Community Health Worker-Psychiatry (Hybrid)

POSITION SUMMARY:

A Community Health Worker (CHW) is a trusted member of the community who helps patients better access and coordinate their health care. The goal of a CHW is to assist high risk patients with the tasks of getting medical care, working on health goals (such as arranging care, filling medication prescriptions, planning healthy meals, or finding time to exercise), and to help them deal with the “real-life” issues that keep them from staying healthy. The CHW provides in-home social and informational support to high risk primary care patients and collaborates with Patient Care Manager, PCP, and other members of the primary care team to conduct needs assessments to identify and respond to barriers to health and wellness.

Position: Community Health Worker

Department: Psychiatry Research

Schedule: 20 Hours (Days)

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES / DUTIES:

Patient Connection, Navigation, & Education:

• Serve as a central contact for first-episode psychosis (FEP) team members to help patients navigate the many systems encountered during the recovery journey.

• Develop FEP CHW referral process for FEP team members and community health centers in collaboration with WRAP leadership.

• Offer psychosis psychoeducation for patients and families in accessible and culturally relevant language.

• Work with patients and families/caregivers to set WRAP clinic visit cadence with shared decision making. Facilitates the scheduling of visits and additional testing/procedures, such as primary care appointments, etc.

• Perform THRIVE screener with FEP patients and families/caregivers and provide referrals to relevant community resources.

• Follow-up with patients and families/caregivers at regular intervals to problem-solve around any barriers to care.

• Assist patients and families/caregivers in identifying and accessing community support services.

Resource Management:

• Design culturally relevant educational materials for FEP patients and families/caregivers around psychosis treatment

• Maintain and update resource directory, ensuring clinical team members have access to accurate and current psychosis-specific community resources.

• Identify resources for financial assistance, medication needs, home health care, insurance questions, transportation, and other concerns.

• Documents barriers to care and develop new plans for resource connections, ensuring a collaborative approach for psychosis treatment.

Community Engagement and Leadership:

• Serve as a liaison between communities and the Wellness and Recovery after Psychosis (WRAP) clinical program.

• Attend local community health fairs and community groups.

• Enhance community residents’ ability to communicate effectively with health care providers.

• Advocate for individual and community mental health.

Training and Development:

• Participate in trainings on first-episode psychosis.

• Participate in training in the 10 Core Competencies for Massachusetts community health workers.

• Use training to enhance patient care strategies.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION:

High School Diploma or GED required; Bachelor's Degree is preferred.

EXPERIENCE:

• Minimum of 2 years prior mental healthcare, or community-based experience

• Outstanding interpersonal skills to interact with patients and families/caregivers

• Basic knowledge of the mental healthcare system.

• Interest in community mental health and outreach.

• Exceptional organizational skills; ability to multi-task and work independently as well as part of a team.

• Demonstrated oral and written English communication skills; fluency in Haitian Creole or Spanish is preferable.

• Understanding of how language, culture, and socioeconomic circumstances affect mental health.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and data tracking.

• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams and stakeholders.

• A commitment to improving community mental health outcomes and addressing social determinants of health.

• Willingness to undergo training in psychosis education and treatment and team-based approach to care.

Generally the work schedule will be Monday through Friday though some evenings and weekends may be required depending on specific patient needs. Will require some travel to and from BMC and community resources while accompanying and assisting participating families.

Why Join Us? This role offers a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact on community mental health by enhancing patient support and fostering collaborative care. As a CHW, you will be at the forefront of innovative mental healthcare strategies that directly benefit our patients and the community.

Application Process: Interested candidates should submit their resume and a cover letter detailing their relevant experience and motivation for applying. We look forward to welcoming a passionate CHW to our WRAP team!

Equal Opportunity Employer/Disabled/Veterans

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