Position Summary:

The clients in the populations CENTRO serves have many, documented needs. This newly created Community Health Worker (CHW) position within the Community Support Services (CSS) Department will provide a competent, case-management-trained and experienced practitioner, a unique platform, from which they will assist vulnerable populations learn about and access resources to improve their health and well-being, while assisting them as they strive to achieve self -sufficiency.

This Worcester-located position will report to the Director of Community Support & Strategic Initiatives, and it is meant to be a highly visible position within CENTRO and the community. The primary thrust of this new position is to work closely with CENTRO staff to build trusting relationships with CENTRO clients in order to address their health and human service needs. The CHW, through education, encouragement and professional collaboration will work together with households to eliminate barriers to needed care and supports.

Duties & Responsibilities:

In summary, to build trusting relationships with CENTRO clients and staff so as to facilitate referrals to either internal CENTRO programs or when appropriate, to community-based organizations (CBOs) and their resources.

• Conduct an intake and assessment of the Community Support Services Department’s new households, with a focus on the effects from the household’s social determinants of health so as to determine the extent of the need for supports, and the individuals’ or family’s capacity to address their identified needs.
• Provide client-centric education and service navigation to CENTRO clients in accordance with the Massachusetts Board of Certification of Community Health Worker core competencies.
• Engage with clients to educate and promote available state, federal, and local health and human services assistance programs.
• Educate clients and assist them in navigating the health and human services system.
• Document all client interactions and diagnoses in clients’ electronic health records in accordance with CENTRO protocols.
• Schedule periodic follow-up visits to determine the extent of client involvement and progress.
• Participate in on-site and off-site continuing education programs to meet CHW certification, regulatory requirements, and the needs of CENTRO’s clients.
• Identify, foster and network with CBOs in order to provide CENTRO clients appropriate, timely referrals for supports.
• Mandated Reporter Statute: An individual in this position is considered a “Mandated Reporter” when on, or off duty according to MA Statutes.

Qualifications & Skills:

• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Excellent organizational and time management skills
• Able to work in group collaboration, as well as independently
• Self-motivated
• Resourceful
• Able to meet deadlines
• Able to multi-task
• Proficient in Microsoft Office
• Bi-lingual (Spanish) strongly preferred
• Minimum (2) years work experience in human services or health care, with a demonstrated knowledge of and ability to work with the populations served by CENTRO.
• Knowledge of community resources in Worcester.
• The ability to build trust and rapport with people of all backgrounds and life experiences.
• Demonstrated ability with Microsoft Word, Excel (or similar databases), and Internet Explorer.

Education & Experience:

• Undergraduate degree in a social service field strongly preferred
• Certification & license as a Community Health Worker is required

Physical Demands:

• Ability to be physically mobile (stand, walk, reach, climb, bend) and also the ability to sit for prolonged periods throughout the day/work hours
• Manual dexterity sufficient to operate keyboard, copier, telephone, and the ability to write and/or type
• Must be able to occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds
• Occasional driving to client appointments, offsite meetings, conferences, etc.

Other Requirements:

• Valid driver’s license
• Recent physical exam and TB screen within 12 months
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.