Community Health Worker: HIV Services

Community Health Care • Millville, NJ

1d • $16 - $22 • Onsite

About The Position

Community Health Workers (CHWs) play a crucial role in improving the lives of individuals by providing comprehensive, high-quality healthcare. They act as trained community members who offer trust-based information and education, help clients navigate the healthcare system, and strategize to manage their health within complex life circumstances. CHWs are peer role models with shared experiences, trained to enhance client retention and medication adherence/viral suppression. Common tasks include reminder calls, appointment check-ins, and accompaniment to various appointments (medical, legal, social services, SSI). They also conduct community outreach and home visits, which may not be feasible for other staff due to caseloads and office-based duties.

Requirements

• Passion for improving the health and quality of life of people living with HIV/AIDS.
• Demonstrated knowledge of HIV/AIDS and HIV medical care services in their region of NJ.
• Interest and ability to expand knowledge through training.
• Knowledge of regional community resources/services.
• Ability to assess clients for needs related to treatment education, risk reduction, and prevention.
• Demonstrated experience with issues related to HIV care and treatment.
• Familiarity with issues that put people at risk for poorer health (e.g., homelessness, incarceration, domestic violence, substance abuse).
• Strong communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct sensitive, empathetic interviews and conversations that respect client dignity and diversity.
• Ability to engage staff and clients in a supportive and empowering way.
• Ability to help manage conflict.
• Ability to work effectively within a team.
• Ability to maintain client records, extract relevant demographic and disease information, and adhere to privacy and confidentiality protocols.
• Basic computer skills.
• Personal qualities including energy, intelligence, integrity, diplomacy, sound practical judgment, ability to work independently with less supervision, ability to work effectively in a busy environment, and interpersonal skills to work effectively in partnership with other program staff and agency personnel.
• Resourcefulness, good judgment, and decision-making skills.
• A high school diploma or GED.
• A valid driver’s license.

Nice To Haves

• Associates degree in health or social services.
• 2+ years of experience in providing HIV services.
• Experience in sexually transmitted infection screening, treatment, and education.
• Demonstrated knowledge of LGBT health related concerns and experience in providing medical care in LGBT communities.
• Bilingual (Spanish/English) preferred.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a CHW model integrated into the multidisciplinary medical team.
• Identify individuals who are HIV-positive but not in HIV medical care through referrals and by utilizing organizational information about missed appointments.
• Conduct case finding and community outreach to engage out-of-care clients or those who have never accessed care.
• Build trust and confidence with clients.
• Provide accurate information about living with HIV, preventing transmission, the benefits and challenges of HIV care and treatment, and available services.
• Offer personalized assistance to help clients enroll or re-engage in medical care.
• Accompany clients to medical and social service appointments, coordinating and assisting with transportation.
• Facilitate referrals and follow-up with mental health providers.
• Provide treatment adherence education and support.
• Educate and assist clients in understanding what materials to bring or questions to ask to facilitate access to needed services (e.g., obtaining an ID card, health insurance applications, other social support services).
• Support clients in the early stages of care alongside case managers and clinical staff to ensure full participation, education, and self-advocacy.
• Help clients develop confidence in their participation in HIV treatment.
• Collaborate with case managers to assist clients in identifying services for aspects of their lives that affect their health (e.g., mental health, substance abuse treatment, housing, education, employment).
• Ensure all patient interaction information is properly documented and accessible to the care team.
• Conduct weekly/regular check-in calls for encouragement, appointment reminders, and rescheduling missed appointments.
• Comply with all program protocols, including client information confidentiality.
• Complete all mandatory program trainings to ensure competency.
• Participate in staff and program meetings, funder site visits, network events, and mandatory trainings.
• Keep supervisor informed of all job-related problems, challenges, and conflicts.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid time off (vacation, sick leave, and holidays)
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer matching
• Incentive program
• Life and disability insurance
• Continuing education and professional development opportunities
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Tuition reimbursement
• Reimbursement for licensure and certifications
• Reimbursement for CPR
• Discounted services
• Employee recognition programs
• Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) via Ameriflex
• Pension plan
• Cancer insurance policies
• Employee-paid life insurance — 2x annual salary, up to $150K (CCHN-paid benefit)
• AAA membership (discounted rates)
• BJ’s Wholesale Club membership (discounted rates)
• Direct deposit
• Childcare reimbursement program
• Intersite travel reimbursement

What This Job Offers

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