Outreach Community Health Worker

REACH PROJECT INC•Ithaca, NY

4d•$25 - $26

About The Position

REACH provides low-threshold, harm reduction oriented primary care in a multi-disciplinary, integrated practice to further the REACH Mission of ensuring health equity to all experiencing stigma in the current healthcare system. Position Goal: The REACH mission extends to surrounding communities by way of outreach activities. The Community Health Worker (CHW) of the Outreach team provides engagement and support services to individuals needing engagement with REACH and/or community services. The CHW serves as the regular contact for individuals needing or benefiting from outreach and engagement services. Related activities include but are not limited to providing linkages to health services and/or other social support services; access to culturally appropriate in-community health education, assessment, case management; timely follow-up to request for assistance, and/or advocacy related to connecting individuals with appropriate services to their healthcare needs. The CHW is responsible for establishing positive and supportive interpersonal relationships and functions as a member of a multidisciplinary team(s) including community service providers and/or REACH providers serving community individuals.

Requirements

A high school diploma or equivalent.
A minimum of two years’ experience working with clients in human services.
A minimum of one year experience in outreach services, case management and/or housing navigation and support.
A valid driver's license is required.
Satisfactory driving record with no recent moving violations, suspensions, or major infractions.
Experience with navigation of local medical and social support systems.
Exceptional communication skills.
Knowledge of local and regional community health services.
Strong organizational and interpersonal skills.
Ability to work independently, exercise creativity, and be attentive to detail.
Ability to manage multiple and simultaneous responsibilities and to adjust priorities accordingly.
Ability to maintain confidentiality of all medical, financial, and legal information.
Ability to complete work assignments accurately, independently and in a timely manner.
Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
Ability to handle difficult situations in a professional manner.
Commitment to harm reduction, health equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Nice To Haves

Persons with lived experience preferred.
Certified Recovery Peer Advocate certification desired.

Responsibilities

Promote the mission, vision, and values of REACH.
Provide culturally appropriate support services for community-based individuals.
Work with other members of both community-based organizations and members of the REACH outreach team to assess and address the needs of individuals including their social determinants of health.
Facilitate patient awareness and access to information including formal and informal support systems, web, and/or print materials.
Assist with Tompkins County non-violent outreach and crisis support initiatives.
Work with individuals to utilize public transportation independently and accompany participants to medical appointments as needed.
Provide in-house transportation services when appropriate.
Provide non-clinical crisis support after hospitalization, incarceration, and other occurrences that might cause distress.
Educate, engage and refer individuals with substance use disorder and co-occurring mental health diagnoses about the various modes of recovery, formal recovery supports, and options for treatment.
Provide mental health screenings as needed under the supervision of licensed behavioral providers (training provided as necessary).
Assist with social services applications, processes, and renewals; assuring access to services.
Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings including but not limited to daily patient care pre-visit huddles with REACH and/or regular or collaborative meetings with other community service providers.
Maintain appropriate and focused progress notes in a timely manner.
Provide case management and/or intensive case management services within residential settings.
Work in collaboration with the entire outreach department to appropriately staff all current outreach grants and initiatives.
Operate as a professional collaborator within our community and workspace.
Provide outreach services in collaboration with supervisor and/or REACH outreach nurse for the purpose of extending REACH mission and services to individuals and/or community groups or otherwise interested in and eligible for any or all REACH services.
Other duties as assigned by supervisor