Community Health Specialist-Community Health Engagement

Market Range: 07     

Hiring Salary: $20.65/Hourly

THIS IS A GRANT-FUNDED POSITION

JOB SUMMARY/ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: The Community Health Specialist helps to promote, maintain, and improve the health of individuals, families and communities through outreach, advocacy, and intervention. This position assists individuals and their families to connect with supportive services, navigate healthcare systems and access health and social service resources. This position works collaboratively with healthcare professionals, community health organizations and other service agencies to provide individuals with opportunities to stabilize, improve, and maintain their health and helps both individuals and communities to identify and address the impact of social determinants of health.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

1. Assists individuals and families in identifying healthcare needs, socioeconomic issues, and other barriers to overall health to determine options for securing and maintaining resources.
2. Assists individuals and families in developing health/socioeconomic plans and goals to help overcome identified challenges and barriers.
3. Facilitates referrals to appropriate resources and community programs.
4. Educates individuals, families, and communities on the importance of preventive health care, follow-ups and disease-specific information
5. Documents activities, service plans, outcomes, referrals, and other required data in relevant data management systems.
6. Advocates for and empowers individuals to seek the best care solutions for themselves and family members in healthcare, social service, and behavioral health systems.
7. Provides health education and awareness sessions to families, community members, partner organizations, and UTHSC staff.
8. Develops partnerships and maintain communication with community agencies and resource providers within assigned region.
9. Travels to client homes, community locations, agencies, and other outreach destinations.
10. Organizes and participates in community events and training.
11. Performs other duties as necessary.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:  

 EDUCATION:  Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant field. (TRANSCRIPT REQUIRED)

 EXPERIENCE: Two (2) years of related experience or formal training as a community health worker. OR a combination of education and work experience to equal six (6) years. Must have a valid Driver’s License and vehicle insurance. 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Ability to demonstrate cultural humility and work with diverse individuals and families.
• Knowledge of community agencies and resources.
• Skilled in the use of personal computers and related software, including e-mail.
• Knowledge and understanding of social determinants of health impacting the client population.
• Ability to communicate effectively and positively, both verb