What are the responsibilities and job description for the Community Health Worker - Behavioral Health Bridge Housing position at CARDEA HEALTH?
About Cardea Health:
Cardea Health is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing compassionate health care to marginalized populations. Our mission is to create and support programs that protect the health and autonomy of vulnerable individuals and promote equity and social justice to improve the well-being of our entire community. We provide medical support to populations that experience homelessness.
At Cardea, we are dedicated to creating a workplace that celebrates diversity and actively seeks to include underrepresented communities. We believe that diversity drives innovation and fosters a more dynamic, inclusive, and productive work environment. We actively encourage individuals from underrepresented backgrounds to apply for our open positions. We value your unique perspectives, experiences, and talents, and we are committed to providing equitable opportunities for growth and advancement. Join us in building a team that reflects the rich diversity of our society and let's make a positive impact together.
Primary Work Location:
MULTISITE: Multisite staff work across several program locations throughout Alameda County, providing care and support wherever it is most needed. These sites offer a range of services, including post-hospitalization, medically supported shelter, medical respite care, skilled nursing, and caregiving support.
Position Summary:
The Community Health Worker (CHW) is an essential member of Cardea Health’s clinical team, supporting residents of Cardea Health interim housing programs who are enrolled in Behavioral Health Bridge Housing (BHBH). BHBH residents are living with complex medical, behavioral health, and social needs and often require intensive individualized support to reach their clinical and housing goals. The CHW leverages their lived and/or community-based experience to build trust, engage clients in care, and coordinate services that promote health, housing stability, and overall well-being. Working under the direction of the Director of Nursing and in close collaboration with program management and clinical staff, the CHW serves as a bridge between clients, healthcare providers, housing staff, and community resources.
Client Engagement & Support:
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Build rapport and maintain trusting relationships with BHBH enrolled residents of interim housing programs.
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Conduct outreach and wellness checks to support engagement in behavioral health care and related services.
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Assist clients in identifying personal health and life goals and developing action plans to achieve them.
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Provide culturally responsive education on health topics, medication adherence, and chronic disease management.
Care Coordination:
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Collaborate with the interim housing interdisciplinary team, including nursing staff, Substance Use Navigators, and Housing Case Managers to coordinate care and services.
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Support care transitions, such as hospital discharges, changes in medical conditions and in housing, or benefits.
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Help clients navigate healthcare systems, schedule appointments, arrange transportation, and access benefits or entitlements.
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Document client encounters and progress in alignment with Cardea Health standards.
System Navigation & Advocacy:
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Advocate for client needs within healthcare, housing, and social service systems.
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Identify barriers to care and collaborate with the clinical team to problem-solve and reduce those barriers.
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Maintain knowledge of community-based services and resources to connect clients effectively.
Program Implementation & Collaboration:
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Participate in team case conferences, quality improvement activities, and data tracking.
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Work collaboratively with site staff to promote integrated and coordinated care delivery.
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Uphold Cardea Health’s mission, values, and trauma-informed, harm reduction, and person-centered principles in all interactions.
Required Qualifications:
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Experience providing direct support to individuals experiencing homelessness, behavioral health conditions, or chronic illness.
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Knowledge of harm reduction, motivational interviewing, and trauma-informed care practices.
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Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build rapport with diverse populations.
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Familiarity with community-based resources, public benefits, and housing systems.
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Valid California driver’s license or ability to travel to various PSH sites as needed.
Preferred Qualifications:
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Certification as a Community Health Worker or Peer Specialist.
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Bilingual in English and Spanish or another language commonly spoken in the community.
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Experience working within Medi-Cal ECM, CalAIM, or managed care coordination programs.
Working Conditions:
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Position is field based with time spent in interim housing sites and community settings.
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Occasional evening or weekend work may be required.
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Must be able to navigate stairs and varied building conditions typical of interim housing environments.
Benefits:
Employees in this role may be eligible for a range of benefits, including:
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Employer-supported medical,
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Access to dental and vision insurance,
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Paid vacation and sick time,
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Retirement plan (401k) participation with a company match,
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Commuter benefits,
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Long Term Disability,
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Life Insurance
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Eligibility for certain benefits may vary based on hours worked per week and length of employment
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Specific details are provided in the benefits guide and are subject to change
Cardea Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Cardea Health is committed to diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, gender identity or gender expression, genetic information, marital status, national origin, disability, citizenship or veteran status. We will consider qualified candidates with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the state of California and San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.
This job description is not designed to contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties, or responsibilities for this role. Activities, duties, or responsibilities may change, or a new job description may be assigned at any time with or without notice.
Salary : $24 - $28