INTRODUCTION

Under the supervision of the Director of Social Services, the Community Health Worker is responsible for supporting HIV negative individuals who are at higher risk of becoming infected with HIV and/or who may have barriers to accessing resources and/or adhering to treatment or prevention. The Community Health Worker will also provide support to those who are in need of any STI treatment/ prevention resources or who may encounter barriers to care. Primary responsibilities include, but are not limited to, coordinating with the Community Health Navigator, Health Coach, and other members of the team to identify individuals who are at risk and not receiving preventative services or medical care to build trust and inform them about PrEP and other services, providing personalized assistance to help them enter medical care, and providing support until they are established in care.

As trusted members of the localities in which they work, CHWs serve as the liaisons between health/social services and the community to facilitate access to services and improve the quality and cultural competence of service delivery. CHWs also build individual and community capacity by increasing health knowledge and self-sufficiency through a range of activities such as outreach, community education, informal counseling, social support, and advocacy.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Works collaboratively with Unity providers, social services, and nursing staff to identify at risk patients lost to care
Conducts home visits and outreach to the community to locate lost to care patients.
Provides personalized assistance to help out of care patients enter or reenter medical care; provides support until they are fully engaged in medical care.
Provides accurate information to clients about PrEP, preventing HIV transmission, as well as other STIs, the benefits and challenges of PrEP and other STI treatment, and how to access available services.
Links clients with Health Coach, and/or Community Health Navigator for Prep services
Develops a professional, therapeutic working relationship with clients.
Collaborates with Social Service staff to assist with case management needs related to addictions, mental illness, homelessness, domestic violence, pregnancy, family issues and on-going support.
Helps patients develop confidence about their participation in PrEP treatment.
Accurately documents and locks all patient encounters in eClinical Works (eCW) and responds to messages, referrals, and TCONS within established time frames per electronic medical record policy.
Participates in professional development opportunities.
Attends departmental, health center, providers’ meetings and mandatory trainings and meetings.
Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

High school diploma or equivalent.
Experience working in a heath care setting or social services.
Experience with sexual health, HIV, LGBTQ+ community, substance abuse, incarceration, homelessness
Outreach experience preferred
Home vising experience preferred

KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED BY THE POSITION

Effective verbal and written communication skills
Knowledge of DC community resources and services; ability to assess clients for needs related to treatment education, risk reduction and prevention.
Experience with, or knowledge of Prep and HIV preferred.
Willingness to continue education/competency training in PrEP related matters.
Able to learning new skills, procedures, and information as the standards of care in PrEP treatment change
Basic computer skills and the ability to type.
Willingness to articulate, and adhere to, Unity’s mission through his/her work

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

The position reports to the Social Services Director

GUIDELINES

This position abides by all rules and regulations set forth by applicable licensing and regulatory bodies, as well as UHC policies and procedures.

PERSONAL CONTACTS

This position has contact with staff at all levels throughout the organization. There are also external organizational relationships that may be part of the work of this individual.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Refer to ADA Checklist.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Refer to ADA Checklist.

OTHER SIGNIFICANT FACTS

The incumbent must be able to balance the needs of diverse constituencies on a daily basis.

RISKS

The position works involves everyday risk and discomforts, which require normal safety pre-caution typical of such placesas offices, meetings, training room and other UHC health Care Sites. The work area is adequately lit, heated and ventilated. The position requires contact with staff at all levels throughout the organization. There are also external organization relationships that may be a part of the work of this individual. All medical services shall be provided according to medical accepted community standards of care. Shall provide evidence of recent (within the past twelve (12) months) health assessment that includes a PPD and/or chest x-ray results. Shall provide evidence of vaccination for Hepatitis A & B. COVID vaccination and Annual Flu vaccination required.

The statements contained herein describe the scope of the responsibility and essential functions of this position, but should not be considered to be an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned including work in other areas to cover absences or relief to equalize peak work periods or otherwise balance the workload.

Unity Health Care.

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