Community Health Worker

Description

PRIMARY PURPOSE:The Community Health Worker is responsible for engaging in outreach and delivering services across all FoundCare programs, including but not limited to HIV prevention, education, testing, insurance enrollment, and linkage to care. This role requires collaboration with medical providers, primary care teams, and social service agencies to implement targeted prevention strategies and facilitate access to necessary health services. Work is conducted in clinical and community settings, focusing on outreach, education, prevention, and counseling in Palm Beach County.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: 

• Collaborate with the Director of Outreach & Engagement to identify and develop outreach opportunities across all FoundCare programs.
• Conduct eligibility assessments for clients to determine their suitability for various health programs.
• Provide counseling and testing services for HIV and other relevant health issues.
• Facilitate clients’ insurance enrollment by assisting with the application process and ensuring they understand their coverage options, requiring a Certified Application Counselor (CAC) certification.
• Ensure compliance with guidelines established by relevant health departments and agencies in maintaining client files.
• Facilitate immediate referral of individuals to appropriate programs and services, including linkage to care and insurance enrollment.
• Conduct outreach, screenings, and risk assessments for various health concerns.
• Motivate individuals to participate in prevention programs and enroll in insurance plans.
• Stay updated on prevention and risk reduction strategies for multiple health issues and resources available to assist individuals.
• Maintain client and family confidentiality at all times.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with FoundCare staff, community partners, local authorities, and other agency personnel to improve the targeted community's access to program services.
• Document services provided accurately and ensure all data is collected for program evaluation.
• Input data into relevant databases and generate necessary reports weekly and monthly.
• Adhere to all organization policies and procedures, especially outreach and community engagement.
• Inform the Director of Outreach and Engagement about any factors hindering program success and recommend solutions to mitigate these factors.
• Work during non-traditional business hours (after 5:00 p.m. Monday to Friday and weekends) to deliver prevention activities to the target population.
• Meet monthly and annual program goals across all FoundCare initiatives.
• Conduct educational group sessions as needed, provide necessary referrals, and ensure confidentiality.
• Perform other duties as assigned. 

Requirements

 REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Understanding of outreach methodologies and familiarity with community locations frequented by the target population.
• Ability to comprehend and apply information from training programs, conferences, and professional literature.
• Current knowledge of health issues, including HIV/STD/TB transmission and prevention strategies.
• Ability to communicate effectively in writing using the English language, with or without the use of auxiliary aids or services.
• Effective interpersonal skills to maintain rapport with clients, staff, and members of the community.
• Outstanding customer service skills and the ability to interact and work with diverse populations. 
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.
• Awareness that FoundCare provides comprehensive health education, which may involve exposure to explicit content as part of the agency’s mission.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to endure short, intermittent, and/or long periods of sitting and/or standing in performance of job duties.
• Accomplish job duties using various types of equipment/supplies, e.g. pens, pencils, calculators, computer keyboard, telephone.
• Ability to lift and carry objects weighing 25 pounds or less over distances of 100 yards and travel to various community locations for outreach activities. 
• Ability to move, stack, and store HIV and substance abuse prevention materials and supplies in storage area, including lifting materials and placing on shelves at levels 5’ 6” and lower.
• Ability to travel to other FoundCare locations and perform job duties. 
• Ability to travel to other locations to attend meetings, workshops, and seminars, plus travel to other FoundCare departments and FoundCare conference rooms. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Associate's Degree, High School Diploma, GED, or 1-3 years of related experience.
• Bachelor’s Degree in a health or social services field preferred.
• Experience in a medical or social service delivery setting.
• If in school, working towards a college degree with two years of outreach work experience.
• Experience working with individuals with chemical dependency.
• Understanding of diverse population dynamics, with adaptable communication skills for various audiences.
• Valid Florida driver’s license, automobile insurance, and reliable transportation.
• Certified Application Counselor (CAC) certification required for facilitating insurance enrollment. 
• This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship.