Community Health Worker

Caminar • San Jose, CA

50d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Community Health Worker at Caminar plays a critical role in supporting individuals on their journey to wellness by promoting preventative health practices, connecting clients to essential services, and addressing the social determinants of health. This position serves clients by supporting behavioral health, chronic disease management, and other health-related needs through culturally competent outreach and care coordination, particularly for those impacted by substance use, mental health conditions, justice involvement, and poverty.

Requirements

• Community Health Worker Certificate or Registered Alcohol and Drug Technician (CCAPP) and commitment to enroll and complete a CHW training within the first year of employment (required)
• High School Diploma/GED (required)
• Interpersonal skills to promote positive interactions with clients and health care professionals.
• Interviewing skills to assess clients’ needs.
• Strong oral communication skills to convey health information in an easy to understand manner.
• Problem-solving ability to help overcome obstacles to accessing health care.
• Experience in outreach, case management, or similar role in health or social services
• Experience working within the Santa Clara County –Department of Behavioral Health Services system preferred.
• Working knowledge of community health worker/peer support services.
• Knowledge of the criminal justice system.
• Basic understanding of medical terminology, human anatomy, and common conditions and treatments.
• Knowledge of mental health and substance abuse recovery principles and resources; including Co-occurring disorders and trauma informed treatment.
• Knowledge of cultural stigmas of counseling and treatment services.
• Knowledge of principles and techniques of social work, case management, crisis intervention, client centered counseling, and group facilitation.
• Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, specifically Word Outlook and internet applications.
• Must be able to meet and receive a criminal records clearance, as required by Title XXII, other licensing regulations, and Caminar practices.
• This position may require limited, occasional, or frequent driving. If required, a valid California driver's license, a reliable personal vehicle, and current personal auto insurance is required by law. In addition, an MVR sufficient to obtain and maintain insurability under agency auto liability policies are all essential job requirements.
• Must be able to pass post offer, pre-employment medical and drug tests as required under State Community Care Licensing regulations and/or agency policies.
• If applicable, a personal cell phone with reliable service and a data plan to use for business purposes.
• May be required to obtain and maintain First Aid and CPR certification.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelors in counseling, social work, or related field (preferred)
• Bilingual Spanish preferred

Responsibilities

• Provide preventive health education, referral, and navigation services to Medi-Cal members receiving outpatient substance use and behavioral health care.
• Assist clients in accessing medical, dental, behavioral health, and social services, including housing, transportation, and food assistance.
• Deliver culturally responsive outreach services to underserved communities impacted by challenges of homelessness, substance use, and reentry from the criminal justice system.
• Support clients through paraprofessional counseling in managing chronic conditions, preventing disease progression, and understanding treatment plans.
• Promote awareness and facilitate access to services for perinatal care, oral health, reproductive health, aging, and environmental health issues.
• Serve as a trusted liaison between clients, care teams, and community resources, building rapport through lived experience and cultural alignment.
• Engage in domestic and violence prevention efforts through education and referral services.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including clinicians, counselors, and case managers, to support holistic, client-centered care.
• Collaborate with established community organizations to identify needs within designated populations and support the development of services that address these needs while minimizing duplication of efforts.
• Maintain accurate documentation and reporting in compliance with Medi-Cal, program, and agency standards.
• Conducts community outreach and education workshops.
• Attends required trainings and meetings.
• Support clinical team with planning and facilitating outreach events as assigned.
• Will provide off-site services in the community at local shelters and other community based organizations.
• Driving clients to support with clinical needs/or participate in rehabilitative activities in personal vehicle (i.e., driving client to social services department or driving client to a social recovery event while providing community health support).
• Work collaboratively with Client’s care team to support the client’s health and recovery goals.
• Ensure all support service sessions are thoroughly and promptly documented.
• Maintain accurate records by entering documentation into various electronic systems for all caseload clients in accordance with guidelines established by Caminar to satisfy internal and external evaluation requirements.
• May participate in Community Health Worker Chart/ Utilization Reviews for preparation of program audits as needed and/or appropriate.
• Be responsive and proactive in all correspondence with referring parties, judges, probation and parole officers, social workers, and the Quality Improvement Dept. via treatment status reports, phone calls, faxes, etc. as appropriate.
• Will work with care team to provide informed, written status reports to the above entities as appropriate.
• Will assist in providing written progress reports/narratives to Senior Clinical Program Manager or Directors as requested.
• Coordinate referrals to Caminar Mental Health and/or Substance Use Treatment Programs.
• Provide direct community outreach and health educational workshops, groups or programs to targeted populations.
• Participate in outreach events.
• Maintain comprehensive documentation for data collection; and provide statistical data and/or reports.
• Meet or exceed outreach performance measures expectations, and other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Health coverage choices to fit you and your family’s needs. A zero-cost option for employee only and generous contributions to employee and dependent premiums.
• Flexible Spending Account Receive tax savings on out-of-pocket health care costs.
• Employee Wellness Program We’ll reimburse you for a portion of your gym/fitness dues.
• Life, Long-term Disability, and AD&D Insurance Provided at no cost to our full-time employees. Includes an option to purchase additional life coverage for both employees and dependents.
• Paid Time Off We offer thirteen paid holidays and a generous sick and vacation benefit.
• 401(K) Retirement Savings Plan We offer options for both pre-tax and post-tax (Roth) contributions. The plan also offers an employer match on eligible employee deferrals at one year of service.
• Commuter Benefits Commuting to work each day can be expensive. Receive tax savings on your commuting costs!
• Employee Assistance Program For whatever issue you might face, our Life Assistance Program offers free, confidential assistance at no cost to you.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED