Community Health Worker - Butler County

UPMC•Pittsburgh, PA

About The Position

The Community Health Worker (CHW) works directly with individuals receiving services, their family members, providers, and other stakeholders under a supervisor’s direction. The role relies on a close understanding of the community served and a trusting relationship that helps connect the community with health and social services, facilitate access, and support culturally competent service delivery. CHWs build individual and community capacity through outreach, education, social support, and advocacy. The position seeks a seasoned community member with expertise in areas such as housing, transportation, peer support, informal counseling, career training, and social supports. The CHW provides care coordination to address the health needs of enrolled individuals. Work includes telephone and face-to-face engagement with individuals, families, and stakeholders to support problem solving and referrals, as well as community-based services and connections to housing and recovery resources. The CHW represents the organization to the public, people in or seeking recovery, family members, and stakeholder groups. The position works in community settings at least 80% of the time and travels throughout the region.

Requirements

High school graduation or GED.
At least 1 year of customer service, clinical, social service, or case management experience in the community.
Ability to develop rapport and demonstrate good interpersonal skills.
Ability to work cooperatively with others.
Ability to use motivational interviewing.
Ability to model and share recovery principles, including hope, personal responsibility, empowerment skills, self-advocacy, educational opportunities, and use of community supports.
Basic computer skills and familiarity with Microsoft products.
Good verbal and written communication skills.
Willingness to travel throughout the service area.
Strong organizational skills and ability to set priorities and schedule time efficiently.
Self-directed and flexible in meeting members’ needs.
Commitment and ability to deliver excellent customer service.
Certified Health Worker certification, or ability to obtain it within 2 years of hire to remain in the role.
BLS or CPR certification within 30 days of hire.
Automotive insurance and a driver’s license.
Required clearances and reporting certifications listed include Act 31 Child Abuse Reporting, Act 33, Act 34, and Act 73 FBI Clearance, including applicable renewals.
Ability to lift 30 lbs.

Nice To Haves

Expertise in community issues such as housing, transportation, peer support, career training, and community education.
Knowledge of basic mental health systems; co-occurring substance use issues; substance use recovery issues and services; education; social services; and medical systems.
Personal or family experience with the health care system.
Knowledge of recovery, resiliency, and wellness concepts and principles.
A personal vehicle may be required for certain positions.

Responsibilities

Represent UPMC Health Plan recovery and transformation at all levels.
Promote principles of recovery with members, providers, and stakeholders.
Collaborate with UPMC Health Plan care management staff on interventions as needed.
Assist members with scheduling appointments as needed.
Adjust schedule to meet members’ needs.
Advocate for members’ community, medical, and behavioral health needs.
Assist members with non-medical needs that affect health and access to care.
Mobilize the community to improve providers’ understanding of community needs and preferences.
Engage the community to improve underlying social and economic conditions that affect health.
Use motivational interviewing to identify members’ strengths, needs, motivation, triggers, and goals for managing life circumstances.
Identify challenges members face in the Eight Stages of Wellness and Recovery.
Bridge physical health care and behavioral health treatment.
Connect members to community-based treatment and recovery supports.
Work in community settings at least 80% of the time, maintaining direct contact with members, support teams, treatment providers, and recovery supports.
Provide telephone assistance to members and family members about recovery tools and resources.
Empower members to self-advocate and follow through with treatment, including making and attending appointments, setting goals, and networking in the community.
Travel throughout the region.