Community Health Worker

RHODE ISLAND PARENT INFORMATION NETWORK • Warwick, RI

8d • $20 - $22

About The Position

The Community Health Worker (CHW) is a peer who has experience in navigating Rhode Island’s health system for themselves, a family member or through previous employment. This CHW will support children or adults with special needs and their families. The CHW will be a critical part of a comprehensive team providing peer support, care coordination, resources and referrals. CHWs will engage with consumers in the home and community settings providing person centered, culturally sensitive support, and building on the values, strengths and preferences of the member. The CHW will also serve as an effective role model and mentor.

Requirements

• Ability to relate to consumers and to address barriers to care, health and wellness
• Effectively demonstrate sensitivity to the issues facing consumers served
• Possess intimate knowledge of health systems, terminology, supports, and services
• Demonstrated ability and skill to work collaboratively with co-workers, consumers, families, service providers, and health plans, etc.
• Ability to promote and advocate for person and family-centered, culturally sensitive care
• Ability to motivate high risk consumers and serve as a peer mentor
• Skilled and/or willingness to learn and initiate motivational interviewing techniques with consumers
• Knowledgeable of the Rhode Island systems of care supporting children and adults with special needs
• Demonstrated prior success in accessing community-based resources in Rhode Island
• Problem-solving skills to facilitate empowering experiences and positive outcomes with consumers
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Excellent organizational skills to manage multiple priorities and tasks
• A deep understanding of, commitment to, and ability to carry out the mission, vision, philosophy and values of RIPIN
• Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office/computer skills to enter data, prepare reports and correspondence
• High School diploma or GED and a combination of education and skills to effectively carry out responsibilities and assignments
• Community Health Workers certification preferred; non-certified incumbents are expected to earn certification within 18 months of hire date
• Personal experience navigating state and community services and programs on behalf of self or a family member, or
• Previous experience supporting families or individuals with special care needs or disabilities or families or individuals accessing health programs and services, or
• Previous experience in working effectively with professionals supporting individuals/ parents/families of children with special needs
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and as an effective team member
• Demonstrated experience working with diverse populations
• A combination of education and experience demonstrating acquisition of the skills and abilities required
• Must be able to provide own reliable transportation to facilitate visits to client’s home or community setting and travel between multiple provider sites.
• Flexibility for occasional travel related to job requirements
• Willingness and ability to work evenings and weekends as needed
• Provide own reliable transportation with proof of RI minimum requirements of auto insurance

Nice To Haves

• Demonstrated written and verbal fluency in Spanish or Portuguese preferred

Responsibilities

• Utilizes motivational interviewing skills and culturally sensitive methods to help consumers to achieve goals
• Provide emotional support, serve as a role model, and guide consumers to practice positive, responsible healthy behaviors
• Assist consumers as they transition to independence/case closure by engaging with consumers and providing follow up support
• Maintain timely, accurate records, documentation, and reports as required
• Assist in data collection, surveys, assessment and reporting as required
• Actively participate and complete training and professional development activities
• Assist in statewide system analysis, planning and coordination with state agencies, state and local boards, community-based organizations, and community rehabilitation programs
• Accept other duties and responsibilities as assigned

What This Job Offers

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