient’s preference
Engages with community agencies to build relationships to support patient
Helps navigate the health insurance system; ensure s/he understands the insurance process
Provides patients and their family with social support
Uses strategies such as motivational interviewing, harm reduction, and strengths-based approaches to support members in attaining stated goals
Educates patients and families how to utilize mobile devices or computers for telehealth appointments.
Ensures appropriate documentation of visits and activities with EHR; documents visit, phone calls and any contact.
Performs chart reviews
Complies with all applicable organizational and departmental policies
Other duties as assigned
Provide follow-up with students and families to ensure continuity of care and address any barriers to accessing services.
Support students in understanding their health needs and help them build skills to
Maintain accurate records of student interactions, health education activities, and referrals made.
Collect and report data as required by the health center and funding sources, ensuring confidentiality and compliance with school and health center policies.
Participate in regular meetings with health center staff to discuss student needs, program goals, and improvement opportunities.
Develop relationships with community partners to expand available resources and services for students and families.
Coordinate and/or attends events or initiatives within the school to promote health and wellness, such as health fairs, sporting events, immunization drives, parent education sessions or student orientation.