Community Health Worker

     The Office for Community Health at the University of New Mexico’s Health Sciences Center is currently looking to hire multiple Full Time Community Health Worker to join a team of Social and Public Health Workers and managers, and provide rapid resource referrals and community connector/navigator services to high-need guests at the Gateway Receiving Area located on 5400 Gibson Blvd SE, a grant-funded collaboration between the City of Albuquerque and UNM HSC’s Office of Community Health. The Gateway Receiving Area site will operate by harm reduction principles and practices. Staff are expected to comply with public health evidence-based and best practices at all times while at work. You will help plan, deliver, and staff the 24/7 services at the short-term Community Connector services site at 5400 Gibson Bl SE.

We are seeking a compassionate, collaborative individual with strong and compassionate communication skills with the ability to problem-solve efficiently, independently and as part of a team as is required and appropriate. Because the program is new and innovative, you will help us create the model, applying your CHW perspective, skills and experience.

Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Assists clients in site and community settings. Communicates to clients/patients the purposes of the program and the impact it may have on their wellbeing. Helps patients identify socio-economic issues that affect their overall health and develop health/social management plans and goals using Harm Reduction principles that are non-judgmental and meet the client “where they are at”;.
2. Provides lay-counseling interventions, including Motivational Interviewing, as appropriate to the position; welcomes site guests via screening and intake, prepares program engagement plans, exit plans, and acts as a resource for follow-up referral and placement with partner organizations, behavioral, medical, dental, &/or mental health providers;
3. Documents all client encounters and contracts made on behalf of clients; completes and submits monthly reports; maintains comprehensive electronic client files, which include client notes, release of information, assessments and other medical documents acquired on behalf of the client. Documents activities, service plans, and outcomes achieved by client in an effective manner.
4. Collects data about patients through basic vitals, Social Determinants of Health assessment, interview, case history, and/or observational techniques; evaluates data to identify causes of problems and to determine program appropriateness or referral to other resources.
5. Must take and pass yearly training and evaluation by an appropriate-licensed medical professional to remain proficient in measuring vital signs;
6. Educates client on the proper use of the Emergency Room and provides information for alternatives. Coaches patients in effective management of their chronic health conditions and self-care using compassionate, collaborative communications skills applied to unhoused complex clientele. Assists patient in understanding care plans and instructions. Motivates patients/clients to be active and engaged participants in their health and overall wellbeing, with skills to help strategize through extreme social and economic deficits.
7. Assists clients in accessing health related services, including but not limited to: obtaining a medical home, providing instruction on appropriate use of the medical home, overcoming barriers to obtaining needed medical care and /or social services.
8. Provides support and advocacy during initial site visit or when necessary to assure clients' medical needs and referrals required are being conveyed. Follows up with both clients and providers regarding health/social services plans when appropriate;
9. Facilitates communication and coordinate services between providers and the clients/patients. Coordinates and monitors services, including comprehensive tracking of clients' compliance in relation to care plan objectives.
10. May transport guests to local resources in City-owned van with Driver Safety Certification
11. Workload includes engaging with at-risk populations with complex psycho-social histories
12. Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

See the Position Description for additional information.

• Possession of a valid New Mexico driver's license is a requirement for this job.
• Must pass a pre-employment criminal background check.
• Fingerprinting, and subsequent clearance, may be required for this position depending on assignment.
• May be required to obtain a Community Support Worker (CSW) certification within six months of hire.
• Employees who provide services or work in patient care or clinical areas are required to be in compliance with the University's influenza vaccination requirement.
• Successful candidate must submit to post-offer, pre-employment physical examination and medical history check.

High school diploma or GED; at least 1 year of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.

Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution that are above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.

-Experience with or interest in working in rapid-paced environment with unhoused guests in need of referrals to resources

- Ability to work flexible hours when needed

Only applications submitted through the official UNMJobs site will be accepted. If you are viewing this job advertisement on a 3rd party site, please visit UNMJobs to submit an application.

Positions posted with a Staff Type of Regular or Term are eligible for the Veteran Preference Program. See the Veteran Preference Program webpage for additional details.

The University of New Mexico is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.

The University of New Mexico requires all regular staff positions successfully pass a pre-employment background check. This may include, but is not limited to, a criminal history background check, New Mexico Department of Health fingerprint screening, New Mexico Children, Youth, and Families Department fingerprint screening, verification of education credentials, and/or verification of prior employment. For more information about background checks, visit https://policy.unm.edu/university-policies/3000/3280.html . Refer to https://policy.unm.edu/university-policies/3000/3200.html for a definition of Regular Staff.