
COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKER
ORGANIZATION SUMMARY
Us Helping Us is a mission-driven nonprofit known for its work at the intersection of service delivery, community education and mobilization, advocacy and research. For the past 30 years, Us Helping Us has provided innovative services, programs and activities to improve the health and wellbeing of racial, sexual and gender minorities, especially Black gay and bisexual men, people with HIV (PWH), and persons with substance use and mental health disorders. As it exists today, we currently operate two office locations in the greater Washington, DC area and offer a variety of clinical, behavioral health and social services in a trusting, compassionate and non-judgmental environment. We are currently hiring for a Community Health Worker and are looking for an eager, compassionate, and independently motivated professional to join our healthcare team.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Community Health Worker will use their unique position as a well-trained community member to provide trust-based information and peer education and diagnostic testing for a variety of infectious and chronic diseases (for example, HIV/AIDS, diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease). Our clients represent diverse communities, including LGBTQ+ and heterosexual youth and adults of color (e.g., Black, Latino/a, African/Caribbean descent, Asian origin), and present with behavioral vulnerabilities, including sexual health concerns, depression, anxiety, substance (ab)use, and various traumas. Thus, the Community Health Worker will also assist clients navigate through the often complex healthcare system. This includes transporting clients to clinical appointments, assisting clients with prescription pick-ups, and performing home visits.
Reporting to the Program Manager, the Community Health Worker will have the following primary responsibilities:
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Build trust with and educate community members about health conditions and factors that contribute to the disproportionate rates among racial/ethnic minority communities.
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Review local surveillance data and perform targeted community-based education and mobilization activities, including integrated HIV/STD testing.
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Assess clients’ medical, behavioral and social service needs and link them to the appropriate internal and external services.
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Identify and link people who are not engaged in medical care by utilizing evidence-based interventions and information about missed appointments.
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Work closely with Case Managers to develop Individualized Service Plans that address client’s unmet needs, such as mental health and substance abuse treatment, domestic violence counseling, housing assistance, and education and employment services.
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Follow-up with clients to ensure attendance at appointments, receipt of and adherence to prescribed medication(s), and/or address any barriers that may impact engagement in care.
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Perform required entry of client-level data and documentation of services, including HIV/STD results, linkage to appropriate medical care, and referrals to behavioral and social services.
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Meet regularly with an interdisciplinary team to discuss successes, challenges, and innovative approaches to address clients needs and to improve core organizational services.
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Partner with research studies to assist with participant recruitment.
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Perform other duties as assigned.
Preferred Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
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Excellent interpersonal, team building and problem solving and decision-making skills. Strong interpersonal skills, including ability to put theory in practice, provide clarity during chaos; and ability to find innovative ways to resolve problems.
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Effective verbal and written communication skills as well as organizational and stress management skills.
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Commitment: Passion for the mission of the organization, including a strong commitment to working to improve the health and quality of life of LGBTQ+ youth and adults, and improving the health and well-being of racial, sexual and gender minorities.
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Knowledge: Demonstrated knowledge of the DMV and issues that TGNC youth with histories of homelessness face; effective advocacy efforts to improve quality of life and local housing and employment resources. Intermediate computer skills, including use of Microsoft Office and electronic health record (e.g., eClinicalWorks) and data systems.
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Skills: Demonstrated ability to conduct sensitive, empathetic interviews and conversations that respect the dignity and diversity of our clients. Strong interpersonal skills, including ability to put theory in practice. Ability to help manage conflict. Ability to maintain client records and information in an accurate, timely and confidential manner.
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Personal qualities: Sound judgment, ability to work independently (with limited supervision), but cohesively, with medical and social service providers and ability to work effectively in a busy and ever-changing environment. Excellent customer service is key.
Experience and Education:
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A high school diploma or GED is required. Preference will be given to individuals with certifications as a community health worker and/or in phlebotomy.
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At least one (1) year of experience in facilitating HIV prevention and treatment services.
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Have a valid driver's license with no DUI or major moving violation in the past 5 years. Regular travel within the greater Washington, DC area is required for this position.
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Experience working with racial minorities and LGBTQ+ youth and adults.
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Bilingual English/Spanish and/or other languages strongly preferred.
Specifications:
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The annual salary is $52,500 -$67,500 (based on experience) plus a generous benefits package, including 80/20 employer/employee-paid health insurance, 401(k) retirement plan, life insurance, short-term disability and federally observed holidays.
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This is a full-time position (working a minimum of 40 hours per week) and requires regular evening and weekend commitments.
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U.S. citizen or permanent resident of the U.S. with a valid work permit required.
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Must submit to a background investigation and drug test.
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Us Helping Us has a smoke-free environment and non-smokers are preferred. Excellent personal hygiene is a must.
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To apply, send cover letter and resume with CHW - Last Name in the subject line to: communications@uhupil.org or click here.
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