Community Health Worker – Hospital Care Transition Program

Rhode Island Parent Information Network

Full-time; permanent

Job Summary

The Community Health Worker (CHW) is a peer who has experience in navigating Rhode Island’s health system for themselves, a family member or through previous employment. This CHW will work in RIPIN’s Hospital Care Transition Program, which supports Rhode Islanders who may be good candidates to discharge from the hospital back to their homes or other community settings, but need a little extra assistance to make that possible. The CHW will be a critical part of a comprehensive team providing options counseling, resources and referrals for post-hospital care. CHWs will engage with consumers in hospital settings providing person centered, culturally sensitive support, and building on the values, strengths and preferences of the patient. The CHW will also serve as an effective role model and mentor.

Pay rate for this CHW position will be commensurate with the required in-person work assignment based in the hospital setting.

Essential Functions

  • Assist patients and families in understanding and accessing informal and formal options for post-discharge care benefits including copay and cost of care.
  • Review and educate on benefits and eligibility for Medicaid Fee-For-Service, Medicaid/Medicare Managed Care, Medicare Advantage Plans, and any available private insurances.
  • Assist the consumer in completion and submission of enrollment or benefit applications. Refer consumers to other services and public or private agencies for additional supports as needed.
  • Utilizing motivational interviewing skills and culturally sensitive methods to collaborate with patients to explore preferred post-discharge supports and identify social determinants of health and/or areas of need within their community environment.
  • Review care options including natural supports, home care services, medical equipment, adult day health programs, senior centers and assisted living communities.
  • Coordinate with hospital discharge and health plan staff to enable post-discharge home and community supports to be established in a timely manner.
  • Assist consumers as they transition to independence/case closure by engaging with consumers and providing follow up support.
  • Maintain timely, accurate records, documentation, and reports as required.
  • Actively participate and complete training and professional development activities
  • Assist in statewide system analysis, planning and coordination with state agencies, state and local boards, community-based organizations, and community rehabilitation programs.
  • Accept other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

  • Ability to demonstrate sensitivity towards, relate to, form trusting connections with, and motivate consumers as a peer mentor and to address barriers to care, health and wellness
  • Knowledge of Rhode Island health systems, terminology, supports, and services
  • Demonstrated ability and skill to work collaboratively with co-workers, consumers, families, service providers, and health plans, etc.
  • Skilled and/or willingness to learn and initiate motivational interviewing techniques with consumers
  • Demonstrated prior success in accessing community-based resources in Rhode Island
  • Strong written and oral communication skills
  • Excellent organizational skills to manage multiple priorities and tasks
  • A deep understanding of, commitment to, and ability to carry out the mission, vision, philosophy and values of RIPIN
  • Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office/computer skills to enter data, prepare reports and correspondence

Education and Experience

  • High School diploma or GED
  • Attained or working towards a bachelor’s degree, or a combination of education, experience, and skills to effectively carry out responsibilities and assignments
  • Community Health Workers certification preferred; non-certified incumbents are expected to earn certification within 18 months of hire date
  • Personal experience navigating state and community services and programs on behalf of self or a family member
  • Previous experience supporting families or individuals with special care needs or disabilities or families or individuals accessing health programs and services
  • Demonstrated ability to work both independently and as an effective team member
  • Demonstrated experience working with diverse populations
  • A combination of education and experience demonstrating acquisition of the skills and abilities required

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee regularly is required to stand, walk, sit, use hand to finger, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to climb stairs, reach, stretch, stand and bend. The employee frequently lifts and/or moves up to 25 pounds. Community Health Workers are required to climb up to three flights of stairs to conduct home and community visits.

Work Conditions/Environment

Primary work location is a climate-controlled indoor hospital or office environment; however, employee will also be required to conduct visits in private homes and various community locations
A significant portion of work may be based out of a hospital location, which may bring elevated risk of exposure to COVID-19 or other infectious diseases.
Must have suitable space to work remotely at home as needed.
Must be able to provide own reliable transportation to facilitate visits to client’s home or community setting and travel between multiple provider sites.
Flexibility for occasional travel related to job requirements
Willingness and ability to work limited evenings and weekends as needed
Provide own reliable transportation with proof of RI minimum requirements of auto insurance
The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

To Apply

Please apply here: https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=40758&clientkey=2065EACCEE3EBD0E3C48BE8B2A07F5BA

Bilingual Community Health Worker – COVID-19 Community Outreach

Rhode Island Parent Information Network

Full-time; permanent

Job Summary

The Community Health Worker (CHW) is a peer who has experience in navigating Rhode Island’s health system for themselves, a family member or through previous employment. This CHW will work in RIPIN’s Hospital Care Transition Program, which supports Rhode Islanders who may be good candidates to discharge from the hospital back to their homes or other community settings, but need a little extra assistance to make that possible. The CHW will be a critical part of a comprehensive team providing options counseling, resources and referrals for post-hospital care. CHWs will engage with consumers in hospital settings providing person centered, culturally sensitive support, and building on the values, strengths and preferences of the patient. The CHW will also serve as an effective role model and mentor.

