The African American Office of Gay Concerns provides HIV/AIDS prevention services to the population of gay-identified and other men who have sex with men (MSM) and Transgender women of color in the Greater Newark area, through outreach, education and compassionate care. With funding through the New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH), the AAOGC addresses issues that are directly and indirectly related to HIV risk, using peer-based, scientifically effective HIV interventions.
Job Title: Community Health Worker (CHW)
Reports To: Program Manager / Executive Director
Grant Number: AIDS18CTN029
Salary: $31,200
SUMMARY: The primary purpose of the Community Health Worker (CHW) position is to connect and engage to care clients either lost to follow-up or who have never accessed care with an emphasis on the transgender community. CHW serve as role models and community liaisons, and work along with the medical case management team to address barriers to connection to and retention in care. The CHW supports providers and the case management team through an integrated approach to care management and community outreach. They provide reliable information, appropriate referrals, and emotional support to those clients who have agreed to participate in the program. This position will also help clients to access services and resources, and address issues of adherence through individual and group sessions.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Work with identified community partner(s) to establish rapport and assist clients with linkage to care among those who have been lost to follow-up or who have never accessed care.
- Conduct outreach visits to clients on case load.
- Provide ongoing follow-up, basic motivational interviewing, and goal-setting for clients.
- Follow -up with patients via phone calls, home visits, visits to other settings where clients may be found and preform weekly check-in calls for identified clients.
- Provide clients with referrals.
- Track referrals and outcomes.
- Obtain reports when required.
- Provide support, encouragement and resources to address needs/barriers identified by the case manager.
- Help clients to access services by assisting in scheduling appointments, reminding clients of appointments, accompanying clients to appointments when necessary, and follow-up on missed appointments.
- Assist with arranging and coordinating transportation for clients.
- Provide education and support with:
- Adherence training
- HIV education
- Risk reduction strategies education (safer sex, drug treatment, needle exchange, smoking cessation etc.)
- Support group
- Provide feedback regarding client’s needs and concerns.
- Manage, document and maintain a weekly productivity log.
- Attend educational training offered by DHSTS.
- Receive supportive supervision, weekly.
- Attend weekly team meetings (telephone, face to face).
- Attend all staff meetings, trainings and other meetings as requested.
- Be knowledgeable about community resources for clients/families.
- Provide consistent communication to the case management team to evaluate patient/family status, ensuring that information and reports clearly describe progress.
- Responsible for chart documentation and internal programmatic record reporting.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
JOB REQUIREMENTS:
To perform this job successfully, and individual must be able to perform each duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed must be representative of the knowledge, skills, minimum education, training, licensure, experience, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:
High School Diploma or equivalent required. Successful completion of an Adult Education Training Program Required. Must have four (4) years of training and/or experience involving knowledge of the Newark area and community resources, first hand understanding of issues related to living with HIV/AIDS, and/or active participation in community activities and support groups. Equivalent experience, education, and/or training may be substituted for the education or experience requirements. Sensitivity to a substance abuse environment preferred. Must have demonstrated competency in Microsoft Applications (Excel, Word, and PowerPoint) and capability to maneuver electronic systems. Bilingual skills (English/Spanish preferred). Must have a demonstrated interest in serving the community. Must be able to work independently and seek guidance or assistance when necessary. Must have good listening skills. Demonstrated ability to work with all levels of staff, patients, and other healthcare professionals required. Demonstrated ability to work with a diverse group of people regardless of their creed, race, and sexuality required.
SEND RESUME & COVER LETTER:
To: Karla Barnett, Program Director
FAX: (973) 639-9722
EMAIL: brother@aaogc.org
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