Community Health Worker

Position Summary:

Under the direct supervision of the Behavioral Health Clinical Director for School-Based Health Services, the Community Health Work (CHW) is responsible for serving as a liaison/connect with students, parents, school personnel and the community. The CHW works in unison with the care team and helps to bridge conversations with students/families and patients to remove barriers that prevent them from accessing health care and social services. 

The CHW primary focus is to develop creative programming to strengthen resiliency opportunities for youth. This includes conducting telephonic and/or face-to-face outreach and going out into the community to facilitate resources, attend community and school events and meetings, including going to the classroom to engage with students and teachers. 

Primary Responsibilities:

Direct Patient Care

• Conduct screenings of children and adolescents for emotional, behavioral, and developmental needs.
• Be an active liaison between youth, families and our Telebehavioral Health clinician.
• Provide education and support to promote healthy behavior change.
• Help families identify service needs, and link child and families with community resources and services.
• Proactively outreach and engage children and families to assess ongoing and emerging needs and to promote continuity of care.

Collaboration with Care Team Members:

• As needed, Collaborate with BH Clinicians to complete health assessments and care plans that address developmental, behavioral, and social service needs.
• As needed consult with SBHC care team on the students’/ patients care plan, needs, and goals.
• Participate in case review with Family Partners and PICs across primary care departments.
• Participate in assigned SBHC care team meetings.
• Document services, activities within EHR, as appropriate.

Care Coordiation and Navigation: 

•  Assist children and families in navigating the internal and external medical, behavioral, social, service, and education systems.
• Build and maintain community networks and participate in activities to build further capacity for services within the community.
• Assist with reporting requirements. 

Other duties and/or other departments/locations as applies.

Qualification & Skills:

· Minimum of associate degree, bachelor’s degree in human services or social work preferred; two year or more of community-based experience in early childhood, behavioral health, and/or family support services

· Strong ability to connect, support, and partner with culturally diverse children and families

· Organized and resourceful self-starter with an ability to set priorities and meet deadlines

· Strong ability to collaborate and work in a team

· Excellent written, oral and interpersonal communication skills

· Experience as a parent/guardian preferred

· Knowledge of and insight into child development and healthy parenting

· Knowledge of school systems and the IEP process preferred

· Familiar with Randolph, Southshore, and Boston neighborhoods and agencies

· Cultural and linguistic diversity highly preferred

· Professional or volunteer experience in a pediatric clinic, childcare center, or other setting that serves youth, children and families

· Flexible with strong commitment to community health

· Comfortable working in a SHBC setting

·  Internet, and Excel literate

· Valid driver’s license with reliable transportation with proof of auto insurance is required. 

· Familiarity with data collection/tracking.

Outreach skills – public speaking or comfortable speaking in front of a group