Community Health Worker

About the Role

The Carceral Transitions Community Health Worker (CHW) support a successful transition from the carceral setting to the community.  Responsibilities include identifying barriers to healthcare and social services and connecting members to resources to optimize the members health. The CHW collaborates with the Carceral Transitions team, facility staff and community to ensure a success re-entry into the community for the member.  This role  also builds individual and community capacity by increasing health knowledge and self-sufficiency through a range of activities such as outreach, community education and referrals, peer support and advocacy.

To be successful in this role, you:

• Have a minimum of three (3) years of job-related experience providing medical, mental health or substance abuse-focused services to individuals with chronic medical conditions and/or severe and persistent mental illness as a Community Health Worker, Patient Navigator, Healthcare Navigator, or similar.
• Are comfortable working with justice involved Individuals, at-risk populations, and multicultural communities.
• Have experience using a health plan care management system or electronic medical record system.
• Are a certification Peer Specialist if you do not have minimum experience and education requirements.
• Have experience working with local, state and federal resources for individuals with behavioral and/or physical health needs.

Essential functions and Roles and Responsibilities:

• Identifies, locates, and determines custody status of Community Health Plan of Washington’s justice involved members.
• Advocates on behalf of and facilitates coordination of resources required to help justice involved members reach optimum functional levels upon reentry to the community during transition and provides short-term care coordination.
• Communicates the members health care needs with the carceral facility and sends medical records if required.
• Identifies Health Related Social Needs and connects members to appropriate community resources.
• Meets with the members via phone or video conferencing at city and county jails, or the Department of Corrections.
• Coordinates medical, dental, and/or vision appointments in accordance with the members release date including transportation to appointments if required.
• Provides verbal and/or written status updates regarding the members progress and needs to responsible case managers and providers, legal mandate, or other care plan affiliates as needed to assist the program and members.
• Ensures case documentation is consistent with policies and procedures.
• Completes Health Risk Assessments with members.
• Acts as an internal consultant to other departments for Special Programs and peer support.
• This position may require occasional travel on behalf of the Company and working in the field. It is essential that a current driver’s license, proof of insurance and an acceptable driving record are maintained.
• Other duties as assigned. Essential functions listed are not necessarily exhaustive and may be revised by the employer, at its sole discretion.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Bilingual English/Spanish or another second language desired.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent problem-solving skills.
• Comfortable in all socioeconomic environments.
• Proficient with Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook.
• Knowledge of health plan care management systems or electronic medical record system.
• Works well with others in a collaborative and respectful manner.
• Able to multi-task, deal with complexity on a frequent basis.
• Performs all functions of the job accurately and in a timely manner.

 As part of our hiring process, the following criteria must be met:

• Complete and successfully pass a criminal background check

Criminal History: includes review of criminal convictions and probation. CHPW does not automatically or categorically exclude persons with a criminal background from employment. The applicant’s criminal history will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis considering the risk to the business, members, and/employees.

• Has not been sanctioned or excluded from participation in federal or state healthcare programs by a federal or state law enforcement, regulatory, or licensing agency
• Vaccination requirement (CHPW offers a process for medical or religious exemptions)
• Candidates whose disabilities make them unable to meet these requirements are considered fully qualified if they can perform the essential functions of the job with reasonable accommodation.

 Compensation and Benefits:

The position is FLSA Non-Exempt and is eligible for overtime. Based on market data, this position grade is 42N and has a 5% annual incentive target based on company, department, and individual performance goals.

CHPW offers the following benefits for Full and Part-time employees and their dependents:

•  Medical, Prescription, Dental, and Vision
•  Telehealth app
•  Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Accounts
•  Basic Life AD&D, Short and Long-Term Disability
•  Voluntary Life, Critical Care, and Long-Term Care Insurance
•  401(k) Retirement and generous employer match
•  Employee Assistance Program and Mental Fitness app
•  Financial Coaching, Identity Theft Protection
•  Time off including PTO accrual starting at 17 days per year
•  40 hours Community Service volunteer time
•  10 standard holidays, 2 floating holidays
•  Compassion time off, jury duty

 Sensory/Physical/Mental Requirements:

Sensory*:

Speaking, hearing, near vision, far vision, depth perception, peripheral vision, touch, smell, and balance.

 Physical*:

• Extended periods of sitting, computer use, talking, and possibly standing
• Simple grasp, firm grasp, fine manipulation, pinch, finger dexterity, supination/pronation, wrist flexion

Mental:

Frequent decision-making.

 Work Environment:

Office environment Employees who frequently work in front of computer monitors are at risk for environmental exposure to low-grade radiation.