Enhanced Care Health Worker (Uncertified)

EL HOGAR COMMUNITY SERVICES INC•Parkway, CA

53d•$22 - $24•Hybrid

About The Position

Under the general direction of the Program Director and Program Supervisor, the ECHW provides advocacy, health education, and direct support to connect members with healthcare providers, social services, and community resources. By using lived experience, trauma informed and recovery principles, this role helps reduce cultural, linguistic, and systemic barriers to care. CHWs provide culturally responsive health education, navigation, outreach, and coordination to help Medi-Cal clients who meet criteria for Specialty Mental Health Services (SMHS). This position is primarily field-based with driving/travel to clients' homes, clinics, and community locations.

Requirements

High School Diploma or GED (Required)
Certification or ability to gain certification as a community health worker based on past experience or by enrollment in an HCAI-approved ECHW training program. Well qualified individuals may receive agency support in registration and completion of the coursework needed for certification. (Required)
Demonstrated practical knowledge and skills consistent with ECHW duties.
Must have lived experience aligned with the population served (e.g., experience with homelessness, incarceration, disability, or shared cultural identity).
Experience supporting diverse, underserved populations including justice-involved individuals, those with mental health or substance use challenges, and individuals experiencing chronic homelessness.
Ability to work collaboratively within interdisciplinary teams and across external systems.
Cultural humility and commitment to trauma-informed, client-centered approaches.
Valid CA Driver’s license required and no restrictions on driving license privileges. (Required)
Must obtain an approved ECHW certificate of completion within 18 months of providing the first ECHW service to a Medi-Cal beneficiary (Required)
May begin providing services without certification within the 18-month window.
Must complete at least 6 hours of continuing education annually (Required).

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Human Services, or a related field (Preferred).

Responsibilities

Support and teach recovery principles, tools and strategies for wellness.
Responsible for supporting members in wellness activities.
Distributes and health promotion materials; completes necessary paperwork as instructed by the program director.
Contacts member to schedule in person meetings with care coordinators.
Model personal responsibility, self-advocacy, and hopefulness.
Deliver health education to address barriers and promote improved physical and mental health.
Provide individualized or group-based information and instruction on relevant health topics.
Encourage and facilitate the use of appropriate preventive care and behavioral health services.
Provide on-the-spot support during times of crisis.
Provide referrals to medical, behavioral, and community-based resources.
Serve as a cultural liaison between clients and providers when needed.
Advocate on behalf of members with service providers and agencies.
Provide linkage to healthcare, social services, and community resources.
Support members in attending medical, social, or community appointments, including arranging or providing transportation.
Support clients in enrolling and maintaining enrollment in Medi-Cal or other health-related assistance programs.
Connect clients to resources that support housing, food security, employment, and other social determinants of health.
Conduct non-clinical screenings and assessments to identify service needs.
Support clients in accessing appropriate services based on screening results.
Maintain accurate and timely documentation, including: Progress notes for each service encounter (individual or group). A problem list including relevant diagnoses, symptoms, social drivers, or risk factors.
Meet all documentation standards required for specialty behavioral health services.
Participate in regular supervision and case reviews.
Adhere to all organizational and programmatic policies and procedures.
Maintain client confidentiality and adhere to HIPAA regulations.