Community Health Worker

Community Health Worker

The main goal of the Community Health Worker (CHW) is to enhance the health and well-being of patients at University Hospital. By building trusting relationships, the CHW connects individuals to essential community resources, physical and mental health services, and helps overcome social challenges that may hinder their health progress. As a vital part of the multidisciplinary care team, the CHW serves as a bridge between clinical staff and the community. They offer valuable insights to improve care management approaches and skillfully guide patients through available community services, while also promoting the importance of preventive health screenings and services through education and support.

Responsibilities

Enhances the overall health and well-being of patients at University Hospital

Builds trusting relationships to better support patient needs

Connects individuals to community resources, including physical and mental health services

Helps patients overcome social challenges that impact their health

Functions as a key member of the multidisciplinary care team

Acts as a bridge between clinical staff and the community

Contributes insights to improve care management strategies

Guides patients through community services and support systems

Promotes preventive care, screenings, and wellness through education

Qualifications

Required:

High School Diploma or equivalent required

Associate's Degree preferred

Two years of recent experience involving student, volunteer, or work roles in the greater Newark area or similar communities required

Familiarity with local community resources required

Participation in community organizations preferred

First-hand understanding of interpersonal violence, health disparities, or inner-city issues preferred

Completion of a Community Health Worker training program is a plus

Sensitivity to environments affected by substance abuse preferred

Must be reliable, an active listener, and possess strong interpersonal skills

Enjoys working with the public and can adapt to changing community needs

Basic computer skills and ability to perform internet searches required

Demonstrated interest in serving the Newark or similar inner-city communities required

Able to work independently and as part of a team

Comfortable working with individuals from diverse backgrounds

Bilingual in Spanish, Portuguese, or Haitian Creole preferred

What We Offer:

Medical & Prescription Drug Coverage

Dental & Vision Insurance

Health Savings Account (HSA) & Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

Short- & Long-Term Disability Insurance

Pension Plan

Pet Insurance

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Professional Development

Compensation (NJ Job Transparency Law): The expected hourly range for this position is TS/1750:$25.34 - $26.62 per hour, in accordance with the New Jersey Pay Transparency Law; final compensation will be commensurate with experience and qualifications.

University Hospital is one of the nation's leading academic medical centers. As the principal teaching affiliate of Rutgers New Jersey Medical School and the only state-certified Level 1 Trauma Center in Northern New Jersey, University Hospital is training the next generation of physicians and advancing science to discovery while taking exceptional care of patients, regardless of their financial situation.

We encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply. If you want to grow your career in healthcare while serving a vibrant community, we'd love to meet you.