Community Health Worker

Health Advocacy Team Support (HATS)

Job Title: Community Health Worker (CHW)

Pay Rate: $25.00 – $35.00 per hour (DOE) Employment Type: Full-Time Reports To: Director of Operations

Position Summary

The Community Health Worker (CHW) is a vital member of the HATS team and serves as a bridge between vulnerable community members and essential health, social, and community resources. The CHW will provide direct outreach, advocacy, and support to individuals and families experiencing homelessness, housing instability, mental health challenges, complex medical needs, or other barriers to care.

The CHW empowers clients to navigate systems, access services, build stability, and achieve improved health and wellness. This role requires compassion, professionalism, cultural humility, and a strong commitment to community-based advocacy.

Key Responsibilities

Member Support & Engagement

Conduct outreach, engagement, and rapport building with members in community settings, shelters, encampments, homes, and clinics.

Complete needs assessments, social determinants of health screenings, and care plans.

Provide ongoing support in accessing healthcare, housing, mental health, social services, and community programs.

Offer crisis support within scope, ensuring appropriate de-escalation and referrals.

Navigation & Advocacy

Assist members with scheduling appointments, completing applications, and navigating complex systems.

Advocate for members’ needs with partner agencies, providers, and community organizations.

Support members in developing goals, building life skills, and increasing self-sufficiency.

Collaborate with ECM/CS providers, case managers, social workers, and clinical staff.

Documentation & Compliance

Complete all required documentation accurately and on time in agency systems and partner portals.

Maintain confidentiality and meet HIPAA, state, and programmatic standards.

Track progress notes, care plans, outreach logs, and follow-up activities.

Community Partner Collaboration

Build strong relationships with local shelters, hospitals, clinics, behavioral health services, schools, and community agencies.

Participate in case conferencing, team meetings, and collaborative outreach efforts.

Represent HATS at community events, resource fairs, and partner meetings.

Education & Health Promotion

Provide culturally sensitive education on wellness, chronic disease prevention, mental health, recovery, and community resources.

Facilitate or assist with group workshops, classes, and community outreach events.

Required

Certified Community Health Worker Certification and High school diploma or equivalent.

Experience working with vulnerable populations, including homelessness, behavioral health, or high-needs individuals.

Strong communication, active listening, and relationship-building skills.

Ability to work in the field, including outreach in variable environments.

Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and ability to travel within the county.

Preferred

CHW certification or related training.

Experience with ECM or Community Supports programs.

Knowledge of Monterey County community resources, housing programs, and health systems.

Bilingual (Spanish/English) encouraged but not required.

Core Competencies

Cultural Humility & Sensitivity

Advocacy & Problem Solving

Professional Boundaries

Trauma-Informed Care

Documentation Accuracy

Time Management

Ethical Practice

Empathy & Patience

Work Environment

Combination of office, fieldwork, client homes, encampments, and partner locations.

Must be comfortable working with diverse populations and varying levels of need.

Flexible work from home options available.