Community Health Navigator

The YMCA of Metro Chicago is seeking a Community Health Navigator to assist in, and lead community-level efforts, for a community health navigator role throughout target zip codes. The Community Health Navigator is responsible for community engagement, navigation, and widespread efforts under the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago's Community Health Navigation Program. Working in conjunction with the Vice President of Innovation and Impact, this role involves establishing partnerships with community stakeholders, identifying community residents most in need of services, and navigating them to resources. Additionally, the Community Health Navigator will utilize a comprehensive network of community-based partners and medical providers to screen community members with chronic illnesses for social determinants of health and provide a suite of comprehensive services to resolve identified issues. Acting as a bridge between patients, the medical system, and community-based organizations, the Community Health Navigator will build trusting relationships with community members served by the program, identify barriers to care, help individuals overcome these barriers, provide relevant referrals, and follow up with clients accordingly. 

Pay is $24.00 per hour

Our staff is the Y's greatest asset. Our teams provide valuable skills, knowledge, and passion that is essential to the contribution and positive impact in our communities, which is why we offer Y employees numerous perks and benefits, including:  

Scope of Responsibilities:

Operations Management

• Develops and maintains relationships with community stakeholders, members, and other key community leaders in target focus areas


• Complete Health Risk Assessments (HRA) with patients living in target zip codes


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  Navigates and schedules appointments for individuals to resources, social services, education, and other identified needs that affect an individual's health

  
  


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  Refer to Medical home CHWs at nearby Wellness West primary care practices for ongoing follow and engagement with a primary care provider. 

  
  


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  Accurately document patient information, assessment, and referrals in the online platform portal and follow up with patients. 

  
  


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  Adheres to data collection procedures

  
  


• Will focus in 60608 and 60647 communities


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  Meets goal targets of an average of 80 individuals per month served  

  
  


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  Monitors and manages budgets and spending, in conjunction with the Program Support. 

  
  


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  Aids in the marketing of programs and other health equity events, efforts, and initiatives at the community level. 

  
  


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  Supports the mission and strategic plan of the YMCA with other projects and responsibilities as assigned.

  
  

Minimum and Preferred Qualifications:

• High school diploma/ GED required. Bachelors degree preferred.


• Bilingual in English / Spanish required


• Minimum three years' experience with health navigation and/or resource support at the community level.


• Knowledge of Chicago's West Side Communities (resident of a West Side Community preferred)/


• Experience conducting community-based health education. Experience with mental or behavioral health or substance abuse preferred.


• Cultural competence expressed via experience in working with diverse communities (race/ ethnicity, economic, educational)


• Strong human relations skills, as well as personal values and work ethics that are consistent with the YMCA philosophy.


• Demonstrated interpersonal skills with the ability to effectively build and maintain relationships with members, team members and other stakeholders and constituents.


• Ability to travel by car throughout the Chicagoland


• Flexibility to attend weekend and/or nighttime events and program efforts


• Meet physical qualifications required as outlined in job description.


• The YMCA will provide reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities.

Child Abuse Prevention - Support the YMCA’s commitment to child abuse prevention by:

• Reporting any items that may provide a health or safety hazard to staff, members or guests to your supervisor


• Following all policies and procedures related to keeping children safe in our facilities and programs, including those related to the monitoring and supervision of children


• Reporting any suspicious behavior and violation of policy and procedures to your supervisor


• Completing all child abuse prevention training, as required