Community Health Worker
Reference #: 2773089
Description
Job title
COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKER
#FPCN-CHWA-10032024Location
4700 Wissahickon Ave
PhiladelphiaReports to
Social Service ManagerProgram Summary
The Family Practice & Counseling Network (FPCN) provides comprehensive primary care, dental and behavioral health services. We stand behind the belief that all people are entitled to accessible, comprehensive, quality, and affordable health care, and that care must be delivered in a culturally competent, trauma-informed and compassionate manner by caring for the whole person - mind, body & spirit. The network's mission is to provide person-centered, integrated and comprehensive health services to individuals and families across their lifespan. The network promotes resiliency and well-being among patients, staff and surrounding communities.
We are a network of 3 comprehensive health centers, one convenient care center and six school-based health centers in Philadelphia.
Today, FPCN serves more than 15,000 patients annually and is a NCQA certified Patient-Centered Medical Home and recognized by HRSA as a National Quality Leader for Behavioral Health.FPCN is opening Philadelphia's First Birth Center; its collaborating hospital is the University of Pennsylvania Hospital. This brand new 30,000 sq ft space will feature exam rooms, birthing suites, community meeting rooms and a gorgeous community garden park. The Family Health and Birthing Center will provide full prenatal, birth, and postpartum care in Southwest Philadelphia. Services include education on nutrition, exercise, childbirth preparation, breastfeeding, infant, and self-care; and mental health and substance abuse therapy for those who need it. These services will be provided by interdisciplinary teams of professionals led by nurse midwives and doulas, including behavioral health specialists, addiction counselors, social workers, and registered nurses. Additional services will include transportation assistance; lactation counseling; prenatal and parenting education; legal services; and complementary mind/body services, such as yoga, massage, and meditation. All staff will have training in anti-racism, justice, diversity, and inclusion (A-JEDI), trauma-informed care, and sanctuary model practices.Position Summary
The Community Health Worker is a trusted member of the local community who helps Abbottsford Homes' residents improve their cardiovascular health through a range of outreach, education, prevention and patient navigation service activities. The CHW will have a regular presence in the Abbottsford Homes both in its community center and resident homes and will support residents in accessing and using appropriate medical care, and help improve their understanding of cardiovascular disease and management. The CHW should be a "natural helper" in the local community, exhibiting good rapport with Abbottsford Homes' residents, as well as acting as a liaison among individuals, the health center and area social service providers. The CHW will have the skills and life experience necessary to understand what residents are going through in relation to cardiovascular health challenges, and will help them get through difficult times. CHWs act as caring neighbors to help patients address the social and medical problems that lead to poor health outcomes.
Essential Duties and Functions
Develop one-to-one, ongoing relationships with adult residents helping them to:
assess personal risks for cardiovascular disease using various assessment instruments;
develop a personalized plan looking at modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular disease (e.g., increase exercise through joining a walking club);
make, keep and benefit from appointments with a primary care provider, or other services;
link with other community resources to support heart health (e.g., smoking cessation classes, low cost fresh food programs);
Access the fitness room and fitness consultant at Abbottsford Falls Health Center.
Offer educational programs on cardiovascular health at Abbottsford Homes to both adults and children. Tailor programs for different age groups and based on resident interest in specific topics. Sample topics include: heart healthy eating, physical activity, hypertension, obesity and diabetes.
Conduct community-based screenings to include blood pressure screening and lung function tests, cholesterol and blood sugar screenings.
At Abbottsford Falls Health Center, the CHW will:
receive referrals of patients who live at Abbottsford Homes and have cardiovascular risk factors/conditions;
meet with patients during or after their appointments, and schedule time to see them at home;
accompany residents to their appointments at the health center and support them in communicating with their health care provider;
support patients in attending group or individual exercise programs;
act as the liaison for patients being seen as part of the health center's cardiology program, supporting communication between them and the specialist.
Complete and maintain accurate documentation and data tracking, as required, e.g., the number of residents who complete a personal risk assessment for cardiovascular disease; the number of health screening tests delivered and people screened.
Attend program staff meetings as scheduled.
Collaborate with the Abbottsford Homes Resident Council to ensure the success and appropriateness of the Heart to Heart program within the Abbottsford Homes community. Attend community events (not just resident council meetings) to understand community issues and to build relationships within the community.
Participate in individual supervision with the Abbottsford Falls Health Center Nurse Care Manager.
Work 40 hours weekly. May require some evening and weekend work and will include minimal travel in the community.
Performs other duties as required and assigned.
Qualifications
HS diploma or GED required, and 2 years working with people in the health field preferred
Attend the CHW orientation and training, completing necessary coursework in a satisfactory manner.
Ability to work with a culturally diverse population.
Ability to respond to feedback and adjust approach according to recommendations from supervisor or other program team members.
Ability to work effectively as a team, interfacing with patients, primary care providers, the Abbottsford Homes Resident Council, and other RHD/FPCN staff involved in the program.
Must be organized, proficient with documentation and computer literate.
Ability to model positive health behaviors and overall physical/mental health, serving as a role model for residents/patients.
Experience in health or social services, community education, care coordination or case management preferred.
TB, Hep B Vaccination required
COVID Vaccination required
Current CPR Card required
Ability to pass criminal background check
Ability to complete credentialing process
Working conditions
Hazard and Atmospheric Conditions
Exposure to Loud NoiseRequirements
Physical requirements
Lifting Requirements
Light: exerting up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. The use of arm and/or leg control requires force greater than sedentary, but worker still sits majority of time.
Physical Requirements
Stand or Sit (stationary position)
Walk
Use hands or fingers to handle or feel (operate, activate, prepare, inspect, position)
Climb (stairs/ladders)
Talk/Hear (communicate, converse, convey,