Part-time Community Health Worker

Job-Specific Responsibilities

The Community Health Worker (CHW) will provide screening, education, coaching, and referrals, and follow-up for health and social services. This work will take place in community settings, including, but not limited to, onboard a mobile health unit. This role will provide the prevention health screenings and health education The Family Van has always provided, and will also focus on The Family Van’s new mental health initiative to raise awareness and reduce stigma associated with mental illness. This person will provide one-on-one support and education to people at risk for anxiety and depression. This person will also perform outreach activities in the community, including leading workshops, representing the organization at special events, and promoting the Van’s services. They will work with collaborators and community agencies, especially those serving immigrants, to increase access to health care and address the social determinants of health. The CHW will work closely with students, volunteers, and community members in the role of educator and mentor. This is a part-time position (approximately 20 hours per week) with occasional weekend and evening events.

Provide preventive health screenings like blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, body mass index (BMI), and pregnancy testing

Educate clients and community members about the prevention and management of common chronic conditions.

Refer clients to appropriate health and social services. Follow-up with clients to ensure they received the services they needed.

Identify community members at risk for depression and anxiety through mental health screening and education.

Provide one-on-one support in person, on the phone, and through video conferencing to people experiencing stress and other mental health challenges.

Continuously expand knowledge and understanding of community resources, services and programs

Actively listen to clients, seek to understand spoken and unspoken needs, and develop rapport for the purposes of empowering clients to take steps to improve their health and the health of their families.

Document client encounters using a web-based form on a laptop computer or tablet.

Assist with training, orientation, and management of students and volunteers

Attend community meetings to stay connected to communities The Family Van serves and build relationships with other community leaders

Participate in weekly staff meetings

Work as a team under the supervision of the Assistant Director on the mobile unit

Plan and conduct workshops and other special events

Basic Qualifications

Experience working with diverse communities, people with mental illness and/or substance use disorder as well as immigrants and their families, LGBTQ persons, people with limited financial resources, formerly incarcerated persons, and those without health insurance.

Fluency (written and oral) in English and Spanish

Basic computer skills (Email, Word, Internet)

High school diploma or GED

Additional Qualifications and Skills

Strong interpersonal skills; ability to juggle multiple tasks with competing priorities; critical- thinking skills; familiarity with Boston-area health and social service resources; experience representing an organization effectively to the public and responding appropriately to e-mail and phone inquiries. Additional language skills are a plus, especially Cape Verdean Creole, Haitian Creole, Portuguese and Arabic.

Excellent communication skills and the ability to build trust and rapport with people of all backgrounds and life experiences required. Ability to manage a specific program and evaluate its effectiveness as well as the ability to work in tight quarters (Mobile Unit).

Additional Information

This is a term appointment, with the end date of June 30, 2022, with the possibility of renewal contingent on funding.

Harvard will require COVID vaccination for all Harvard community members who will have any on-campus presence. Individuals may claim exemption from the vaccine requirement for medical or religious reasons. More information regarding the University’s COVID vaccination requirement and exceptions may be found at the University’s “COVID-19 Vaccine Information” webpage: http://www.harvard.edu/coronavirus/covid-19-vaccine-information/.

Please note that we are currently conducting a majority of interviews and onboarding remotely and virtually. We appreciate your understanding.

We are committed to cultivating an inclusive workplace culture of faculty, staff, and students with diverse backgrounds, styles, abilities, and motivations. We appreciate and leverage the capabilities, insights, and ideas of all individuals. Harvard Medical School Mission and Community Values

Harvard University offers an outstanding benefits package including:

Time Off: 3 – 4 weeks paid vacation, paid holiday break, 12 paid sick days, 12.5 paid holidays, and 3 paid personal days per year.

Medical/Dental/Vision: We offer a variety of excellent medical plans, dental & vision plans, all coverage begins as of your start date.

Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with full vesting after 3 years of service.

Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive tuition assistance program, incredibly affordable classes directly at the Harvard Extension School, and discounted options through participating Harvard grad schools.

Transportation: Harvard offers a 50% discounted MBTA pass as well as additional options to assist employees in their daily commute.

Wellness options: Harvard offers programs and classes at little or no cost, including stress management, massages, nutrition, meditation, and complementary health services.

Harvard access to athletic facilities, libraries, campus events, and many discounts throughout metro Boston.

The Harvard Medical School is not able to provide visa sponsorship for this position.

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Job Function

General Administration

Location

USA – MA – Boston

Job Code

403033 Staff Assistant III

Sub-Unit

–

Department

Family Van

Time Status

Part-time

Salary Grade

053

Union

55 – Hvd Union Cler & Tech Workers

Appointment End Date

30-Jun-2022

Pre-Employment Screening

Criminal, Identity

Schedule

Part-time schedule | 20 hrs per week

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.