Community Health Educator

JOB TITLE: Community Health Educator (CHE) (Multiple Centers & Greater Los Angeles County Area)

Bienestar Human Services is a unique non-profit social service organization that successfully improves the health and well-being of the Latino and other underserved communities in Southern California. BIENESTAR uses a uniquely relevant peer-based approach combined with 100% cultural competence and community outreach to improve the outcome of public health. BIENESTAR networks with other social service organizations to provide a complete package of support to its clients.

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

The Community Health Educator (CHE) will act as a liaison between patients healthcare providers mental health care substance abuse care social services and other relevant programs across the agency to promote effective communication. This position focuses on providing knowledge and skills regarding primary care HIV/AIDS STDs Hepatitis Substance Abuse Mental Health and addressing the social determinants of health and community barriers that increase health disparities for Latino LGBTQ and underserved community members. The goal of the position is to create and promote a healthier more positive environment for Latino LGBTQ and underserved community members through a lens of equality and justice.

SUMMARY OF DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Greet and welcome patients clients and visitors in a professional welcoming and courteous manner making them feel welcome when entering any BIENESTAR facility.

• Act as a liaison between patients/participants healthcare providers mental health care substance abuse care Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) social services (e.g. housing navigation legal services employment services shelter etc.) and other relevant programs across the agency to promote effective communication.

• Manage patient enrollment communication schedule appointments provide referrals across BIENESTARs programs and services obtain necessary authorizations and patient information to provide and achieve successful treatment goals and care for the patients.

• Connect patients to multiple BIENESTARs resources and programs including treatment programs healthcare programs support groups and community services to address patient needs.

• Expected to be knowledgeable about the organizations programs services and resources to be able to link refer in order to provide successful treatment and care for the patients.

• Administer and conduct HIV/STI testing pre and post-test counseling and Post Exposure Prophylactics (PrEP) and/or Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) education while also facilitating access to medical care and other support services for individuals newly diagnosed or at risk of HIV/STI.

• Assist the patients with practical arrangements such as: foodbank transportation translation & interpretation needs and assistance with tests referrals and appointments.

• Maintain inventory of program supplies and educational materials while loading/unloading of packages and containers build-up/break-down and sort program supplies as applicable.

• Conduct initial patient assessment and deliver brief interventions using motivational interviewing techniques to communicate with participants in a respectful culturally appropriate and non-judgmental manner.

• Maintain relationships with local healthcare providers treatment centers social service organizations and advocate on the participants behalf when needed and/or required.

• Expected to address the principles of person-first language non-stigmatizing language and empower the underserved populations & all communities.

• Provide health insurance enrollment assistance: including but not limited to completing coverage applications gathering required documentation supporting the enrollment process provide structured patient education on health coverage ADAP engage in follow-up and renewal assistance for enrolled individuals.

• Assist individuals and/or families with health insurance program enrollments (for uninsured individuals and/or families to access subsidized low-cost and/or free health insurance programs through the health insurance marketplace Medi-Cal among other programs) to provide ongoing support and increase to linkage/referral of patients to access BIENESTARs programs and services.

• Develop discover participate engage and attend community events (mandatory evenings and weekends) to promote and build awareness of coverage options missions services and programs across the organization (e.g. outreach community backpack outreach etc.).

• Attend and successfully complete all required training agency programs meetings and other professional development opportunities.

• Adhere compliance to all federal state local community partners outside providers organization and patient confidentiality privacy regulations (including but not limited to: HIPAA 42 CFR Part 2 and all other policies and agreements regarding confidentiality privacy safety and security).

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date patient electronic health records and reports to level of requirements mandated in agency policy and complete all documentation in a timely manner.

• Provide training to new or other staff members required.

• Identify and address patient needs and challenges.

• Facilitate and lead support groups and interventions.

• Complete all necessary documentation in a timely manner including written communications with external agencies with approved consent for shared data.

• Expected to operate company vehicle(s) safely and efficiently following all traffic laws and company policies. Valid Driver License Vehicle Insurance and Driving Record required.

• Perform all other program and organization duties as assigned.

EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS:

• Bachelors degree in Public Health or Social Services is preferred or a minimum of 2 years of relevant work experience.

• California HIV Test Counselor Certification preferred and required after six (6) months of starting the position.

• Community Enrollment Partners Certification preferred.

• Ability to identify and address patient needs and challenges.

• Proficiency in using electronic health records (EHR) systems and other computer applications.

• Ability to provide excellent customer service to patients and their families.

• Experience and interpersonal skills working with culturally and socially diverse underserved community groups including drug/alcohol HIV/STI and hepatitis C impacted and affected individuals and groups.

• Knowledgeable of the substance use community with primary focus in the Latino community.

• Familiarity with various substance abuse disorders treatment modalities methodologies and recovery processes are preferred.

• Must be able to lift a minimum of 10 pounds.

• Able to work independently and collaboratively with staff and leadership.

• Ability to provide education and information regarding HIV substance abuse and mental health services to clients community members and other organization members.

• Knowledge and demonstrated experience working with the LGBTQ community and familiarity with issues of relevance to the LGBTQ community.

• Bilingual in English and Spanish with excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• Experience and interpersonal skills working with culturally and socially diverse community groups who are underserved; including and not limited to the LGBTQ community.

• Must have a reliable form of transportation as travel to different sites within LA county may be required.

HOURS: 40 Hours - Some Weekends & Evenings required.

EXEMPT/NON-EXEMPT: Non-Exempt

SALARY: TBD - Commensurate with education and experience.

BENEFITS:

• Medical dental vision & life insurance Fully paid by the organization after 90 days of employment.

• 403B retirement package with matching contribution

• 14 paid holidays

LOCATION(s): South Los Angeles East Los Angeles Panorama City Pomona Long Beach Hollywood.

• Must be willing to travel between BIENESTAR centers and within the county and/or surrounding areas.

• Must be willing to work evening hours and weekends.

SUBMIT RESUME TO:

Position Will Remain Open Until Filled. BIENESTAR Is An Equal Opportunity Employer.

Members of the LGBTQ community are encouraged to apply.