Community Health Worker/Peer Navigator

Service area: Housing & Justice Related Services (HJRS)

PROGRAM: New Pathways Project (NPP)

Role type: Full-Time

Job overview

The Community Health Worker/Peer Navigator (CHWPN) is a position within the New Pathways Project (NPP) and reports to the NPP Case Management Supervisor. NPP is a community-based program based in North Philadelphia that provides outreach and engagement activities throughout the city of Philadelphia. NPP offers a treatment readiness and recovery support program. Services include pre-treatment collaboration for individuals not currently accessing substance use or other related behavioral health services as well as recovery support for those actively engaged in treatment and for those who have completed treatment who can benefit from ongoing, peer-driven support.

The CHWPN will have primary responsibility for community-based outreach, engagement, and implementation of harm reduction activities for program participants. The CHWPN will serve as a vital link between NPP, program participants, community-based treatment, and social service providers. This team member is a frontline public health worker who has a close understanding of the communities they serve. This trusted relationship enables them to serve as a link between physical and behavioral health and social services and the community to facilitate access to services and improve the quality and cultural competence of service delivery.

Mission, vision, and core values

Responsibilities

• Plan, develop, implement, coordinate, and track engagement and outreach to community members struggling with opioid use and their family members.
• Conduct community-based outreach activities for up to 4 hours per day, 3-5 days per week.
• Educate individuals struggling with drug use about naloxone, primary overdose prevention, and harm reduction resources to prevent overdose.
• Develop and maintain current knowledge related to delivering evidence-based programs and engaging communities through culturally relevant practices, as assigned.
• Assist in the development and dissemination of promotional materials and tools, including presentations, to increase awareness of opioid use disorder, including overdose prevention/intervention.
• Complete linkages to services at New Pathways Project, PHMC Addiction Services Programs, PHMC’s FQHCs, DBHIDS treatment provider network, and community-based social service programs.
• Routinely identify resources, webinars, and new literature to assist the team in harm reduction and intervention activities.
• Facilitate referrals and appointments for services, including health care, social, housing, or other services, based on clients’ needs.
• Conduct phone-based follow-up calls, as needed, with identified individuals to support and facilitate warm handoffs to treatment and their recovery process while in treatment.
• Help community members understand their health condition(s) and develop strategies to improve their health and well-being.
• Log and document all outreach and engagement with identified individuals.
• Support the Case Management Supervisor with monthly, quarterly, and annual reporting of process measures to project funders by ensuring that tracked data is up-to-date, accurate, and complete.
• Maintain confidentiality of client information and data.
• Attend weekly supervision calls or meetings with the Case Management Supervisor.
• Participate in teleconference and in-person meetings with the project team and project funders as appropriate.
• Complete initial training within the first 60 days of hire.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

SKILLS

• Understanding of substance use disorders, including opioid use disorder
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Exceptional understanding of the health system, community-based organizations, and partners in designated service area(s)
• Demonstrated ability to successfully manage competing timelines
• Ability to establish priorities and work both independently and in a team environment to meet objectives with minimal supervision
• Excellent problem solving, conflict resolution, and time management skills
• Excellent people skills and ability to effectively interface with partner organizations and community residents
• Detail-oriented, with excellent organizational skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
• Hardworking and dependable
• Shared life experiences in the communities they serve

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required
• Preferred: Associate degree
• At least three years of experience in public health or social service-related work
• At least three years of experience conducting community health education programs
• At least three years of experience working with diverse populations, low-income individuals, and individuals from different religious backgrounds
• Community Health Worker (CHW) or Certified Recovery Specialist (CRS) certification required at time of hire or within the first year of employment
• Preferred: Bilingual skills

Work schedule & travel

• Must have availability during daytime hours, as well as availability during some evening and weekend hours as needed
• Travel throughout Philadelphia County is required (and surrounding counties, as needed). If utilizing a vehicle to complete work-related activities, the CHW/PN must have a valid driver’s license and automobile insurance.

Pay grade: 14

PHMC is an Equal Opportunity and E-Verify Employer.