This position is grant funded. Currently, this position is funded for a period of one year with the possibility of renewal.

Summary:

Community Health Workers can play a significant role in helping community members access health services. They understand the culture and language of community members and can help them navigate the health landscape. The role of the Community Health Worker includes helping community members with health promotion, disease prevention and the treatment of basic medical conditions. Stamford Health is looking to assist members of our community who speak Creole so that language is not a barrier to care. CHWs provide social support and educational services, and help individuals advocate for care.

Duties and Responsibilities:

The CHW will be responsible for:

• Establishing relationships with patients and their families in the community
• Helping patients set personal health related goals
• Educating patients about relevant community resources appropriate to their needs
• Acting as a patient liaison between the patient and the healthcare provider
• Helping patients access transportation to attend appointments
• Navigating the patient through the journey of making an appointment, going to the visit, following up as necessary, and making sure that the patient understood the results of the visit, especially if the patient does not understand English.
• Following up with patients via phone or home visits
• Providing educational opportunities via speaking engagements to deliver health messages, such as the importance of annual mammograms, women’s health exams, pediatric well visits and vaccinations, and other screenings.
• Reporting barriers and successes to the manager of the program; collaborating on strategy and roll-out of the program
• Providing Creole translations at the Hospital and in the community to help access medical resources
• Coordinating with the Haitian Community Center and/or churches to promote community education and resources

Educational Requirements:

• Associates or bachelor’s degree is required - a degree in a health care related field is preferred
• Paramedic, Certified Nursing Assistant or advanced degree preferred
• Successful completion of a Community Health Worker formal training program from a college or other educational institution; state certification preferred

Other Requirements and Necessary Skills:

• Fluency in English is essential, with ability to read and write at a high level
• Fluency in Creole is essential, with Spanish as a plus
• Understanding of medical terminology
• Excellent teaching skills – the ability to create health presentations and deliver them in various community settings (libraries, houses of worship, etc.). Ability to educate patients about the importance of health promotion and disease prevention, with a focus on healthy eating, physical activity and timely health screenings.
• Excellent interpersonal skills; ability to collaborate with health professionals (nurses, physicians, techs, social workers, etc.)
• Experience working in a community health setting for at least 1 year
• Basic computer skills including MS PowerPoint; electronic medical record (EMR) experience a plus

• We are committed to building an inclusive workplace that values diversity and inclusion and reflects the diversity of the community and patients we serve.