PRN Community Health Worker

Cibola General Hospital; Grants (NM); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

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Job summary

Cibola General Hospital in Grants, NM is seeking a Community Health Worker to assist patients in the Emergency Department facing behavioral health concerns, including substance use disorders. You will screen, educate, and connect patients with community resources while supporting ED staff.

The role emphasizes compassionate, trauma-informed care, with a focus on improving patient outcomes and access to services for underserved populations. Training on motivational interviewing is provided.

Qualifications

• Must have a High School Diploma or equivalent
• Proficient in Medical Terminology
• Commitment to community outreach and client connection
• Current CHW or PS Certification or completion within 6 months

Responsibilities

• Conduct initial screenings and risk assessments for behavioral health concerns in the Emergency Department
• Administer screening tools, score results, and provide brief interventions/Motivational Interviewing as needed
• Deliver compassionate, trauma-informed support in a high-acuity ED setting
• Provide health coaching, patient education, and referrals to community resources
• Assist staff with non-clinical duties to improve patient flow and experience
• Document all interactions and referrals in the electronic health record
• Collaborate with clinicians and social services to develop individualized care plans
• Advocate for patients and help overcome barriers to care for underserved populations
• Participate in ongoing training related to behavioral health and de-escalation

Skills

Empathy

Medical terminology

Community engagement

Team collaboration

Education

CHW/PS Certification

High School Diploma

Job description

Description

Community Health Workers (CHWs) will work directly with individuals in our Emergency Department with Behavioral and/or Mental Health Issues, including Substance Use Disorders. The CHW will also assist staff in support staff duties as able. Their purpose is to provide patient care that is focused on compassion and empathy, and that offers a supportive environment.

A CHW is a certified medical professional that will screen, score, and provide a Brief Intervention/Motivational Interview, if needed, to assist the patient to maintain or improve his/her mental/behavioral health by providing social support as well as individual health coaching, patient education, and referrals.

The CHW will work with a diverse range of people to ensure that they have access to the resources needed to meet their needs.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct initial screenings and risk assessments for patients presenting with behavioral health concerns, mental health issues, or substance use disorders in the Emergency Department.
• Administer standardized screening tools, score results, and provide Brief Interventions and Motivational Interviewing techniques as appropriate.
• Deliver compassionate, empathetic, and trauma-informed support to patients in a high-acuity emergency setting.
• Provide individual health coaching, patient education, and emotional support to promote mental and behavioral wellness.
• Connect patients to appropriate community resources, social services, treatment programs, housing assistance, transportation, and follow-up care.
• Assist Emergency Department clinical and support staff with non-clinical duties as needed to improve patient flow and experience.
• Document all patient interactions, interventions, and referrals accurately and timely in the electronic health record.
• Collaborate with physicians, nurses, social workers, case managers, and community partners to develop individualized care plans.
• Advocate for patients and help remove barriers to care, especially for underserved and diverse populations.
• Participate in ongoing training related to behavioral health, cultural competency, de-escalation, and motivational interviewing.

Requirements

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Proficient in Medical Terminology
• Must prioritize a sense of connection with the community
• Current CHW or PS Certification or completion of the certificate within 6 months.

Preferred

• Experience in the substance abuse and/or behavioral health field
• Associate degree or higher in health or human services
• Experience working in a multicultural setting
• Medical Assistant, Nursing Assistant experience preferred.

Psychological Considerations

• Able to work under stressful situations and respond to emergencies competently.
• Able to work as part of a team.
• Must be flexible, have problem-solving skills, prioritize, and demonstrate healthy coping mechanism.

Environmental Considerations

• Potential contamination/exposure to blood borne pathogens, body substances, biohazardous materials and infectious diseases.
• Able to work in a temperature-controlled hospital environment.
• Occasional exposure to a variety of auditory and olfactory stimuli.