Community Health Worker/Peer Navigator

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.