Community Health Worker (Petersburg/Tri-Cities)

General Job Description

VCU School of Nursing is seeking a Community Health Worker to serve as a liaison between the VCU School of Nursing Mobile Health Program and community-based resources addressing health-related social needs for our clients seen at senior apartment buildings in Petersburg, Virginia. The Community Health Worker will assist with trust building with the residents, serve as a resource to identify community member needs, and assist with intake and referrals for program participants. The goal is for the community health worker to support the Mobile Health and Wellness team to facilitate access to care, resources and improved communication to assure follow-up, long-term chronic care self-management through service coordination.

Present one day a week at the VCU School of Nursing Mobile site with the VCU School of Nursing Faculty, staff, and students. Additional time to be spent serving as a community liaison to assist with communications and outreach with community members. Outreach services may be conducted by face-to-face contact during home or community visits, telephone contact, and/or written communication.

Time commitment hourly, up to 5 hours a week, following the schedule of the VCU School of Nursing mobile van and program presence as well as the VCU calendar of closures (fixed schedule on Wednesday).

Age-specific groups served: adult/geriatric.

Position Responsibilities
Demonstrates competency in educating program participants and staff regarding appropriate resources as evidenced by:
- Effectively communicates and navigates systems to include health care, social services, education and other community resources to assure access and appropriate use of these services
- Identifies problems and resources to help individuals solve problems with the goal of teaching the participant how to navigate independently
- Assists program management in barriers to access to resources

Participant support and assures needed services are received:
- Understands public support programs to include eligibility requirements, application process and services available. Once client is deemed eligible, assists the individual in getting the services
- Navigates the systems of care while teaching the participant about the self-care that is appropriate and timely. This includes assisting with making appointments, obtaining referrals for specialty care, appropriate use of the Emergency Department, promotion of obtaining preventive services, etc. to promote “Right Care, Right Place, Right Time”.
- Works with enrollees to empower them to become an active participant in their health care

Program support:
- Accurately documents in VCU approved RedCap documentation system for Mobile Health Program
- Communicates and documents patient care activities
- Completes documentation for 100% of assigned participants in appropriate format and software
- Reports to the supervising faculty or independent licensed practitioner any pertinent observation or information
- Provides assistance to team members and supports student learning
- Performs other duties as assigned
Required Qualifications

- High school diploma or equivalent education/training
- Familiar with, or lives in the Petersburg/Tri-Cities area
- Experience serving as an advocate and liaison with individuals in the community
- Travel required to the school and Mobile Health and Wellness sites
- Must have reliable transportation.
- Able to handle multiple priorities and manage time to meet workload goals
- Able to set goals and plans to accomplish role/responsibilities
- Demonstrates active listening and the ability to share information 1:1 or in large groups using established communication systems
- Demonstrated experience working in and fostering an environment of respect, professionalism and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from various backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a team member at VCU

Preferred Qualifications

- Minimum of one-year experience working in community service, health or social service sector
- Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Health Sciences, or Social Services from an accredited program
- Demonstrated knowledge of transportation resources to assist patients with transportation needs