This is a full-time position for someone interested in helping patients with complex medical, psychiatric and social problems improve their access and utilization of health care services.

A Community Health Worker (CHW) is a trusted member of the community who helps patients better access and coordinate their medical care. We believe that CHWs have the skills and experience to understand what patients are going through and help them address the social and medical problems that lead to poor health. The goal of a community health worker is to assist patients with complex health care needs in navigating psychiatric/medical care, working on health goals (such as arranging care, filling medication prescriptions, planning healthy meals, or finding time to exercise), and coping with the "real-life" issues that keep them from staying healthy. Although a CHW is not in a clinical role, having the capacity to learn basic clinical concepts in order to identify when a referral to a licensed clinician is appropriate is an important skill.

The CHW will work with patients receiving care at Brigham and Women's Hospital, including the outpatient psychiatric clinic. CHWs are integrated into the outpatient psychiatric team, working closely with social workers, and serving as a bridge between the team and patients in the community. As a CHW in our department, you will develop trusting working relationships with your patients and be supported by a team that includes social workers, nurses and physicians.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Provide community health work services for patients requiring support in context of medical, psychiatric or psychosocial challenges.

Attend initial and continuing education training programs including self-directed reading and in-person and online learning.

Work with patient and interdisciplinary team to set goals for patient's care.

Meet patients in the emergency department, primary care clinic or hospital to reinforce and advance patient goals.

Coordinate resources for identified problems including community mental health services, homelessness, substance abuse and food insecurity.

Make weekly follow-up calls to patients.

Motivate patients to meet their health goals.

Provide culturally sensitive services to patients from different cultures.

Assist patients with organizing their records, making follow-up appointments, and filling their prescriptions.

Help patients fill out applications for Medical Assistance and SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program).

Provide advocacy, patient education and support in accessing community-based and hospital-based programs.

Refer to internal or external care management services when other issues are identified (i.e., food insecurity, domestic violence, etc.)

Develop and maintain strong working relationships with the clinical team.

Document each patient encounter in detail.

Prepare reports and documents as needed or requested.

Attend a clinical team meeting with program supervisors.

Other duties as reasonably assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor's degree preferred.

Spanish speaking preferred.

SKILLS/ABILITIES/COMPETENCIES REQUIRED:

Local community resident with good knowledge of the resources of the community.

Prior experience as a community health worker, health coach or outreach worker desired; health care experience a plus but not required.

Demonstrated commitment to impacting the care of high risk patients.

Solid knowledge of the Core Competencies for CHWs (as identified by Massachusetts, Department of Public Health):

- Outreach Methods and Strategies

- Client and Community Assessment

- Effective Communication

- Culturally Based Communication and Care

- Health Education for Behavioral Change

- Support, Advocate and Coordinate Care for Clients

- Apply Public Health Concepts and Approaches

- Community Capacity Building

- Writing and Technical Communication Skills

- Special Topics in Community Health

Prior experience using motivational interviewing a plus but not required.

Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Ability to carry out written and oral instructions.

Ability to exercise judgment in the application of professional services.

Self-motivated.

Ability to work both independently and as a team member in multicultural settings.

Detail-oriented with the ability to multi-task.

Ability to plan and structure workday.

Comfortable with community visits and outreach.

Strong time management, organizational and planning skills.

Must have two references.

Must successfully pass a background check and pre-employment physical exam.

Must be willing to commit to the full time period of employment.

Proficient in all Microsoft Applications, including MS Word and Exel.

Able to perform computer data entry.

Able to navigate virtual care platforms, like Zoom and Doximity.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

The work will be based in an outpatient psychiatric practice at Brigham and Women's Hospital. The CHW is expected to perform as a member of the patient's outpatient care team, assisting in the advancement of the patient's care plan. Hours will be 8:30 am-5pm, Monday-Friday. Please include a letter of interest stating your reasons for applying and describing what skills you can bring to this role. Only complete applications will be reviewed.