JOB PURPOSE: Provides cultural mediations between health care, social services and the community. Helps individuals increase health knowledge and self-sufficiency through a range of activities such as outreach, client navigation and follow-up, community health education and information, informal counseling, social support, and advocacy. Assists with gaining access to needed services and build increased linkage and retention in substance use, mental health, and medical services to individuals, families, and groups.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED: Minimum two- years' experience in the delivery of social, mental, or health related services, preferred. 

DEGREE AND/OR CERTIFICATION REQUIRED (IF APPLICABLE): 

DRIVING REQUIRED:  Yes

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Ability to write progress notes according to standards, assessments, brief mental status exams, memos, letters, various complex reports and miscellaneous other documents with acceptable spelling and grammar.
• Computer - skilled in the use of technology with Microsoft Office and all Google applications.
• Ability to collaborate with local partnerships to improve services, network and build community connections
• Ability to identify problems and connect individuals with resources to encourage and help clients solve problems themselves
• Understand mental illness, substance abuse, and the emotional components of physical illness

OTHER REQUIREMENTS OR CONDITIONS (specify):

• May be required to interact with other consumers, referral sources, outside agencies, and family members to determine needs and actions to be taken.
• Current State of Texas Driver License or if you live in another state, must be currently licensed in that state.
• Liability insurance required if employee will operate personal vehicle on Center property or for Center business.  Must be insurable by Center's liability carrier if employee operates a Center vehicle or drives personal car on Center business.
• Must complete all training requirements in month in which they are due.
• Work requires working flexible hours, including evening and weekends
• Availability of a personal vehicle for business use may be required. Position will require travel on a daily basis within assigned area.
• Work will take place within office setting, community setting and within the homes of clients, which may include shelters and temporary housing.
• Must submit to and pass a pre-employment drug test
• Must successfully pass all background screens as required by the state
• Must be physically able to conduct home visits to include walking on uneven surfaces, climbing stairs, and standing for long periods of time if required.

Essential Tasks & Standards

1. Performs Community Outreach to community organizations, individual community members, and business impacted by substance use.
2. Completes CHW documentation and weekly reports in accordance with DSHS CHW standards.
3. Actively participates as a CHW team member to ensure the program standards are being met in an efficient and professional manner.
4. Provides individual and group Community Health Worker services
5. Regularly participates in the development of all other activities planned to further the primary purpose of the CHW Grant
6. Maintains and submits accurate data and documentation on reproduction of any reproduced, purchased, or borrowed media for the program.
7. Thoroughly networks with communities to promote interacting with individuals, businesses, faith-based institutions, and other community organizations and group-based presentations as assigned.
8. Establishes rapport with individuals to help determine emotional status and need for follow-up services.

 Work Behaviors & Standards

1. Attends work regularly and punctually in order to provide reliable and consistent coverage in area of responsibility.  Arrives at designated time and departs according to schedule.  Maintains a willingness to adjust schedule to meet the needs of the situation.  Makes every attempt to pre-schedule absences and provide dependable coverage and service.  Complies with Center policies regarding leave usage, absenteeism, and tardiness.
2. Interacts with person served in an emotionally supportive and/or therapeutic manner in order to provide an environment of caring, dignity, and respect.
3. Works harmoniously with fellow employees, supervisors, family, and friends of persons served, and the public in order to create an environment of caring, dignity and respect, and that allows for the accomplishment of the Center's mission.
4. Utilizes work time effectively to insure that all assignments are completed in a thorough and timely manner.
5. Abides by all Center policies and procedures regarding training objectives and requirements including those that relate to safety and infectious disease control. Will keep all Staff Development mandatory trainings current.
6. Adheres to Center policies and procedures and all applicable requirements and regulations of HHSC, CMS, Texas Administrative Code, CARF, relevant contracts and all other applicable regulatory bodies.
7. Maintains confidentiality regarding consumers, records, personnel, and other sensitive and confidential information in order to comply with Center, state, and federal policy.
8. Conducts all aspects of employment in accordance with Center's Compliance Program.

Supervision & Leadership Behaviors (For those in supervisor/management roles only)

1. Onboarding of employees to include submission of the position requisition, conducting interviews and completing the hiring process following Human Resource guidelines.
2. Conducts performance evaluations of assigned staff.  Performance evaluations are on time and give employees fair and meaningful feedback.
3. Schedules assigned staff to participate in mandatory training in order to ensure staff competence and development.  Staff required trainings are up to date and staff are given opportunities for professional development.
4. Monitors performance of department and assigned staff using established reporting processes and provides feedback and coaching to ensure staff meet all contract, productivity and other performance targets.
5. Manages schedules, attendance and punctuality of assigned staff.  Staff time is reported on time and accurately and staff are able to make use of earned leave.
6. Supervisor is accessible to assigned staff and they are kept well informed of departmental and center happenings.
7. Supervisor applies the performance improvement (disciplinary) process consistently and in accordance with center policy.  Utilizes a "plus one" approach to minimize risk.
8. Ensure direct reports are aware of and adhere to Center policies & procedures
9. Observe provision of service by all direct care staff within 30 days prior to completion of any employee evaluation with a minimum of one observed session per year. Observation will be documented via the Clinical Supervision Form.