Community Health Worker- Substance Use Disorder Program at Edward M. Kennedy Community Health Center, Inc. – Worcester, Massachusetts

Salary for this position: $18.00 - $21.00/Hour
*All Pay Rates are subject to Experience, License or Certification and Location*

Edward M. Kennedy Community Health Center is one of the largest community health centers in Massachusetts serving Worcester, Framingham, Milford, and the surrounding communities. We are a thriving and growing organization, and our team is expanding across sites to support this growth.

We are currently hiring a Community Health Worker – Substance Use Disorder Program based in Worcester. The CHW will serve as a member of the Office-Based Addiction Treatment (OBAT) team, directly supporting the HRSA SUD clinical provider. In alignment with the Nurse Care Manager Model, the CHW will deliver coordinated, patient-centered interventions to address social determinants of health (SDOH).

As an employer of choice, our inclusive workplace environment fosters teamwork, accountability and respect and supports the growth and development of each employee. We are an equal opportunity employer and embrace the richness of the cultures of our staff and community. You are a good fit for our team if you’re passionate about helping people live healthier lives and enjoy working in a supportive, team-based environment.

Essential Functions:

• Conduct psychosocial assessments for patients referred for CHW services per Health Center protocols.

• Provide education, screenings, brief interventions, and referrals for chronic diseases (HIV, STDs, Hepatitis, asthma, diabetes, hypertension), healthy weight, financial/legal concerns, depression, domestic violence, substance use (including tobacco), and prenatal, postpartum, pediatric, and parenting needs.

• Educate and advocate for patients to navigate the healthcare system.

• Connect patients to resources for insurance/benefits, medical bills, housing, transportation, education, employment, childcare, and food security.

• Support population health initiatives to improve retention, self-management, adherence, and standards of care.

• Follow up with provider-identified patients to address psychosocial barriers to care.

• Engage in community outreach to connect new patients to services.

Required Qualifications:

• Basic knowledge of Microsoft Office and ability to learn the health center’s Electronic Medical Record and other applications.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Successful completion of the CHW core competency training within 2 years of employment.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary based on related experience
• Medical insurance starts on the first day of employment.
  • Health center pays 80% of medical insurance premiums.
  • Includes coverage for all individuals and most family types.
• Generous time off packages
• Dental and Vision insurance
• 403b Retirement Plan with employer match
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Employee Assistance Program