Community Health Worker - Street Medicine

University of Southern California•Los Angeles, CA

20h•Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Family Medicine of the Keck School of Medicine of USC provides care for every member of the family, across generations and over lifetimes. We aim to enhance the quality of life for underserved and vulnerable patients while educating future generations of highly skilled, compassionate primary care specialists. Our goal is to combine education, patient advocacy, and evidence-based research to advance family medicine and geriatrics. Our department is seeking a Community Health Worker to be part of our Keck School of Medicine of USC Street Medicine Program. The Community Health Worker (CHW) will be responsible for helping patients navigate and access community services, and other resources, and adopt healthy behaviors. The CHW supports providers and other team members through an integrated approach to care management and community outreach. As a priority, activity will promote, maintain, and improve the health of patients. Provide social support and informal counseling, and advocate for individuals and community health needs. Some after-hours work may be involved.

Requirements

Current and valid California driver’s license.
Working knowledge of Los Angeles County cities and freeway systems.
Current proof of TB test and updated immunization records for LA County credentialing.
High school or equivalent
1 year of experience
Working knowledge of local maps/freeway systems.
Experience providing medical/clinical guidance.
Experience working with unsheltered and unhoused groups, and/or lived experience with homelessness.
Advanced judgment, analytical, and decision-making skills, able to work independently with minimal supervision.
Data gathering and analysis skills.
Excellent time management skills.
Demonstrated interpersonal, negotiation and problem-solving skills.
Experience in customer service.
Practiced use of discretion and decision-making ability.
Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Proven ability to build and maintain deep and meaningful relationships with community members and outside agencies.

Nice To Haves

Working with unsheltered homeless and/or lived experience with homelessness.
Related undergraduate study
Specialized/technical training
Certifications in CPR, basic life support and/or mental health first aid.
2 years of experience
Demonstrated experience in community healthcare and/or street medicine.
A current understanding and appreciation of the cultural vibrancy and historical significance of local communities in Los Angeles and Southern California.
Extensive knowledge and/or understanding of numerous cultural issues (e.g., immigration, socioeconomic, LGBTQIA+).
Fluent in one or more languages in addition to English (e.g., Spanish, Korean, American Sign Language).

Responsibilities

Driving the team to and from rounds in the team Pick-up Truck and maintaining the vehicle.
Maintaining situational awareness and ensuring scene safety during medical, nursing, and allied health street visits.
Performing community outreach and establishing trusting relationships with patients while providing general support and encouragement.
Providing ongoing follow-up with patients including: basic motivational interviewing, and goal setting with patients/families.
Conducting phone calls, home visits, and visits to other settings where patients can be found.
Helping patients attend appointments.
Providing referrals for services to community agencies as appropriate.
Helping patients connect with transportation resources and giving appointment reminders in special circumstances.
Assisting patients with completing applications and registration forms.
Conducting eligibility determination, enrollment, and follow-up with uninsured patients.
Working closely with the medical provider to help ensure that patients have comprehensive and coordinated care, including scheduling street medicine visits per the provider’s care plan.
Following up with patients continuously from initial identification through closure.
Acting as a patient advocate and liaison between the patient and community service agencies (i.e. Department of Human Services, Heath Care for Homeless, hospitals, support groups, etc.).
Recording patient care management information in the EMR (training provided) and other software no later than 24 hours after patient contact.
Attending regular staff meetings, training, and other meetings as requested.
Managing an assigned caseload of patients.
Other duties as assigned.
Working cooperatively with other clinical personnel assigned to the same patient.
Becoming knowledgeable about community resources appropriate to the needs of patients/families.
Providing consistent communication to the rest of the Street Medicine team to evaluate the patient.
Exhibiting excellent working relations with patients, visitors, and staff, effectively communicating Street Medicine's mission.