Community Health Worker (CHW) / Care Navigator
Upward Bound House·El Segundo, California
Upward Bound House·El Segundo, California
The CHW serves as a bridge between clients experiencing housing instability and healthcare providers to improve health and housing stability. Key duties include conducting outreach, screening for social determinants of health, and connecting clients to community resources under CalAIM.
Upward Bound House (UBH) is dedicated to ending the circle of intergenerational family homelessness.
We compassionately provide a continuum of services ranging from crisis housing to permanent housing and homelessness prevention.
With over 30 years of experience in family homelessness, UBH is a leading services provider, contributing to and advocating for lasting solutions to end family homelessness.
Our diverse team is passionate about our mission.
UBH provides a fast-paced environment that values empowerment, collaboration, diversity, relationships, efficiency and communication.
UBH provides a supportive, caring and merit-based environment for team members and is vested in their growth and development.
We seek employees who are passionate about serving and making a difference in the lives of others.
The Community Health Worker (CHW) / Care Navigator plays a critical role in supporting individuals and families experiencing housing instability and other complex social needs. The CHW serves as a trusted bridge between clients, healthcare providers, and community resources, helping individuals access care, navigate systems, and improve overall health and housing stability. Working as part of an interdisciplinary care team, the CHW conducts outreach, supports engagement in healthcare and social services, and assists clients in addressing barriers related to social determinants of health such as housing, transportation, food security, and access to medical care. This position is particularly focused on supporting participants enrolled in community support programs under CalAIM.
The ideal candidate is compassionate, culturally responsive, and experienced working with low-income populations and families experiencing homelessness or housing instability.
Outreach and Client Engagement
Conduct community outreach and engagement activities to connect eligible individuals and families to health, housing, and supportive services.
Build trusting relationships with clients through consistent communication, field visits, and follow-up.
Support member engagement and retention by maintaining regular contact and encouraging participation in healthcare and supportive service programs.
Social Determinants of Health Support
Conduct screenings related to social determinants of health (SDOH) including housing stability, food security, transportation access, financial hardship, and healthcare access.
Connect clients to community resources, public benefits, and supportive services that address identified needs.
Housing Stability Support
Support families experiencing homelessness or housing instability by connecting them to housing resources, supportive services, and community programs.
Collaborate with housing providers, shelters, and community agencies to promote housing stabilization. Documentation and Program Compliance
Document all client interactions, outreach attempts, services, and referrals in the organization's data system in accordance with program and payer requirements.
Ensure documentation is accurate, timely, and compliant with program standards and reporting requirements.
Maintain strict confidentiality and adhere to all HIPAA privacy regulations. Community Collaboration
Develop and maintain relationships with community organizations, healthcare providers, and local service agencies.
Participate in community meetings, trainings, and outreach events to strengthen referral networks and promote program awareness.
Preferred Experience
Experience working with individuals or families experiencing homelessness or housing instability.
Experience in community health programs, housing programs, or social services.
Experience supporting individuals with chronic health conditions, disabilities, behavioral health needs, or substance use recovery.
Knowledge and Skills
Familiarity with Medi-Cal managed care systems and community-based health programs.
Understanding of social determinants of health and their impact on health outcomes.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to build trust with diverse populations.
Ability to provide clear, culturally responsive health education.
Strong organizational skills and ability to maintain accurate documentation.
Ability to work independently in community settings while collaborating effectively with a multidisciplinary team.
Demonstrated cultural humility and ability to work effectively with diverse communities.
1) Employment Eligibility Verification 2) Reliable transportation 3) Updated tuberculosis test 4) Successful completion of background screening. 5) CPR/First Aid training 6) Must have Valid CA Driver's License 7) Must provide proof of insurance coverage 8) Must be able to qualify for UBH drivers’ insurance coverage
1) Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications. 2) Health, dental, and vision insurance options. 3) Retirement savings plan. 4) Paid time off and holidays. 5) Opportunities for professional development and growth within the organization.
Physical demands, environmental conditions, equipment
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. If you require an accommodation, please make sure to inform the Human Resources Department by the first week of employment. If an accommodation is not required at the time of employment, but is later required, you must inform the Human Resources Department of the need for accommodation at the time it is needed.
Market context
In California, behavioral-health roles tied to substance use disorder counseling and case management are typically supported by ongoing community and treatment-program demand. These positions are competitive because employers often look for a high school diploma, at least 2 years of SUD counseling or case management experience, and current Registered or Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor status. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to quickly compare fit and note that professional development and paid continuing education are listed as benefits.
