Community Health Worker

Position Summary

The Office for Community Health at the University of NewMexico’s Health Sciences Center is currently hiring multiple Part-Time Community Health Workers tojoin a team of to join a team of Social and Public Health Workers and managers,and provide rapid resource referrals and community connector / navigator servicesto high-need guests at the Gateway Receiving Area located on 5400 Gibson BlvdSE, a grant-funded collaboration between the City of Albuquerque and UNM HSC’sOffice of Community Health.

The Gateway Receiving Area sitewill operate by harm reduction principles and practices. Staff are expected to comply with public healthevidence-based and best practices at all times while at work.

You will helpplan, deliver, and staff the 24 / 7 services at the short-term CommunityConnector services site at 5400 Gibson Bl SE.

We are seeking a compassionate, collaborative individual withstrong and compassionate communication skills with the ability to problem-solveefficiently, independently and as part of a team as is required andappropriate.

Becausethe program is new and innovative, you will help us create the model, applyingyour CHW perspective, skills and experience.

Summary

Under direct supervision, works closelywith social workers, public health workers, other community health workers,professional students and social services agencies to provide short term carecoordination and connection to resources and support to unhoused programclients to improve their health and general well-being through education andprovision of coordination of care and services.

Works in both clinical andcommunity-based settings. May act as a peer support worker, where applicable,if self-disclosed as current or former consumer of mental health or substanceabuse services with at least two years of mental health or substance abuserecovery.

Dutiesand Responsibilities

1. Assists clients in site and community settings. Communicates to clients / patients the purposes of the program and the impact it may have on their wellbeing.

Helps patients identify socio-economic issues that affect their overall health and develop health / social management plans and goals using Harm Reduction principles that are non-judgmental and meet the client where they are at .

2. Provides lay-counseling interventions, including Motivational Interviewing, as appropriate to the position; welcomes site guests via screening and intake, prepares program engagement plans, exit plans, and acts as a resource for follow-up referral and placement with partner organizations, behavioral, medical, dental, & / or mental health providers;

3. Documents all client encounters and contracts made on behalf of clients; completes and submits monthly reports; maintains comprehensive electronic client files, which include client notes, release of information, assessments and other medical documents acquired on behalf of the client.

Documents activities, service plans, and outcomes achieved by client in an effective manner.

4. Collects data about patients through basic vitals, Social Determinants of Health assessment, interview, case history, and / or observational techniques;

evaluates data to identify causes of problems and to determine program appropriateness or referral to other resources.

take and pass yearly training and evaluation by an appropriate-licensed medical professional to remain proficient in measuring vital signs;

6. Educates client on the proper use of the Emergency Room and provides information for alternatives. Coaches patients in effective management of their chronic health conditions and self-care using compassionate, collaborative communications skills applied to unhoused complex clientele.

Assists patient in understanding care plans and instructions. Motivates patients / clients to be active and engaged participants in their health and overall wellbeing, with skills to help strategize through extreme social and economic deficits.

7. Assists clients in accessing health related services, including but not limited to : obtaining a medical home, providing instruction on appropriate use of the medical home, overcoming barriers to obtaining needed medical care and / or social services.

8. Provides support and advocacy during initial site visit or when necessary to assure clients' medical needs and referrals required are being conveyed.

Follows up with both clients and providers regarding health / social services plans when appropriate;

9. Facilitates communication and coordinate services between providers and the clients / patients. Coordinates and monitors services, including comprehensive tracking of clients' compliance in relation to care plan objectives.

10. May transport guests to local resources in City-owned van with Driver Safety Certification

ad includes engaging with at-risk populations with complex psycho-social histories

12. Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned. Conditions of Employment

• Possession of a valid New Mexico driver's license is a requirement for this job.
• Must pass a pre-employment criminal background check.
• Fingerprinting, and subsequent clearance, may be required for this position depending on assignment.
• May be required to obtain a Community Support Worker (CSW) certification within six months of hire.
• Employees who provide services or work in patient care or clinical areas are required to be in compliance with the University's influenza vaccination requirement.
• Successful candidate must submit to post-offer, pre-employment physical examination and medical history check.

Minimum Qualifications

High school diploma or GED; at least 1 year of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.

Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution that are above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with or interest in working in rapid-paced environment with unhoused guests in need of referrals to

resources

Ability to work flexible hours when needed

Additional Requirements CampusHealth Sciences Center (HSC) - Albuquerque, NM DepartmentVP for Comm Health Administration (196A) Employment TypeStaff Staff TypeTerm - Part-Time Term End Date12 / 31 / 2024 StatusNon-Exempt PayHourly : $18.

09 to $23.58 Benefits EligibleThis is a benefits eligible position. The University of New Mexico provides a comprehensive package of benefits including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.

In addition, UNM offers educational benefits through the tuition remission and dependent education programs. See the home page for a more information.