Community Health Worker

Community Health Worker

The Community Health Worker (CHW) provides care coordination and connection to social services and community resources to individuals with psychiatric conditions and/or substance use disorders, individuals experiencing or at risk for being homeless, and individuals who may be involved in the justice system, many of whom receive services at Vinfen's Community Behavioral Health Center and Restoration Center. The CHW is a key member of a larger care team and works closely with a Team Leader, housing support specialist and licensed behavioral health clinician. The CHW provides outreach and engagement to members within various community settings, contributes to the development of assessment and care planning, focuses on health and wellness coaching, and coordinates health care and community-based resources to address Social Determinants of Health.

The essential job duties/responsibilities of the position include but are not limited to the information listed below:

• Provides outreach to and engages people referred to the Care Coordination program via phone, video and in person within various community settings to promote effective service delivery and use.
• Coordinates and contributes to the completion of required assessments to identify member strengths, preferences, needs and conditions.
• Coordinates with members and the team clinician to design personal crisis management plans, including relapse prevention and harm reduction strategies.
• Coordinates the development, implementation, and ongoing review of the person-centered care plan.
• Refers members to needed community or social service organizations to address barriers to health and community tenure and support members to use those services and resources effectively.
• Collaborates and communicates with the member's other medical, substance use and behavioral health providers regarding changes in services, hospitalizations, and other care plan goals.
• Supports the team clinician to create and implement plans to address member needs during times of care transitions, including inpatient medical or psychiatric hospitalizations, Emergency Department visits, rehabilitation facility or substance use treatment admissions.
• Provides members health and wellness coaching to promote the development of healthy behavioral change.
• Performs other related duties, as required.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Strong commitment to the right and ability of people served to live, work, have meaningful relationships, and receive the resources and support needed in their community of choice.
• Knowledge of person-centered, strengths-based, recovery-oriented values and principles and modalities.
• Knowledge of substance use and psychiatric rehabilitation and recovery values, principles, and techniques.
• Knowledge of health risks of prevalence with adults with SMI/SUD.
• Knowledge of health promotion and care coordination techniques.
• Knowledge of motivational interviewing, stage of change, and harm reduction techniques.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed and culturally responsive services.
• Sensitivity to the cultural, religious, ethnic, disability, and gender issues.
• Skills and competence to establish supportive trusting relationships with Enrollees.
• Knowledge of human, legal, civil rights, community, and other resources.
• Knowledge of empowerment and self-advocacy techniques.
• Knowledge of available community health, mental health, and SUD services and resources.
• Ability to triage/balance competing priorities.
• Ability to make independent judgments and decisions.
• Ability to work in a professional and confidential capacity.
• Ability to work independently and as member of a multidisciplinary team.

About Vinfen:

Established in 1977, Vinfen is a nonprofit, health and human services organization and a leading provider of community-based services to individuals with mental health conditions, intellectual and developmental disabilities, brain injuries, and behavioral health challenges. Our services and advocacy promote the recovery, resiliency, habilitation, and self-determination of the people we serve. Vinfen's 3,500 dedicated employees are experienced, highly-trained professionals who provide a full range of supportive living, health, educational, and clinical services in over 550 sites throughout Massachusetts and Connecticut. For more information about Vinfen, please visit

My Job. My Community. My Vinfen.

Vinfen is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status.

Typical Requirements:

Minimum of 3 years care management experience preferred. Experience working with people living with Serious Mental Illness (SMI) and/or Substance Use Disorder (SUD). Bi-lingual/bi-cultural applicants and those with lived experience of psychiatric conditions or substance use disorders are encouraged to apply.

Preferred /Required Education:

BA/BS in human-services related field preferred. Experience may be considered a substitute for academic training.

Driving Requirements:

Driving is a requirement for this position using either a Vinfen van or personal vehicle. If using a personal vehicle, you must possess and maintain adequate insurance as well as maintain a safe driving record which is subject to annual checks. A valid driver's license must be presented at the time of employment. Incumbents must be at least 21 years of age, have maintained a valid US driver's license for at least six months, and must be able to pass a driver's screening background check.

Physical Effort:

Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, stoop, crouch, crawl, climb as this is a very physically active position. Must be able to lift at least 25 pounds using proper lifting techniques or the use of a two-person lift. Ability to operate a computer and other office equipment such as a calculator, copier, and printer. Ability to sit, reach, climb stairs, and maneuver through narrow spaces or hallways.

Ability to assist clients with tasks of daily living.

Ability to remain in a stationary position 50% of the time as needed. Ability to bend, reach, file, sit, stand, and move around the facility.

Ability to speak, hear, and communicate with clients, staff, and external representatives.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Required Certifications:

CPR is required within two weeks of hire First Aid is required within two weeks of hire

Required Credentials/Licenses:

Certified Community Health Worker (CHW) preferred.

Pay Range:

USD $51,250.00 - USD $51,250.00 /Yr.