HEALTHY STEPS SPECIALIST

OUR VISION:

To continue as an eminent healthcare provider on Long Island, dedicating ourselves to providing exceptional health care for all our patients and to transform both the lives of the individual, and the community, for the better, one person at a time.

OUR MISSION:

To provide access to equitable, optimal healthcare by improving the overall wellness of all individuals in our communities and delivering high-quality comprehensive patient-centered care.

OUR VALUE PROPOSITION:

To provide whole person care that will ensure that all patients have access to primary, specialty and social health care to achieve and maintain optimal wellness at a transparent and affordable cost.

The Harmony Healthcare Long Island, formerly known as (Long Island Federally Qualified Health Center or LIFQHC) is a non-profit healthcare organization with 7 health centers, providing primary care and preventative medicine in the following locations in Nassau County: Roosevelt, Elmont, Hempstead, Freeport, Oceanside, and New Cassel/Westbury. In addition, the Harmony Healthcare Long Island has 4 school-based health centers, WIC offices (Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children) in 3 locations, and a Health Home Care Coordination program. As federally qualified health centers, we serve the individuals in our communities, providing enhanced services, expanded hours and reduced prescription pricing, while raising the level of care. We treat patients regardless of income, residency or immigration status.

The Harmony Healthcare Long Island offers a stable employment opportunity with a growing company, and competitive base compensation along with health and dental insurance, paid time off, 401-K with company match, paid holidays, employee discounts and much more.

JOB TITLE: HealthySteps Specialist

REPORTS TO: Director of Pediatric Quality

The following statements reflect the general duties, responsibilities and competencies considered necessary to perform the essential functions of the job and should not be considered as a detailed description of all the work requirements of this position.

POSITION SUMMARY:

We are looking for someone with experience as a Community Health Worker (CHW) or a candidate whose prior work experience satisfies the requirements of the role of CHW. This person will be a member of the Pediatric team and play a pivotal role in supporting the HealthySteps Program as the designated HealthySteps Specialist (HHS),.HealthySteps is an evidence-based, interdisciplinary pediatric primary care program developed by ZERO TO THREE, designed to promote the health, development, and school readiness of babies and toddlers-especially in families living in low-income communities. The CHW will work in tandem with the pediatric clinician to support families during and between well baby visits. This is a two-generation approach that supports both the child and caregiver, strengthening the caregiver-child relationship.
The ideal candidate will be passionate about community health, have strong communication skills, and possess the ability to work effectively with diverse populations. This role will require outreach, and collaboration with healthcare providers, community organizations, and other stakeholders. Please note that bilingual proficiency in either Spanish and English or Haitian Creole and English is required for this position.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Direct Client Support:

• Provide one-on-one support and education to participants enrolled in the HealthySteps Program.
• Assess health needs, provide guidance on infant and child development, and healthy lifestyle choices.
• Assist families in navigating the healthcare system, connecting them to resources like early intervention, related medical care, social services, and nutrition programs.
• Help families set and achieve health goals, empowering them to take charge of their well-being and that of their children.
• Work alongside the pediatric team and receive supervision and guidance from the clinician and the behavioral health supervisor, who specializes in caring for infants from 0-5 years of age.

Health Education:

• Possibly facilitate workshops, group sessions, and health education activities for families, focusing on child development, parenting skills, nutrition, and mental health.
• Offer information and guidance on breastfeeding, infant care, childhood immunizations, and other health-related topics.

Community Outreach & Engagement:

• Build trust and establish strong relationships within the community, acting as a liaison between families and healthcare providers.
• Possibly promote the HealthySteps Program to new families through community outreach efforts, including attending local events, conducting informational sessions, and utilizing social media.
• Work with local organizations and healthcare providers to ensure that families receive comprehensive, coordinated care.

Data Collection & Reporting:

• Track family's progress and outcomes, maintaining accurate and up-to-date records of interactions, referrals, and services provided.
• Assist with program evaluations, contributing to data collection efforts and reporting on family outcomes.

Advocacy:

• Advocate for family's needs by helping them navigate barriers to healthcare, social services, and other resources.
• At times, provide guidance on health insurance enrollment, childcare options, and financial assistance programs.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or GED required, Associate's degree or certification in public health, social work, or a related field preferred.
• Certification as a Community Health Worker (CHW) is or meeting the work requirements as a CHW necessary. If candidate does not have a degree in social work.
• Previous experience in community outreach, social services, or a related field, especially in maternal and child health, is preferred.
• Knowledge of community resources and services available to low-income families, knowledge of the early intervention system and confidence in connecting with services is a plus.
• Ability to engage with individuals and families from diverse cultural, linguistic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Comfort with home visits and traveling within the designated service area.
• Bilingual (Spanish/English) or Haitian Creole/English is required.

The Harmony Healthcare Long Island provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals without regard to race, creed, color, religion, national origin, age, gender, marital status, sexual preference and orientation, or non-disqualifying physical or mental handicap/disability in each aspect of the human resources function. Applicants as well as employees who are or become disabled must be able to perform the essential job functions either unaided or with reasonable accommodation. The Harmony Healthcare Long Island shall determine reasonable accommodation on a case-by-case basis in accordance with applicable law.