University of New Mexico·Albuquerque, New Mexico
Build trusting relationships with high-risk youth and families to provide mentorship and coordinate care across social, health, and justice systems. Assist clients in addressing social drivers of health such as housing, food security, and employment through individualized care plans.
Community Health Worker Requisition ID req37299 Working Title Community Health Worker Position Grade 09
UNM’s ADOBE (Averting Disparities in Outcomes by Building Engagement) program was founded in 2017 to provide comprehensive, multigenerational care for youth and families/support systems at risk of adverse social, health, and behavioral health outcomes. Originally created to help break the cycle of juvenile justice involvement by mitigating the effects of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), ADOBE now also cares for adolescents and young adults without prior contact with the justice system. Our trauma-informed, multidisciplinary team uses a strengths-based, harm reduction approach to provide community navigation, education support, psychotherapy, psychiatric care, and primary care (including medications for substance use disorder). We are seeking a Community Navigator to join our team. Working with a caseload of approximately 20 primary clients and their families/support systems, Community Navigators serve as community health workers, community support workers, and case managers. They assist clients with addressing social drivers of health, such as housing, transportation, employment, and food security. They help clients meet their goals and improve their life functioning skills. They create individualized care plans and coordinate care across social service, healthcare, and justice systems. Most importantly, they develop trusting relationships with and provide mentorship for young people and families in need of support. By meeting clients where they are, Navigators help them build strengths and resilience to empower themselves to thrive and realize their full potential, regardless of their circumstances. Community Navigators support clients in home, community, clinic, judicial, and detention settings. They work closely with the broader ADOBE team and community partners, including social service agencies, residential treatment centers, youth detention centers, probation offices, and courts. Key Responsibilities: · Build long-term, trusting relationships with and provide mentorship to clients and their families · Assess clients' strengths, needs, and barriers; co-develop and monitor individualized care plans and safety/crisis plans with clients, families, and the ADOBE team · Coach clients in life skills development and motivate active engagement in their own goals and wellbeing · Facilitate access to resources across multiple domains; provide navigation, advocacy, and follow-up across service systems · Participate in ADOBE team meetings; coordinate with team members to ensure integrated, holistic support for each client · Document all client contacts across PowerChart, REDCap, and/or Microsoft Excel; support data collection and program evaluation See the Position Description for additional information.
Possession of a valid New Mexico driver's license is a requirement for this job. Must pass a pre-employment criminal background check. Fingerprinting, and subsequent clearance, may be required for this position depending on assignment. May be required to obtain a Community Support Worker (CSW) certification within six months of hire. Employees who provide services or work in patient care or clinical areas are required to be in compliance with the University's influenza vaccination requirement. Successful candidate must submit to post-offer, pre-employment physical examination and medical history check.
High school diploma or GED; at least 1 year of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified. Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution that are above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.
Requires a high school diploma or GED and at least one year of related experience. Must possess a valid New Mexico driver's license and pass a criminal background check.
Market context
In New Mexico, Community Health Worker roles are often tied to outreach, care coordination, and connecting patients with local services, so demand tends to follow community health and public health needs. These positions can be competitive because employers look for candidates with lived community knowledge, reliable transportation, and experience working with diverse populations. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save time, and make sure your New Mexico driver’s license, background check readiness, and related experience are clearly reflected in your application.