Behavioral Health Recovery Coach & Care Navigator

HeartlandHealth; Lawrence (KS); On-site; USD 26,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

Heartland Community Health Center is seeking a Behavioral Health Community Health Worker (CHW) to support individuals navigating behavioral health, psychiatry, and substance use disorder services. You will provide emotional support, education, short-term care coordination, and connect clients to necessary resources.

Working in clinical and community settings, you will collaborate with Heartland’s teams and external social service agencies to improve health outcomes and access to services.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; associate or bachelor’s degree in social work, public health, or related field preferred.
• Minimum 1–2 years in recovery from SUD preferred or 1–2 years’ experience working with community members in recovery.
• Certification as a Community Health Worker preferred (or willingness to obtain within 6 months of hire).
• Experience in healthcare navigation, case management, or working with at‑risk populations preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide one-on-one support and recovery coaching to individuals with mental health or substance use disorders.
• Share lived experience in a professional and empathetic manner to inspire hope and demonstrate the possibility of long-term recovery.
• Assist clients in identifying strengths, setting recovery and health goals, and developing action plans.
• Support clients in accessing treatment options, primary care, housing, employment, and other community resources.
• Help clients navigate the healthcare system, including support for appointments, detox, outpatient programs, and support groups.
• Educate clients on recovery principles, treatment options, and how to manage chronic health conditions and mental wellness.
• Provide advocacy and follow up during clinical visits to ensure client needs are heard and addressed.
• Assist clients with overcoming barriers to care, including transportation, insurance access, and communication with service providers.
• Facilitate connections to 12-step programs, harm reduction resources, recovery communities, and social support networks.
• Document all interactions, service plans, and client progress accurately in the electronic health record system.
• Coordinate with clinical teams, therapists, case managers, and other staff to support holistic care.
• Educate individuals and communities about substance use, recovery pathways, and how to navigate health and social service systems.
• Participate in care coordination meetings, treatment planning, trainings, and community outreach.
• Maintain strict confidentiality and adhere to all applicable HIPAA, regulatory, and ethical guidelines.

Skills

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Bilingual (Spanish/English)

HIPAA knowledge

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associate or bachelor’s in social work/public health

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Electronic documentation

Job description

Heartland Community Health Center is seeking a Behavioral Health Community Health Worker (CHW) to support individuals navigating behavioral health, psychiatry, and substance use disorder services. You will provide emotional support, education, short-term care coordination, and connect clients to necessary resources.

Working in clinical and community settings, you will collaborate with Heartland’s teams and external social service agencies to improve health outcomes and access to services.