Community Support Specialist I Bilingual I

We appreciate your interest in our organization and assure you that we are sincerely interested in your qualifications. A clear understanding of your background and work history will help us potentially place you in a position that meets your objectives and those of the organization. Qualified applicants are considered for positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding, or any related medical conditions), national origin, ancestry, age, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, gender expression, military status, or the presence of a non-job related medical condition or disability (mental or physical).

KHS reasonably expects to pay starting compensation for the position of Community Support Specialist I Bilingual I in the range of $23.27 - 29.09 hour.

About Us

Kern Health Systems is dedicated to improving the health status of our members through an integrated managed health care delivery system.

About The Role

The position reports directly to the Director of Community and Social Services. The Community Supports Specialist is responsible for helping clients and their families to access and navigate community services, and other resources, as well as adopt healthy behaviors. The Community Supports Specialist works closely with medical providers, primary care team and social service agencies to coordinate short- term care and to support clients through the integrated approach to care management. The priority of a Community Supports Specialist is to promote, maintain, and improve the health of clients and their families.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Outreach to eligible members for program overview and scheduling of initial appointment.
• Assist clients by providing direct services in their homes, community or clinic setting.
• Follow-up with clients via phone calls, home visits, and visits to other settings where clients can be found, which may include homelessness.
• Provide and process referrals for services to community agencies as appropriate.
• Assist clients in accessing health related services, including but not limited to obtaining a medical home, providing instruction on appropriate use of medical housing, overcoming barriers to obtaining needed medical care and/or social services.
• Help clients connect with transportation resources and provide appointment reminders in special circumstances. Assist with transportation based on Community Services policy.
• Work collaboratively with other clinical personnel assigned to the same client.
• Act as a client advocate and liaison between the client/family and community service agencies.
• Develops effective working relationships with agencies and organizations to advocate for consumer and family/caregiver empowerment.
• Conduct community outreach and attend meetings which provide resources/linkage.
• Attend regular staff meetings, trainings, and other meetings, as requested.
• Document all client encounters and contacts made on behalf of the clients; complete and submit monthly reports; maintain comprehensive electronic records, which include client notes.
• Always maintain HIPPA compliance.
• Proficiently utilize motivational interviewing techniques in all client contacts to increase adherence, decrease non-compliance and promote the significance of the referrals.
• Process and monitor incoming referrals and prepare them for review and submission to the appropriate program.
• Monitor and review data exchange entries/reporting related to Community Based Organizations
• Ensure closed-looped referrals are processed correctly
• Conduct internal CBO audits to ensure regulatory compliance, improve quality of care and allow for training opportunities and financial optimization.
• Responsible for ensuring all authorizations are received by the appropriate parties
• Complete calls related to patient satisfaction
• Join and actively engage in discharge planning alongside designated Community Based Organizations when deemed necessary
• Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.
  
  

Employment Standards

Education And Experience

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
• Minimum three (3) years of full-time paid experience working in health education, case management, community outreach, in a healthcare field.
  
  

Certifications

• Bilingual English/Spanish with certificate of linguistic proficiency (Tier I) Required
  
  

Knowledge Of

• Experience working in multicultural setting
• Basic computer skills required; electronic medical record (EMR) experience preferred.
• Proficient in Microsoft office including word, excel, outlook and publisher.
• Understand the community services, community connectedness.
• Possess good communication skills, such as active listening, and using language appropriately.
• Ability and willingness to provide emotional support, encouragement, and motivation to clients.
• Ability to work collaboratively with others and to participate fully in a team process
  
  

Other: Required travel up to 20%. Possession of valid California Driver’s License and proof of valid State required auto liability insurance.

We are an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to a policy of non-discrimination in employment on any basis.