Community Health Worker

Health Advocacy Team Support (HATS); Salinas (CA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 73,000; Full time

Job summary

Health Advocacy Team Support (HATS) seeks a Community Health Worker (CHW) to bridge vulnerable community members with health and social services. The CHW will provide outreach, advocacy, and support to individuals and families facing homelessness, housing instability, mental health challenges, or other barriers to care.

The CHW empowers clients to navigate systems, access services, build stability, and achieve improved health and wellness.

Qualifications

• Certified Community Health Worker Certification and a high school diploma or equivalent are required.
• Experience with vulnerable populations (homelessness, behavioral health, or high-need individuals) is preferred.
• Strong communication, active listening, and relationship-building skills are essential.
• Ability to work in the field across diverse environments and travel within the county.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation are required.

Responsibilities

• Conduct outreach, engagement, and rapport-building with members in shelters, clinics, homes, and community settings.
• Complete needs assessments, social determinants of health screenings, and care plans.
• Provide ongoing support in accessing healthcare, housing, mental health, social services, and community programs.
• Assist members with scheduling appointments and navigating complex systems.
• Advocate for members with partner agencies, providers, and community organizations.
• Collaborate with ECM/CS providers, case managers, social workers, and clinical staff.
• Maintain confidential documentation and HIPAA compliance.

Skills

Communication

Active listening

Relationship building

Cultural humility

Education

Certified Community Health Worker Certification

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Health Advocacy Team Support (HATS)

Job Title: Community Health Worker (CHW)

Pay Rate: $25.00 – $35.00 per hour (DOE)

Employment Type: Full-Time

Reports To: Director of Operations

Position Summary

The Community Health Worker (CHW) is a vital member of the HATS team and serves as a bridge between vulnerable community members and essential health, social, and community resources. The CHW will provide direct outreach, advocacy, and support to individuals and families experiencing homelessness, housing instability, mental health challenges, complex medical needs, or other barriers to care.

The CHW empowers clients to navigate systems, access services, build stability, and achieve improved health and wellness. This role requires compassion, professionalism, cultural humility, and a strong commitment to community-based advocacy.

Key Responsibilities

Member Support & Engagement

• Conduct outreach, engagement, and rapport building with members in community settings, shelters, encampments, homes, and clinics.
• Complete needs assessments, social determinants of health screenings, and care plans.
• Provide ongoing support in accessing healthcare, housing, mental health, social services, and community programs.
• Offer crisis support within scope, ensuring appropriate de-escalation and referrals.

Navigation & Advocacy

• Assist members with scheduling appointments, completing applications, and navigating complex systems.
• Advocate for members’ needs with partner agencies, providers, and community organizations.
• Support members in developing goals, building life skills, and increasing self-sufficiency.
• Collaborate with ECM/CS providers, case managers, social workers, and clinical staff.

Documentation & Compliance

• Complete all required documentation accurately and on time in agency systems and partner portals.
• Maintain confidentiality and meet HIPAA, state, and programmatic standards.
• Track progress notes, care plans, outreach logs, and follow-up activities.

Community Partner Collaboration

• Build strong relationships with local shelters, hospitals, clinics, behavioral health services, schools, and community agencies.
• Participate in case conferencing, team meetings, and collaborative outreach efforts.
• Represent HATS at community events, resource fairs, and partner meetings.

Education & Health Promotion

• Provide culturally sensitive education on wellness, chronic disease prevention, mental health, recovery, and community resources.
• Facilitate or assist with group workshops, classes, and community outreach events.

Required

• Certified Community Health Worker Certification and High school diploma or equivalent.
• Experience working with vulnerable populations, including homelessness, behavioral health, or high-needs individuals.
• Strong communication, active listening, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to work in the field, including outreach in variable environments.
• Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and ability to travel within the county.

Preferred

• CHW certification or related training.
• Experience with ECM or Community Supports programs.
• Knowledge of Monterey County community resources, housing programs, and health systems.
• Bilingual (Spanish/English) encouraged but not required.

Core Competencies

• Cultural Humility & Sensitivity
• Advocacy & Problem Solving
• Professional Boundaries
• Trauma-Informed Care
• Documentation Accuracy
• Time Management
Ethical Practice
• Empathy & Patience

Work Environment

• Combination of office, fieldwork, client homes, encampments, and partner locations.
• Must be comfortable working with diverse populations and varying levels of need.