CCHC Online·Chicago, Illinois
The Community Health Worker focuses on engaging high-risk populations and people living with HIV to ensure access to medical care and supportive services. Responsibilities include conducting outreach, performing rapid HIV testing, and providing peer support to navigate healthcare systems.
With a focus on reaching African American persons at greatest risk for HIV infection and unaware of their status, the Community Health Worker (CHW) will assist people living with HIV (PLWH) whether newly diagnosed or previously diagnosed, to engage in medical care and case management services.
The Community Health Worker will refer PLWH for supportive services and follow up with clients regarding referral outcomes to ensure clients are accessing and adhering to health care services without barriers.
The CHW will provide ongoing peer support to assist individuals in navigating quality and appropriate levels of health care and achieve collaboratively developed health goals.
The CHW is responsible for performing duties as part of an integrated interdisciplinary community health care coordination team to work and build individual and community capacity by increasing health knowledge and self-sufficiency through a range of activities such as resource and system navigation, outreach, community education, informal counseling, social support, and advocacy.
Maintain current knowledge of general health and wellness information, insurance coverage, and available services and resources.
Maintain the highest level of client confidentiality, in-person and in practice.
Conducts rapid HIV testing and submits HIV Surveillance Case Report for positive cases
Performs street outreach to help clients overcome barriers created by SDOH (social determinants of health) that have deteriorated due to the pandemic
Conducts outreach to aid in the re-engagement of individuals at risk for HIV in the community
Link individuals newly diagnosed with HIV to medical care within 30 days of diagnosis
Provides services in a culturally competent manner
Conducts initial intake and ongoing assessments, medication and treatment adherence assessments, and medical assessments to identify and reduce barriers
Reduce barriers to care by guiding clients to and through health care systems that will increase client support
Monitors progress toward improving/stabilizing health status
Actively refer clients to Ryan White case management
Assist with linkages to health insurance and transportation
Provides and tracks referrals and linkages to services with special emphasis on core clinical services, access to medical, income benefit programs, transportation and access to emergency financial assistance.
Provide health education and risk reduction counseling to the clients to support engagement in care
Maintains client file, records all activity, and maintains appropriate documentation of eligibility
Inputs all data into the client-level database.
Successfully complete required training
Submits monthly/quarterly/annual reports on program/client activities in a timely fashion.
Attends team meetings and all other relevant program meetings as scheduled.
Conducts presentations and/or educational workshops on behalf of CCHC.
Meets with clients at other agency clinic locations as necessary.
Follows standard operating procedures and all policies
Performs other duties as required or assigned
Work closely with other departments to assist individuals with maintaining relationships with care providers for follow-up screenings and treatment and
supporting adherence to program follow-up. Participate, as needed, in clinical/client huddles.
Assist participants through peer support and frequent communication/follow-up utilizing a harm reduction and motivating interview techniques.
Participate in weekly staffing huddles to plan community activities and provide
updates.
Other duties as assigned High school diploma or GED from an accredited school/program.
Must be a certified HIV/AIDS counselor or can complete training within 6 months of employment.
At least 2 years of experience working with individuals impacted by HIV/AIDS.
Must possess the ability to speak effectively before groups and actively engage the general public in outreach situations.
Experience serving the homeless, ex-offenders, and individuals living with HIV/AIDS and/or substance abuse population is preferred.
Must have computer literacy and data entry skills.
Strong organization and time management skills required and the ability to work independently.
Experience with community engagement and outreach activities
Thorough knowledge of the assigned community and its residents, state social service agencies, and community resources.
Excellent communication skills, compassionate about assisting others, and committed to being a community ambassador.
Basic knowledge of health education, motivational strategies, and an empathetic manner working with the underserved is preferred.
Must communicate effectively both orally and written and experience with using computer software/platform.
Ability to remain professional at all times when communicating with patients, staff members, community partners, external agencies, etc.
Ability to work as a member of a multi-disciplinary team.
Ability to work some evenings/weekends and must be flexible with hours to accommodate participant needs.
Reliable transportation is required and flexible hours. Employee Benefits offered to Fulltime Staff
Blue Cross Blue Shield Medical Insurance
Blue Cross Blue Shield Dental and Vision Insurance
Supplemental Benefits
Life Insurance (Provided by the company)
Candidates must have a high school diploma or GED and at least 2 years of experience working with individuals impacted by HIV/AIDS. Certification as an HIV/AIDS counselor is required or must be obtained within six months of employment.
Market context
In Illinois, Community Health Worker roles tied to HIV/AIDS care are often driven by ongoing needs in outreach, care coordination, and patient support. These positions can be competitive because employers typically look for direct experience with affected communities plus certification or a clear plan to obtain it; the listed requirements and benefits here are AI-summarized from the original job description, helping you review fit faster. Before applying, confirm your experience matches the HIV/AIDS background and be ready to document any counseling certification timeline.
