Community Health Worker - Esperanza

HEALTH FEDERATION OF PHILADELPHIA•Philadelphia, PA

22d•$29 - $29•Hybrid

About The Position

Integrated Peer Models for Health Program (IPMH) is an established program of the Health Federation of Philadelphia that’s funded by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services to utilize and support Community Health Workers (CHWs) in serving populations facing multiple barriers to health and wellbeing, including behavioral health challenges, social drivers of health, and chronic disease, within the North Philadelphia Health Enterprise Zone (HEZ). The Community Health Worker will occupy a unique and exciting position that works with the IPMH Program Team to support North Philadelphia patients of the faith-based Federally Qualified Health Center, Esperanza Health Center. For several days a week, this CHW will serve as a trusted member of Esperanza Health Center’s integrated care team and work directly with patients who can benefit from supportive behavioral health interventions to reach their wellness goals. The CHW will work alongside the Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) team, clinical teams, and social support networks to offer sustained supportive services, build trust, and ensure patients with complex health and social needs receive culturally responsive, linguistically appropriate, and community-based care. This position is part-time, 30 hours or 4 days/week and supported by grant funding for the next 2 years.

Requirements

H.S. Diploma/GED required
Current Community Health Worker or Peer Support/Recovery Specialist Certification(s)
Bilingual Spanish/English language proficiency required
Previous experience as a CHW, Certified Peer Specialist/Certified Recovery Specialist, or similar role required
Experience working within behavioral health settings preferred
Lived experience in or deep understanding of North Philadelphia communities
Passion for learning, health equity, and social justice
Strong interpersonal and communication skills; ability to develop positive, longitudinal relationships, build trust, and establish rapport.
Comfort meeting patients in person and making regular phone calls
Ability to maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries.
Demonstrated leadership qualities, including time management, listening skills, problem-solving, critical thinking and decision-making, priority setting, and work organization.
Experience with completing administrative tasks, data entry, and navigating medical record systems is strongly preferred
Experience using tools like Microsoft Office and Google Suite is a plus, and the ability to learn new technology tools is essential
Familiar with local community resources and social service systems
Demonstrated ability to work independently
Willingness to work within a Christian faith-based healthcare institution several days/week

Nice To Haves

Current Community Health Worker or Peer Support/Recovery Specialist Certification(s)
Experience working within behavioral health settings preferred
Lived experience in or deep understanding of North Philadelphia communities
Experience with completing administrative tasks, data entry, and navigating medical record systems is strongly preferred
Experience using tools like Microsoft Office and Google Suite is a plus, and the ability to learn new technology tools is essential

Responsibilities

Attend and actively participate in required Community Health Worker trainings and onboarding activities for the Health Federation and Esperanza Health Center.
Conduct social needs screenings using standardized tools and assess client needs related to housing, food, transportation, employment, childcare, healthcare access, and other social services.
Provide referrals to healthcare providers and community-based resources.
Support patients with “warm handoffs,” including making direct contacts with service providers, and scheduling appointments.
Accompany patients to appointments when needed (e.g., social service intakes).
Follow up to ensure successful connection and satisfaction with referred services.
Collaborate with care team members to walk alongside and support patients through their wellness journey.
Reinforce care plans and provide additional navigation or advocacy support.
Help educate patients about available services, health system navigation, and community resources.
Engage in monthly CHW learning collaborative sessions for professional development and peer learning.
Share insights, challenges, and success stories to improve service delivery and relay community impact.
Comply with all applicable laws and regulations, including those governing participant privacy and data security (e.g., the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act [HIPAA])
Participate in data collection and reporting
Additional duties and responsibilities as assigned