Pay rate for this CHW position will be commensurate with the required in-person work assignment based in the hospital setting.

Essential Functions

  • Assist patients and families in understanding and accessing informal and formal options for post-discharge care benefits including copay and cost of care.
  • Review and educate on benefits and eligibility for Medicaid Fee-For-Service, Medicaid/Medicare Managed Care, Medicare Advantage Plans, and any available private insurances.
  • Assist the consumer in completion and submission of enrollment or benefit applications. Refer consumers to other services and public or private agencies for additional supports as needed.
  • Utilizing motivational interviewing skills and culturally sensitive methods to collaborate with patients to explore preferred post-discharge supports and identify social determinants of health and/or areas of need within their community environment.
  • Review care options including natural supports, home care services, medical equipment, adult day health programs, senior centers and assisted living communities.
  • Coordinate with hospital discharge and health plan staff to enable post-discharge home and community supports to be established in a timely manner.
  • Assist consumers as they transition to independence/case closure by engaging with consumers and providing follow up support.
  • Maintain timely, accurate records, documentation, and reports as required.
  • Actively participate and complete training and professional development activities
  • Assist in statewide system analysis, planning and coordination with state agencies, state and local boards, community-based organizations, and community rehabilitation programs.
  • Accept other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

  • Ability to demonstrate sensitivity towards, relate to, form trusting connections with, and motivate consumers as a peer mentor and to address barriers to care, health and wellness
  • Knowledge of Rhode Island health systems, terminology, supports, and services
  • Demonstrated ability and skill to work collaboratively with co-workers, consumers, families, service providers, and health plans, etc.
  • Skilled and/or willingness to learn and initiate motivational interviewing techniques with consumers
  • Demonstrated prior success in accessing community-based resources in Rhode Island
  • Strong written and oral communication skills
  • Excellent organizational skills to manage multiple priorities and tasks
  • A deep understanding of, commitment to, and ability to carry out the mission, vision, philosophy and values of RIPIN
  • Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office/computer skills to enter data, prepare reports and correspondence
  • Demonstrated written and verbal fluency in Spanish required

Education and Experience

  • High School diploma or GED
  • Attained or working towards a bachelor’s degree, or a combination of education, experience, and skills to effectively carry out responsibilities and assignments
  • Community Health Workers certification preferred; non-certified incumbents are expected to earn certification within 18 months of hire date
  • Personal experience navigating state and community services and programs on behalf of self or a family member
  • Previous experience supporting families or individuals with special care needs or disabilities or families or individuals accessing health programs and services
  • Demonstrated ability to work both independently and as an effective team member
  • Demonstrated experience working with diverse populations
  • A combination of education and experience demonstrating acquisition of the skills and abilities required

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee regularly is required to stand, walk, sit, use hand to finger, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to climb stairs, reach, stretch, stand and bend. The employee frequently lifts and/or moves up to 25 pounds. Community Health Workers are required to climb up to three flights of stairs to conduct home and community visits.

Working Conditions/Environment

Primary work location is a climate-controlled indoor hospital or office environment; however, employee will also be required to conduct visits in private homes and various community locations
A significant portion of work may be based out of a hospital location, which may bring elevated risk of exposure to COVID-19 or other infectious diseases.
Must have suitable space to work remotely at home as needed.
Must be able to provide own reliable transportation to facilitate visits to client’s home or community setting and travel between multiple provider sites.
Flexibility for occasional travel related to job requirements
Willingness and ability to work limited evenings and weekends as needed
Provide own reliable transportation with proof of RI minimum requirements of auto insurance
The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

To Apply

Please include letter of interest, resume, and salary requirements to complete your application.

RIPIN provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws.

Link Below to Apply
——————————————-
https://ripin.org/careers/

Bilingual Community Health Worker

Conexión Latina Newport

FT 40 hours + benefits
Pay: $20.00-22.00 hour based on experience
Start Date: November 2021
Based in Newport

ORGANIZATIONAL SUMMARY

Conexión Latina Newport (CLN) was founded in 2019 in response to the inequities and vulnerability of the Hispanic Community living in Newport and their lack of access to basic resources needed to meet their daily needs. We work as a connector between community members and local agencies and city entities such as schools, city hall and community health and wellness groups, to break down the cultural and language barriers that hinder their access. We also work with agencies and the city to build better systems and competencies to better serve the community, and the city as a whole. We advocate, educate and build relationships for long term change to systemic issues.

