What are the responsibilities and job description for the Behavioral Health Community Health Worker (CHW) position at Heartland Community Health Center?
Job title
Behavioral Health Community Health Worker (CHW)
Reports to
Director of Patient Engagement
Status
Non-Exempt (Hourly)
Job Purpose
The Behavioral Health Community Health Worker (CHW) utilizes both lived experience in recovery and professional training to support individuals navigating substance use disorders (SUD). This role works as part of an integrated care team to provide emotional support, education, short-term care coordination, and connection to healthcare and community resources. The CHW helps clients overcome barriers, engage in recovery, and improve overall well-being by combining personal insight with knowledge of care systems.
Working in both clinical and community-based settings, the CHW will collaborate with Heartland’s medical teams and external social service agencies to connect clients with appropriate services and support. This position focuses on improving health outcomes and quality of life through education, care coordination, and strengthened access to resources.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Provide one-on-one support and recovery coaching to individuals with substance use disorders.
- Share lived experience in a professional and empathetic manner to inspire hope and demonstrate the possibility of long-term recovery.
- Assist clients in identifying strengths, setting recovery and health goals, and developing action plans.
- Support clients in accessing treatment options, primary care, housing, employment, and other community resources.
- Help clients navigate the healthcare system, including support for appointments, detox, outpatient programs, and support groups.
- Educate clients on recovery principles, treatment options, and how to manage chronic health conditions and mental wellness.
- Provide advocacy and follow-up during clinical visits to ensure client needs are heard and addressed.
- Assist clients with overcoming barriers to care, including transportation, insurance access, and communication with service providers.
- Facilitate connections to 12-step programs, harm reduction resources, recovery communities, and social support networks.
- Document all interactions, service plans, and client progress accurately in the electronic health record system.
- Coordinate with clinical teams, therapists, case managers, and other staff to support holistic care.
- Educate individuals and communities about substance use, recovery pathways, and how to navigate health and social service systems.
- Participate in care coordination meetings, treatment planning, trainings, and community outreach.
- Maintain strict confidentiality and adhere to all applicable HIPAA, regulatory, and ethical guidelines.
Qualifications
- High school diploma or GED required; Associate's or Bachelor’s degree in social work, public health, or related field preferred.
- Minimum of 1–2 years in recovery from substance use disorder preferred or 1-2 years’ experience working with community members in recovery from substance use.
- Certification as a Community Health Worker preferred (or willingness to obtain within 6 months of hire).
- Experience in healthcare navigation, case management, or working with at-risk populations preferred.
- Strong understanding of substance use disorders, recovery models, and trauma-informed care.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to engage compassionately across diverse populations.
- Familiarity with local community resources and social service systems.
- Ability to manage boundaries and use lived experience appropriately in a professional setting.
- Proficiency in electronic documentation, coordination tools, and Microsoft Office Suite.
- Must have a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and auto insurance.
- Bilingual (Spanish/English) preferred but not required.
Working conditions
- This role requires movement throughout the building day or multiple locations during the day.
- This role may be exposed to infections and contagious diseases.
- This role is subject to interruptions.
- This role requires management of personnel and procedures in a high stress & high paced environment.
- This role completes tasks that are performed in close physical proximity to other people. This role requires working indoors in environmentally controlled conditions.
Physical Requirements
- Moves equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
- Moves throughout the building to meet with employees, patients, or visitors.
- Must be able to remain in a stationary position during shift.
- Ability to read, write, and speak English.
- Frequent communication with patients about their experience at the health center.
- Must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations.
- Operate a computer and other office equipment, such as tablets, scanners, printers, and phones.
- Adhere to process protocol or procedures.
Details
- Schedule: Full-time non-exempt.
- Hours Mon-Friday 8:00AM-7:00PM (as needed) (average 40 hours/week)
- Location: All locations Heartland Community Health Center
- Schedule may be altered by supervisor(s) as needed to allow for completion of expected duties of the position.
