Community Health Advocate

HCSEF is hiring for several positions, and one will be dedicated to serving the rural communities within our service area. HCSEF’s service area includes Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River, and Okeechobee counties. One position will be dedicated specifically to serving the rural communities of HCSEF and Lake Okeechobee Rural Health Network’s rural communities, which include western Palm Beach (South Bay, Belle Glade, Pahokee, Canal Point), western Martin (Indiantown) Hendry, Glades, and Okeechobee counties.

This position was created to fulfill the role of implementing various community-based outreach, education, and prevention strategies in the service area. The Community Health Advocate-I will work with health care and social service providers, community-based organizations, and faith-based organizations to identify individuals and families with social needs that are not being met. This may include, but is not limited to access to health insurance enrollment, housing, food, utility/rent assistance, employment, education, etc. Additionally, the Community Health Advocate-I will identify and assist individuals that are not currently established with medical providers for physical, mental, or substance use conditions. The position is committed to serving individuals and families that are hard-to-reach, vulnerable, and marginalized. The position is particularly focused on addressing gaps in the system of care, both at the community and individual level.

Supervision

The Community Health Advocate-I will function under the guidance and supervision of the Program Manager or another designee.

Education and Professional Experience

• Bachelor’s degree preferred, not required
• 1-2 years of relevant experience specific to the populations served with Bachelor’s degree
• 4 years of relevant experience specific to the populations served if no Bachelor’s degree
• Health/Social Services-related background preferred

Knowledge Skills and Abilities

• Exceptional interpersonal skills and the ability to interact and work effectively with diverse groups of people
• Shared-life experience with populations of focus
• Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures
• Knowledge of computers and relevant software applications
• Knowledge of customer service principles and practices
• Knowledge of local partners and community resources in the service area
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Professional presentation
• Strong cultural intelligence
• Capacity and willingness to embrace service to individuals of diverse backgrounds
• Capacity and willingness to take on new projects

Core Duties and Responsibilities

• Implement the community-based prevention component of HCSEF’s programs.
• Apply the core competencies of a Community Health Worker approach to engage and serve individuals that are uninsured and those at risk for and/or experiencing opioid-related behaviors and conditions.
• Engage, link and/or re-link individuals experiencing opioid use disorder into treatment (including medication-assisted) and support services.
• Distribute and promote key messages through community outreach, social media and other social marketing modalities.
• Conduct risk reduction activities for individuals at risk for and/or experiencing opioid-related behaviors and conditions.
• Maintain knowledge of community resources to assist in meeting the needs of clients
• Assist clients through systems navigation, to access services and supports as appropriate.
• Coordinate with sub-contracted partners, to maximize the effectiveness of linkages and warm handoffs.
• Develop and maintain community partnerships including businesses, faith-based entities and other health/social service agencies.
• Maintain timely documentation for all services, as appropriate
• Attend regular staff meetings, trainings and other meetings as required.
• Conduct targeted outreach to increase awareness of the Marketplace, Medicaid, and CHIP among uninsured and underinsured groups and individuals within the service area.
• Assist eligible consumers, including individuals from vulnerable and underserved priority populations, with enrollment into qualified health plans.
• Obtain consumer authorization prior to accessing their personally identifiable information and maintain a record of that authorization.
• Explain the application process, program requirements and timelines to eligible individuals in a manner that is fair, accurate, impartial and culturally and linguistically appropriate.
• Assist consumers with completing the online application, if necessary.
• Assist consumers with understanding the basic concepts and rights related to health coverage and how to use it.
• Abide by the policies, procedures, laws, rules and regulations of oversight and funding agencies and programs for which applications are made.
• Assist with developing and maintaining community partnerships including businesses, faith-based entities and other health/social service agencies.
• Perform all required Navigator functions as outlined in 45 CFR 155.210 and 155.215.
• Complete all trainings and certifications, as required
• Carry out administrative and support functions as needed
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned

Other Requirements:

• Valid State of Florida Driver’s License with appropriate insurance coverage. Ability to travel, as needed, within HCSEF/LORHN’s service area: Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie, Indian Rivier, Hendry, Glades, and Okeechobee counties.
• Physical demands are minimal for this position and include sitting, standing, walking reaching, light-lifting (less than 25 lbs.) and any other office situation. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
• Voluntary Termination: This position requires two weeks’ notice.
• May require flexibility with scheduling, as necessary.

HCSEF is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO). All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $22.00 - $25.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person

Salary : $22 - $25