CHW Trainee - Clinical Program Specialist at Roots Community Health Center – Oakland, California

Essential Functions:

• Conduct phone outreach to recruit participants into clinical programs.
• Represent Roots at community events to promote and educate community members and patients about available clinical services.
• Engage in outreach to connect with hard-to-reach patients living in encampments, shelters, or temporary housing.
• Collaborate with patients’ care team members to coordinate care, share progress updates, and address ongoing needs.
• Build and maintain partnerships with local emergency departments, community-based organizations, and other collaborative initiatives.
• Document patient encounters in designated tracking systems while ensuring HIPAA compliance.
• Meet regularly with the Clinical Programs Coordinator for updates, planning, and case review.
• Schedule and confirm client visits for program initiation, follow-up appointments, and periodic check-ins.
• Assist with completing patient intakes, assessments, and scheduling—both in person and over the phone.
• Connect patients to Navigation/Patient Services staff for social support needs, including enrollment in public benefit programs (e.g., Medi-Cal, CalFresh, CalWORKs).

Secondary Functions:

• Complete all required documentation and reports in a timely fashion;
• Participate in staff meetings, supervision, agency meetings and staff trainings;
• Carry-out all assigned responsibilities in a professional manner;
• Help keep the center clean and safe at all times;
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Education Requirements:

• Lived experience in and/or strong connection to the communities served.
• Demonstrated commitment and willingness to affect positive change within the community.
• Completion of an accredited Community Health Worker (CHW) training program or willingness to complete within the first 6 months of hire.

Preferred (not required):

• Bachelor’s or associate degree in a related field.
• Previous experience in social services, treatment programs, or community-based health initiatives.
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple tasks.
• Ability to manage time effectively and prioritize responsibilities.
• Clear and respectful verbal and written communication skills for both internal and external interactions.
• Basic problem-solving skills with a willingness to learn and contribute to program goals.
• Interest in workforce development programming and/or community health initiatives.
• Basic computer skills, including familiarity with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) or willingness to learn.
• Ability to work well with people from diverse backgrounds and in a variety of settings.
• Flexibility, reliability, and a positive attitude, even under pressure.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Willingness to work a flexible schedule, including occasional evenings or weekends.
• Valid California Driver’s License and safe driving record (or ability to obtain).

Physical Conditions:

• Frequent walking, standing, stair climbing, bending, stooping, lifting (25 lbs. max)
• Gross and fine manual dexterity;
• Must be able to visually observe staff to understand and interpret non-verbal behavior;
• Able to operate standard office machines and equipment, including keyboards.
• Able to operate standard office machines and equipment, including keyboards.