CLN is a Hispanic, bilingual, woman lead organization, who prioritizes the hiring and employment of Hispanics

OVERVIEW

Under the direction of Conexion Latina Newport (CLN) in conjunction with the Newport Health Equity Zone (HEZ), the Bilingual Community Health Worker will work for and in the Hispanic community in Newport, to create and foster access to all of their health needs, including all needs related to COVID-19. They will also build and foster relationships with local health and mental health organizations and entities to aid them in becoming more in-tuned and competent both culturally and linguistically. The Bilingual Community Health Worker will be required to participate in, and complete, the state Community Health Worker certification program, which can be done while working. This is a grant funded position for 40 hours a week, for a period of 3 years, starting November 1st, 2021.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

● Identify ways to develop and sustain trusting and respectful relationships with community partners

● Articulate and advocate for the needs of community and individuals to staff, program partners, local health providers and businesses

● Promote wellness by providing culturally appropriate health information to residents and community partners

● Plan, coordinate and implement community health events such as vaccination clinics, health fairs, etc.

● Work in the CLN office and provide supports as needed by walk-in clients.

● Build individual capacity to achieve professional development. This will include:

○ Participate in and complete Community Health Worker Certification Course

○ Developing a comprehensive work plan and logic model

○ Participating in weekly meetings with supervisor

○ Participate in meetings with other community health agencies and partners

○ Participate in relevant RIDOH and HEZ workshops

● Keep CLN staff updated and in the loop about resources, community issues and new initiatives

● Demonstrate progress through program assessment and evaluation

● Carry out all aspects of project promotion including; conducting outreach for events, groups, or meetings through ways that account for specific and unique needs of the community

● Core Competencies: Bridge cultural and language gaps between individuals, communities, government, and health care and human services, by supporting ongoing learning and understanding of cultural and language considerations and barriers

● Work to eliminate barriers and advocate for systemic change through creating sustainable programs that actively engage resident voice and community partners

● Bring inspirational presence, reliable leadership, and enthusiasm for CLN’s mission and vision to community meetings, task forces, and other strategic sites.

QUALIFICATIONS

● Fully Bilingual English/Spanish required (speak, read, write)

● A resident of the Newport Hispanic community will be prioritized

● Comfort working with diverse populations

● Flexibility and willingness to grow in response to community needs or changes in the field.

● Strong problem solving skills

● Ability to work both independently and as a team member

● availability to work occasional evening or weekend events

● Ability to effectively build relationships with a wide variety of constituents including youth, parents, other residents, health and human services professionals, and decision-makers at all levels.

● Ability to apply creative and critical thinking to improve existing strategies

● Strong computer and social media skills

● Ability to maintain strict confidentiality

To Apply:

Submit letter of interest and resume to Conexion Latina Newport via email at info@clnewport.org no later than November 11, 2021

December Newsletter

Moving up the CHW Ladder, Recertification, and Conference Dates…

Learn from December’s CHW in the Spotlight, you don’t have to leave your treasured CHW tools behind as you move into different roles…

Join the Community Health Worker Association of RI

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Government Shutdown Update

SHUTDOWN’S IMPACT ON WIC

Below are the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO)’s comments on how the current government shutdown impacts WIC. For the whole update, link here.

According to the National WIC Association, WIC agencies continue operating as normal and have so far not reported any issues or disturbances to normal operations. Agencies are expected to have adequate funding on hand currently to last through the month of January. The USDA Food and Nutrition Services has communicated to WIC agencies that they plan to undertake measures on Jan. 3 to identify and provide additional funding, including: allocating all remaining carryover funds and preliminary recoveries to state agencies, working with state agencies to make their FY18 Nutrition Services and Administration grants spend forward funds available for FY19 obligations, and asking state agencies to identify additional unspent FY18 funds that may be available for recovery and reallocation as FY19 grant funds.

Video on CHW’s Experience with Core Training

at the Institute for Education in Healthcare at Rhode Island College

Nicole White, 2018 graduate of RIC’s Core Competency CHW Training program, recounts her experience with fellow students and teachers. She remarks on how well the training matches and capitalizes on her interests and experiences helping people access healthcare resources. After the training, Nicole landed a CHW job at Care New England and now is part of the Community Compass RI program that addresses Social Determinants of Health issues of patients in the Emergency Room. Of RIC’s training program, Nicole says ‘They really set you up for success.'”