Health Related Social Needs (HRSN) Community Health Worker

Description

Become A Part of the El Programa Hispano Catòlico Team

El Programa Hispano Católico (EPHC) is an organization that supports individuals in reaching their fullest potential. For nearly 40 years, our mission has been to advance racial equity and social justice through the power of our Latine roots, culture, and community. This mission, which is at the heart of everything we do, has allowed us to respond to local needs by addressing the social determinants of health. We achieve this through our program areas: Housing, Economic Sustainability, Education, Community Wellness, and DV/SA Prevention and Intervention. Today, EPHC serves more than 30,000 people annually and employs over 100 staff members, the majority of whom are bilingual, and over 93% are bicultural.

Although EPHC is affiliated with the Catholic Charities Network, candidates or participants do not need to be Catholic to work with us or receive services. Across our programs and services, staff of all faiths-or none-work within our framework of respect for our mission, the dignity of the human person, and the common good.

To learn more about EPHC, visit our website at

Benefits:

• Vacation & Sick Time Benefits
• 14 Paid Holidays
• 90% employer-paid health insurance with buy-up options
• 401k with Employer Contribution
• Voluntary Life Insurance
• Access to our Retirement plan
• Flexible Spending Account
• Employee Assistance Program
• Group Life Insurance
• Bonus Wellness Days
• Continuous Growth and Development Opportunities
• Opportunities to serve your community and make a positive impact

About The Role:

The Health-Related Social Needs (HRSN) Community Health Worker provides outreach, eligibility screening, resource navigation, and short-term case management services to Oregon Health Plan (OHP) members experiencing housing instability and other health-related social needs. Using a trauma-informed, person-centered, and Housing First approach, the HRSN Community Health Worker connects participants to housing supports, community resources, and social services that promote stability, health, and well-being.

Community Health Workers (CHWs) are frontline public health workers who are trusted members of the community. The CHW serves as a liaison between participants, healthcare providers, social service agencies, landlords, and community partners to reduce barriers and improve access to culturally responsive service. The HRSN program is funded through Oregon’s federal Medicaid 1115 waiver, to support OHP (Oregon Health Plan) eligible members with services that address housing and other social determinants of health.

Principle Duties & Responsibilities:

• Conduct community outreach and education to promote HRSN services
• Receive approved HRSN referrals through Unite US and respond in the expected timeframe
• Complete screenings to determine eligibility for HRSN services, including verifying OHP enrollment, income, housing stability, and medical need
• Conduct strength-based intake assessments and develop individualized case management plans
• Assist individuals with culturally specific referrals and assistance in-person and by phone, connecting participants with community resources and services
• Provide referrals to other social service needs (i.e. SNAP, career coaching, youth programs,)
• Provide advocacy and systems navigation support when individuals encounter housing barriers and to ensure they obtain/retain benefits
• Provide tenancy support, utility payments, assistance with client arrears, and other referral benefits as applicable.
• Assist clients in collecting required documents such as income verification, lease agreements, housing arrears notices, W9 forms, and utility bills, acting as a liaison with landlords
• Maintain detailed documentation of participant data and progress notes of all interactions and services rendered
• Ensure accurate and timeline completion of data entry for all time spent with each individual, and service provided for accurate Medicaid reimbursement
• Complete and maintain accurate electronic files utilizing various platforms (Salesforce, Unite Us)
• Maintain confidential participant records in compliance with program, agency, partner, and funder requirements.
• Establish and maintain positive and professional relationships with mental health programs, shelter programs, community-based organizations, healthcare providers, and providers of services and resources to individuals with housing barriers, and/or navigating homelessness
• Prepare reports, assist with report tracking, and support program outreach efforts.
• Attend required funder, community partner and organizational meetings to stay informed about program updates and ensure alignment with team goals.
• Comply with HIPAA and state regulations regarding privacy and security.
• Adherence to El Programa Hispano Católico policies and procedures.

Additional Duties:

• Understand and adhere to confidentiality in all communications-related work
• Represent EPHC with the utmost professionalism at community events, media engagement and public forums
• Participate actively in cross-departmental initiatives and organizational planning efforts
• Work as an active member of departmental team and actively in cross-departmental team projects
• Contribute to fostering a safe and inclusive environment
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications & Requirements:

Education & Training:

• Associate’s degree in public service, social work, education, healthcare, or human development.
• Minimum of 1 year of experience providing case management, information & referral services to individuals and families.
• Bilingual in Spanish and English, with strong bicultural competency and the ability to communicate clearly and effectively in both languages (verbally and in writing) is required.
• Ability to effectively communicate and interact with individuals and groups of diverse ethnic, cultural, education, social-economic backgrounds, etc.
• Ability to patiently work with community members who may be experiencing trauma, are houseless, and/or suffering from mental illness or substance use.
• Exercises mature judgment and understanding of safety concerns and is able to problem solve.
• Strong organizational and prioritization skills; ability to be proactive, take initiative, and follow-through. Has the ability to management multiple cases effectively and efficiently.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and in a team setting; adaptable to a fast-paced environment.

Other Requirements:

• Highly organized; experienced in developing processes and procedures, strategies, and campaigns
• Ability to take initiative and work creatively, launching new ideas or driving process improvements
• Ability to work quickly, independently, and creatively under pressure
• Protection of confidential information and materials
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.
• Flexibility to work varied hours, including some evenings and weekends.
• Reliable transportation is required for work-related travel. If driving, employees must have a valid driver’s license, access to a personal vehicle, and automobile insurance that meets the agency’s minimum coverage requirements (100/300/100).
• Must successfully pass all required background checks.

Compensation:

$25.00 - $26.00 hourly. Compensation is commensurate with skills and experience.

Location & Typical Working Conditions:

At EPHC, we are committed to promoting a healthy work-life balance through our innovative 4-day workweek. We believe that by maximizing productivity and prioritizing employee well-being, we can provide an additional day each week for you to recharge and engage in personal interests as long as you successfully complete your work within the designated timeframe.

This hybrid role involves essential in-person responsibilities and will eventually include the management of physical office space. Our standard business hours are from 8 am to 5 pm, Monday through Thursday. However, candidates should be prepared to occasionally work on Fridays and during weekday evenings and weekends, as needed.

Physical Demands:

• Prolonged periods of sitting; occasional lifting/carrying up to 30 pounds (e.g., files, supplies).
• Sufficient close and distance vision for computer work, document review, and meetings.
• Tasks may require hand-eye coordination (e.g., data entry, spreadsheet analysis).
• Intense and/or exacting mental and/or visual attention; the work involves visualizing, planning, laying out, or otherwise performing very involved and complex work.

EPHC IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

El Programa Hispano Catolico is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. EPHC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, disability, veteran, military status, religion, age, creed, national origin, sexual identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, genetic information, or any other basis prohibited by local, state or federal law.