Community Health Worker

Job Purpose

The Community Health Worker (CHW) will play an integral role in supporting individuals and families impacted by addiction within the community. The CHW will use specialized training in addiction recovery to guide individuals through their recovery journey. The CHW will provide health education, emotional support, and advocacy. The CHW will work alongside healthcare providers and treatment facilities to promote lasting recovery, empower individuals, and connect them to vital community resources.

Responsibilities

• Act as a Recovery Coach by guiding individuals through the stages of addiction recovery and supporting them with personalized recovery plans, including coaching in areas like nutrition, mental health, and substance use recovery services, as well as chronic disease management and prevention.
• Provide continuous encouragement, motivation, and accountability for individuals and families in recovery, helping them build resilience and life skills.
• Offer emotional support and foster hope for individuals on their recovery journey.
• Coordinate and provide transportation for individuals in recovery, utilizing the company vehicle as needed.
• Assist with navigating complex systems such as healthcare, insurance, and housing resources to address barriers to recovery and assist with applying for those services.
• Provide navigation with local resources, including inpatient and outpatient recovery programs, counseling, job training, and community support groups.
• Educate community members on addiction prevention, recovery processes, harm reduction, relapse prevention, and overall wellness.
• Facilitate workshops, peer-led support groups, and educational events on substance use prevention, addiction recovery, and mental health.
• Conduct outreach in underserved communities, reaching individuals and families who may need recovery support.
• Build strong relationships with community organizations, community corrections and court services, healthcare providers, recovery centers, and local leaders to expand access to services.
• Promote awareness of addiction recovery and harm reduction strategies through community events and campaigns.
• Facilitate routine meetings with the Coalition and individual workgroups.
• Maintain accurate records of client interactions and referrals made.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of recovery coaching and peer support efforts, and present data to their supervisor.
• Track, collect, aggregate, and report quantitative and qualitative data from partner organizations to meet quarterly and biannual grant reporting requirements.
• Attend local, state, and national health and substance misuse prevention events, including Recovery Courts.
• Ensure that all policy and strategic initiatives communications, requests, and questions are addressed promptly.
• Deliver culturally sensitive and trauma-informed care that respects the diverse backgrounds of individuals in the community.
• Other projects and duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• A certificate as a Community Health Worker, certified Peer Recovery Support Specialist (PRSS), or similar credential is highly preferred.
• Lived experience or strong understanding of addiction recovery, recovery coaching principles, harm reduction, and relapse prevention is highly preferred.
• Strong ability to communicate clearly and effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to work independently, manage time effectively, and maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries.
• Outgoing, friendly personality who enjoys working with the public.
• Professional attitude and appearance.
• Experience working in addiction recovery, Community Corrections, community outreach, or social services.
• Strong problem-solving, organizational, and documentation skills.
• Familiarity with mental health issues and co-occurring disorders.
• Valid driver’s license.

More Information

• Thrive Allen County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
• Compensation: This is an hourly position paid at $19.24/hour, medical and dental insurance with 100% of the premiums paid for the employee, IRA with an employer match of up to 3%, 120 hours of paid vacation a year, and 11 paid holidays.
• Some local travel is required for this project.
• Infrequent regional and out-of-state travel for training workshops and informational site visits is required.

To apply send your resume, cover letter, and writing sample to jobs@thriveallencounty.org