Rhode Island Parent Information Network
Temporary Remote
Full-time
High School or GED Required
Job Summary:
The Community Health Worker (CHW) is a peer who has experience navigating Rhode Island’s health system for themselves, a family member, or through previous employment. This CHW will work collaboratively with RIPIN and the RI Department of Health (RIDOH) to identify the unique needs of RI communities to help address health disparities related to race, income, geographic location, or other sociodemographic characteristics. The CHW will serve as a link between health/social services and the community to facilitate access to services and improve service delivery.
Essential Functions:
- Provide a parent/consumer perspective to inform statewide policy by participating in coalitions, committees, and workgroups as needed.
- Provide insight and input in the development of policies, materials, and programs to help assure that all program policies and procedures, educational materials, and messages are family-centered and culturally competent.
- Collaborate with partners to connect consumers with supports that will help address health disparities and social determinant of health and promotes equity.
- Participate in diverse community outreach events and support groups to provide up-to-date information to families and professionals about children with special health care needs (CSHCN) and the support services available.
- Develop and foster connections with partner organizations connected to Health Equity Zones, in Providence and Kent Counties.
- Maintain timely, accurate records, documentation, and reports as required.
- Assist in data collection, surveys, assessment, and reporting.
- 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 programs.
- Accept other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Ability to relate to consumers and to address barriers to care, health, and wellness
- Effectively demonstrate sensitivity to the issues facing consumers served
- Knowledgeable of the Rhode Island health care environment and resources
- Demonstrated prior success in accessing community-based resources in Rhode Island
- Knowledge (or a willingness to build knowledge) on systems of care and health insurance coverage within the state of Rhode Island
- High level of interpersonal communication skills to interact professionally and cordially with consumers and professionals
- Ability to convey complex information in a clear and understandable manner
- Time management and organizational skills to balance multiple engagements and effectively prioritize projects of varying complexity while meeting required deadlines
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- 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 and a combination of education 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 working in the field of health and human service policy such as providing public testimony, part of an advisory council
- Previous experience supporting families or individuals with special care needs or disabilities or families or individuals accessing health programs and services
- Previous experience in working effectively with professionals supporting individuals/ parents/families of children with special needs
- 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/ Work Environment:
- Primary work location is remote (work from home); however, employee will also be required to conduct visits in private homes and various community locations
- Must be able to provide own reliable transportation to facilitate visits to client’s home or community setting and travel between multiple provider sites.
- Must have suitable space to work remotely at home
- Flexibility for occasional travel related to job requirements
- Willingness and ability to work evenings and weekends as needed
- Provide own reliable transportation with proof of RI minimum requirements of auto insurance
- Will be required to follow site’s COVID testing and vaccination requirements
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:
See here. 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.