Bilingual Community Health Worker

Established in 1980, the Greater Lawrence Family Health Center, Inc. (GLFHC) is a multi-site, mission-driven, non-profit organization employing over 700 staff whose primary focus is providing the highest quality patient care to a culturally diverse population throughout the Merrimack Valley. Nationally recognized as a leader in community medicine (family practice, pediatrics, internal medicine, and geriatrics), GLFHC has clinical sites in Lawrence, Methuen, and Haverhill and is the sponsoring organization for the Lawrence Family Medicine Residency program.

GLFHC is currently seeking a bilingual Community Health Worker to join our Community Support Services Team. The Community Health Worker (CHW) is responsible for applying his/her knowledge of community resources and culture to assist the primary care team in fully assessing and identifying a patient’s needs through a comprehensive care plan. The CHW then assumes responsibility for implementing assigned coordination of care and supported referrals.

• Provides information and orientation about available community services and resources and assists GLFHC patients in determining eligibility and obtaining services.
• Remains current on all referral sources, including but not limited to: housing, nutrition services, peer programs, Mass Health/Healthy Start, advocacy services, transportation, parenting skills and groups, prenatal classes, substance abuse and mental health services including methadone maintenance, domestic violence, employment and training, nursing case management, and primary care.
• Actively participates in Specialty clinics in conjunction with other clinic staff and conducts hospital and home visits as appropriate.
• Provides patients with linguistic services, support and assistance in meeting relevant community agency requirements by helping complete agency forms, applications, translating and responding to requests for other information or documents.
• Accompanies patient to medical and behavioral appointments when necessary to provide linguistic and advocacy services.
• Follows up with regular contact to each active patient through telephone calls, office visits, agency visits, home visits, and hospital visits according to protocol.
• Works collaboratively and cooperatively with other departments and staff. Provides constant feedback and communicates regularly with medical staff regarding the patient’s current social situation.

Qualifications

Skills and Abilities

• Two years’ experience in similar or related field preferred. Experience in community-based service delivery preferred.
• Able to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Computer proficiency, especially in Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook.
• Valid Massachusetts Driver’s license and access to reliable transportation.

Education

• Degree in Human Services preferred or combination of education and experience will be considered.
• Bilingual, bicultural (Spanish/English).
• Completed certification-approved Medical Interpreter course or must complete within 12 months of hire.
• Community Health Worker Certificate or must complete with 12 -18 months of hire.

GLFHC offers a great working environment, comprehensive benefit package, growth opportunities and tuition reimbursement.