Bilingual (Spanish or Vietnamese) Senior Community Health Worker

Position Title: Bilingual Senior Community Health Worker 

Program: Positive Solutions

Pay Range: $20 to $21.50 per hour

Classification: Non-Exempt, Part-time (25 hours per week)

Summary and Range of Authority: 

Funded by the County of San Diego-Behavioral Health Services for its Mental Health Services Act Older Adult Prevention and Early Intervention Services Homebound Program Aka Positive Solutions Program (PSP) is a home-based program utilizing gatekeeper model to identify older adults experiencing and or are at risk of depression and suicide. The goal of the program is to provide outreach, and mental health prevention and early intervention to homebound/socially isolated seniors residing in all of San Diego. PSP is in partnership with Home-Delivery-Meal Programs (HDM), and other older adult providers, such as senior centers and Aging and Independent Services, using their drivers/intake personnel/case manager/other staff to assist in identifying homebound older adults who are at risk of depression or currently suffering from minor depression. The program uses evidence-based PEARLS intervention along with other brief interventions in an innovative way to reduce risk and symptoms of depression among homebound seniors. In addition, PSP also provides psychoeducation to reduce stigma and increase mental health awareness.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

· Assist fellow Community Health Workers in promoting Positive Solutions all regions of San Diego County. 

· Provide culturally and linguistically competent behavioral health care outreach and engagement opportunities through peer-based services conducted in seniors’ homes and in places in the community where seniors typically congregate.

· Provide outreach, education, peer mentoring and facilitating access to other services and support.

Provide seniors with appropriate referral information such as community mental health, social services, self-help, housing and employment services, healthcare and referrals to mental health and other county operated contracted or private services.

· Screen senior participants for benefits eligibility and assist them with enrollment and securing federal, state, and private benefits programs such as healthcare, prescription medication, affordable housing, education, and energy assistance.

· Provide guidance, support, and education on how to navigate the health care system. 

· Will help reach the goal of serving more than one thousand older adults. 

· Provide education on cultural issues related to health and wellness.

· Provide referrals to additional services in the community.

· Provide language interpretation in the target language as needed.

· Provided written language translation from English to target language as needed.

· Provide transportation coordination to participants for medical appointments and upon consultation to other services in the community to decrease isolation. 

· Must be able to provide timely and accurate reports of all outreach and education services provided.

· Must be willing to provide health and wellness education to multicultural groups.

· May be assigned by Program Manager to attend various County and other meetings as requested. 

· Participate in the outreach of Target language and Afghan refugee communities via community meetings, health fairs and other presented opportunities. 

· Other duties as assigned.

Required Education, Certifications/Licenses and Language/Cultural Skills:

• High School or GED and experience in any area related to health and human services.

Minimum Experience and Qualifications Required:

• Understanding of and commitment to the psychosocial rehabilitation model of psychiatric rehabilitation services, and a strong belief in empowering clients/consumers towards recovery.
• Familiarity with community resources and the delivery of care coordination services. 
• Must have professional demeanor and understand the sensitive nature of client confidentiality in mental health settings.
• The ability to maintain strict confidentiality with regard to client information and other sensitive or proprietary information.
• Ability to work independently and collaborate as a member of an interdisciplinary team.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and ability to prepare written reports accurately and records of services rendered in a timely fashion.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills and able to manage a large caseload.
• Must demonstrate intermediate level of computer literacy and experience using office productivity software i.e. Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point, Internet browsers, and Outlook. 
• Must pass background check (Live Scan Fingerprint).
• Must pass drug test (results shall be negative for all illegal drug use including marijuana).
• Must have TB clearance.
• Must have own transportation for business purposes.
• Must be able to drive for business purposes to other program locations in San Diego County.
• Must have a valid California driver’s license and comprehensive automobile insurance coverage, as required by law. 
• Will not be debarred or excluded from participation in Federal programs by the General Services Administration and/or the Department of Health and Human Services of the Inspector General.

Additional Preferred Education or Qualifications:

• Bilingual (Spanish or Vietnamese)

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Spends approximately 70% of work time sitting and meeting with others or working at a desk and/or computer. Spends approximately 30% of work time standing or walking within the work area or outside the office at meetings and events, also bends, twists, stoops and reaches. Ability to communicate in writing and verbally. Regularly required to sit and talk or hear. Frequently is required to use hands to touch, handle or feel and reach with hands and arms. Occasionally lifts and/or moves up to 25 pounds. Working conditions are normal for an office environment, event venues and a commercial kitchen. The noise level is usually moderate.