PRN Community Health Worker

CIBOLA GENERAL HOSPITAL CORPORATION•Grants, NM

About The Position

Community Health Workers (CHWs) work directly with individuals in the Emergency Department who have behavioral or mental health issues, including substance use disorders. They provide compassionate, empathetic, and supportive patient care, and may assist Emergency Department staff with support duties as able. The CHW screens and scores patients, and provides Brief Intervention and Motivational Interviewing when needed. The role supports patients in maintaining or improving mental and behavioral health through social support, individual health coaching, patient education, and referrals. CHWs work with people from diverse backgrounds to help them access resources that meet their needs.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Proficient in medical terminology.
Must prioritize a sense of connection with the community.
Current CHW or PS certification, or completion of the certificate within 6 months.
Able to work under stressful situations and respond to emergencies competently.
Able to work as part of a team.
Must be flexible, have problem-solving skills, prioritize, and demonstrate healthy coping mechanisms.

Nice To Haves

Experience in the substance abuse and/or behavioral health field.
Associate degree or higher in health or human services.
Experience working in a multicultural setting.
Medical Assistant or Nursing Assistant experience.

Responsibilities

Conduct initial screenings and risk assessments for patients presenting with behavioral health concerns, mental health issues, or substance use disorders in the Emergency Department.
Administer standardized screening tools, score results, and provide Brief Interventions and Motivational Interviewing techniques as appropriate.
Deliver compassionate, empathetic, and trauma-informed support to patients in a high-acuity emergency setting.
Provide individual health coaching, patient education, and emotional support to promote mental and behavioral wellness.
Connect patients to appropriate community resources, social services, treatment programs, housing assistance, transportation, and follow-up care.
Assist Emergency Department clinical and support staff with non-clinical duties as needed to improve patient flow and experience.
Document all patient interactions, interventions, and referrals accurately and timely in the electronic health record.
Collaborate with physicians, nurses, social workers, case managers, and community partners to develop individualized care plans.
Advocate for patients and help remove barriers to care, especially for underserved and diverse populations.
Participate in ongoing training related to behavioral health, cultural competency, de-escalation, and motivational interviewing.