Bienestar Jobs (NOW HIRING)

JOB TITLE: Community Health Educator (CHE) (Multiple Centers & Greater Los Angeles County Area)

Bienestar Human Services is a unique non-profit social service organization that successfully improves the health and well-being of the Latino and other underserved communities in Southern California. BIENESTAR uses a uniquely relevant, peer-based approach, combined with 100% cultural competence and community outreach, to improve the outcome of public health. BIENESTAR networks with other social service organizations to provide a complete package of support to its clients.

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

The Community Health Educator (CHE) will act as a liaison between patients, healthcare providers, mental health care, substance abuse care, social services, and other relevant programs across the agency to promote effective communication. This position focuses on providing knowledge and skills regarding primary care, HIV/AIDS, STDs, Hepatitis, Substance Abuse, Mental Health and addressing the social determinants of health and community barriers that increase health disparities for Latino LGBTQ+ and underserved community members. The goal of the position is to create and promote a healthier, more positive environment for Latino LGBTQ+ and underserved community members through a lens of equality and justice.

SUMMARY OF DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Greet and welcome patients, clients, and visitors in a professional, welcoming, and courteous manner making them feel welcome when entering any BIENESTAR facility.

• Act as a liaison between patients/participants, healthcare providers, mental health care, substance abuse care, Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT), social services (e.g., housing navigation, legal services, employment services, shelter, etc.) and other relevant programs across the agency to promote effective communication.

• Manage patient enrollment, communication, schedule appointments, provide referrals across BIENESTAR’s programs and services, obtain necessary authorizations, and patient information to provide and achieve successful treatment goals and care for the patients.

• Connect patients to multiple BIENESTAR’s resources and programs, including treatment programs, healthcare programs, support groups, and community services to address patient needs.

• Expected to be knowledgeable about the organization’s programs, services, and resources to be able to link, refer, in order to provide successful treatment and care for the patients.

• Administer and conduct HIV/STI testing, pre and post-test counseling, and Post Exposure Prophylactics (PrEP) and/or Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) education, while also facilitating access to medical care and other support services for individuals newly diagnosed or at risk of HIV/STI.

• Assist the patients with practical arrangements such as: foodbank, transportation, translation & interpretation needs, and assistance with tests, referrals, and appointments.

• Maintain inventory of program supplies and educational materials, while loading/unloading of packages and containers, build-up/break-down, and sort program supplies, as applicable.

• Conduct initial patient assessment and deliver brief interventions using motivational interviewing techniques to communicate with participants in a respectful, culturally appropriate, and non-judgmental manner.

• Maintain relationships with local healthcare providers, treatment centers, social service organizations, and advocate on the participant’s behalf when needed and/or required.

• Expected to address the principles of “person-first” language, non-stigmatizing language, and empower the underserved populations & all communities.

• Provide health insurance enrollment assistance: including, but not limited to completing coverage applications, gathering required documentation, supporting the enrollment process, provide structured patient education on health coverage, ADAP, engage in follow-up and renewal assistance for enrolled individuals.

• Assist individuals and/or families with health insurance program enrollments (for uninsured individuals and/or families to access subsidized, low-cost, and/or free health insurance programs through the health insurance marketplace, Medi-Cal, among other programs) to provide ongoing support and increase to linkage/referral of patients to access BIENESTAR’s programs and services.

• Develop, discover, participate, engage, and attend community events (mandatory evenings and weekends) to promote and build awareness of coverage options, missions, services, and programs across the organization (e.g., outreach, community backpack outreach, etc.).

• Attend and successfully complete all required training agency programs, meetings, and other professional development opportunities.

• Adhere compliance to all federal, state, local, community partners, outside providers, organization, and patient confidentiality privacy regulations (including but not limited to: HIPAA, 42 CFR Part 2, and all other policies and agreements regarding confidentiality, privacy, safety, and security).

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date patient electronic health records and reports to level of requirements mandated in agency policy and complete all documentation in a timely manner.

• Provide training to new or other staff members required.

• Identify and address patient needs and challenges.

• Facilitate and lead support groups and interventions.

• Complete all necessary documentation in a timely manner, including written communications with external agencies with approved consent for shared data.

• Expected to operate company vehicle(s) safely and efficiently, following all traffic laws and company policies. Valid Driver License, Vehicle Insurance, and Driving Record required.

• Perform all other program and organization duties as assigned.

EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Health or Social Services is preferred or a minimum of 2 years of relevant work experience.

• California HIV Test Counselor Certification preferred and required after six (6) months of starting the position.

• Community Enrollment Partners Certification preferred.

• Ability to identify and address patient needs and challenges.

• Proficiency in using electronic health records (EHR) systems and other computer applications.

• Ability to provide excellent customer service to patients and their families.

• Experience and interpersonal skills working with culturally and socially diverse underserved community groups including drug/alcohol, HIV/STI, and hepatitis C impacted and affected individuals and groups.

• Knowledgeable of the substance use community, with primary focus in the Latino community.

• Familiarity with various substance abuse disorders, treatment modalities, methodologies, and recovery processes are preferred.

• Must be able to lift a minimum of 10 pounds.

• Able to work independently and collaboratively with staff and leadership.

• Ability to provide education and information regarding HIV, substance abuse, and mental health services to clients, community members, and other organization members.

• Knowledge and demonstrated experience working with the LGBTQ+ community and familiarity with issues of relevance to the LGBTQ+ community.

• Bilingual in English and Spanish with excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• Experience and interpersonal skills working with culturally and socially diverse community groups who are underserved; including and not limited to the LGBTQ+ community.

• Must have a reliable form of transportation as travel to different sites within LA county may be required.

HOURS: 40 Hours - Some Weekends & Evenings required.

EXEMPT/NON-EXEMPT: Non-Exempt

SALARY: TBD - Commensurate with education and experience.

BENEFITS:

• Medical, dental, vision, & life insurance – Fully paid by the organization after 90 days of employment.

• 403B retirement package with matching contribution

• 14 paid holidays

LOCATION(s): South Los Angeles, East Los Angeles, Panorama City, Pomona, Long Beach, Hollywood.

• Must be willing to travel between BIENESTAR centers and within the county and/or surrounding areas.

• Must be willing to work evening hours and weekends.

SUBMIT RESUME TO: Hrjobs@bienestar.org

Position Will Remain Open Until Filled. BIENESTAR Is An Equal Opportunity Employer.

Members of the LGBTQ+ community are encouraged to apply.