Community Health Worker

Community Health Worker

About Our Team

The CalAIM program serves eligible Medi-Cal beneficiaries ( members ) who are experiencing homelessness, including chronic homelessness, and have at least one complex physical, behavioral, or developmental health need. The program's goal is to improve health outcomes and reduce the use of high-cost services.

Role Overview: Outreach Specialist

The CalAIM Outreach Specialist focuses on hospital-based outreach activities and provides direct support to connect members with services to end their homelessness. Using a "do whatever it takes" approach, the Outreach Specialist:

• Conducts frequent visits to healthcare systems.
• Builds relationships with staff at referring healthcare systems.
• Identifies clients who need housing navigation or diversion services while they are receiving care.

Key Responsibilities

Outreach and Engagement

• Conduct frequent outreach at assigned hospitals/healthcare systems.
• Build and maintain relationships with discharge planning staff.
• Establish and follow communication procedures to accept referrals for homeless patients.
• Contact patients before discharge to introduce available resources and explain the Outreach Specialist's role.
• Enroll eligible patients into the program and connect them with additional resources.

Collaboration and Advocacy

• Collaborate with existing service providers to avoid duplication of efforts.
• Reconnect clients with established outreach contacts upon discharge, when applicable.
• Provide crisis intervention for individuals experiencing homelessness.
• Present reports to community stakeholders on a quarterly basis in coordination with the Program Manager.

Client Assistance

• Help clients procure necessary documents (e.g., ID cards, birth certificates, or proof of income).
• Assist with navigating social security and disability income application processes.
• Identify temporary or permanent housing options, including supportive and affordable housing.
• Support clients with housing applications and related paperwork.
• Advocate for clients with prospective landlords and survey the rental market for affordable options.

What You Bring

Core Competencies

• Non-judgmental and respectful attitude toward individuals with urgent, complex needs.
• Professionalism and mature judgment in all interactions.
• High level of motivation and initiative.
• Strong problem-solving and crisis-resolution skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Exceptional time-management, organizational, and multitasking skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication abilities.
• Effective interpersonal skills for working with diverse populations.
• Capacity to maintain and execute confidentiality in compliance with HIPAA and other policies.

Collaboration and Independence

• Ability to work independently and within a team.
• Build and sustain collaborative relationships with clients, staff, and partners.

Qualifications

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate, Bachelor's, or advanced degree in social work, psychology, sociology, or a related field.
• Experience using the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS).
• Current HMIS license.

Minimum Qualifications

• Community Health Worker Certification required.

Driving Requirements

• Driving is an essential function of this role. Candidates must:
• Have reliable transportation.
• Possess a valid driver's license.
• Provide proof of insurance and vehicle ownership for work-related use.