Community Health Worker

Texas Health Action (THA) is a community-informed non-profit organization dedicated to providing access to culturally affirming, quality health services in a safe and supportive environment, with an expertise in serving LGBTQIA+ people and those impacted by HIV. THA's programs include Kind Clinic, Waterloo Counseling Center, and TeleKind (telemedicine services). Read more about THA here: http://texashealthaction.org.

Texas Health Action is seeking a Community Health Worker (CHW) to serve our Kind Clinic locations in Austin, TX. The CHW will work across clinic and program departments to directly assist individuals with linkage and retention efforts for primary HIV medical care, including those newly diagnosed, recently incarcerated, and/or out-of-care persons living with HIV (PLWH). The CHW will also assist with retention in care efforts for clients receiving biomedical interventions to reduce their risk of becoming infected with HIV, such as PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) or PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis). This is a full-time, non-exempt position based out of our Kind Clinic locations, as well as in the community.

To be successful as a CHW, the applicant should be able to assess the eligibility of candidates for specific programs, make recommendations, and maintain meticulous records. An outstanding candidate will demonstrate exceptional communication skills and have a high standard of accuracy.

What you would do:

• Perform Ryan White early intervention program duties such as gathering and completing eligibility paperwork, conducting acuity and comprehensive assessments, care planning, and scheduling and attending HIV primary care medical visits at client’s medical provider of choice.
• Conduct health literacy assessments, relay HIV and sexual health education, and provide health literacy and medication adherence counseling.
• Implement innovative strategies to reach out-of-care individuals who are not currently accessing HIV prevention and care services and collaborate with partner organizations to locate PLWH who are out-of-care and successfully relinking them to care.
• Deliver HIV and STI testing and harm reduction counseling by utilizing evidence-based interventions and approved testing technology; Some home visits may be required to perform phlebotomy functions.
• Conduct community outreach with specific intentions to connect with hard-to-reach populations, including but not limited to, individuals experiencing homelessness and/or who were recently released from incarceration.
• Contribute and assist in meeting agency and grant guidelines and outcomes as established by the Director of Community Health.
• Attend interdisciplinary team meetings to discuss difficult client cases and strategize for best practice interventions to support clients in their health outcomes.
• Collaborate with Kind Clinic Advocates/Case Managers, Medical Social Workers, Medical Assistants, and clinical staff to provide seamless systems of care for clients. This role is highly collaborative.
• Maintain a system of confidentiality according to the clinic's policies and procedures and HIPAA compliance.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Your previous work life & education must include:

• Bachelor’s degree in human services (social work, psychology, counseling, mental health, health education, healthcare administration, public health) or related field. Up to four years of relevant work experience may be substituted for degree requirement.
• 1 year of experience working in public health, social service, health promotion, HIV prevention and care, and/or customer service required in addition to degree/work experience above.
• Experience working with communities of diverse cultures, ethnicities, socioeconomic backgrounds, gender expressions, and sexual identities required.
• Must have and be able to maintain a valid Texas driver’s license, personal liability insurance, and a safe driving record.
• Must have access and willingness to use a personal vehicle for work-related travel.
• Ability to speak, read, and write proficiently in both English and Spanish is preferred.

Certifications

• Current certification as a Community Health Worker or willingness to acquire the CHW certification with 12 months of hire.
• Possess/maintain phlebotomy certification, qualifications and requirements; or, obtain phlebotomy certification

Working conditions and environment

• Typical work schedule is Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM; evenings, nights, and weekends, occasional on-call as needed
• Frequent interaction with internal and external partners, clients, and volunteers

Physical demands

• Works with technology daily
• Light to moderate lifting and carrying of objects generally not to exceed 25 lbs

Applicant Information

• If selected for this position, proof of COVID-19 vaccination will be requested prior to offer of employment.
• Submitting official transcripts, diplomas, certifications and licenses may be required prior to final offer. Unofficial transcripts and copies of other relevant documents may be attached to the application for consideration in advance.
• Information regarding employment history as it relates to the qualifications of the position may be needed for employment verification.
• The applicant selected for employment is subject to a pre-employment background check. A history of conviction may not automatically disqualify an applicant. Applicants with a history of conviction may be considered on a case-by-case basis, after individualized assessment of factors including the nature of the conviction, the job duties and responsibilities, the length of time since the conviction, and evidence of mitigation or rehabilitation. If required for the position, a physical, motor vehicle record evaluation, and additional background checks may be conducted.

Benefits

• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
• Retirement Plan (403b)
• Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
• Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Holidays)
• Disability (Short Term & Long Term)
• Training & Development
• Family Leave