Negotiable Salary
Mental Health Association - Western MA
Holyoke, MA, USA
We are seeking a Community Health Worker to join our GRIT Program for 10 hours per week. The Community Health Worker (CHW) is a trusted member of the community who provides peer-based outreach, health education, support, and resource navigation to individuals enrolled in residential recovery programs. The CHW acts as a bridge between residents, health care systems, and community-based services to support recovery, wellness, and long-term stability. Essential Functions: • Build trusting relationships with residents in the recovery program to provide support, encouragement, and guidance. • Conduct regular wellness check-ins and assist clients in setting and working toward individual recovery and health goals. • Educate residents on topics such as harm reduction, relapse prevention, chronic disease self-management, nutrition, mental health, and self-care. • Provide health system navigation support, including scheduling appointments, understanding treatment plans, and applying for benefits. • Connect residents with social services and community resources such as housing, employment assistance, transportation, and peer support groups. • Collaborate with case managers, counselors, and medical providers to coordinate care and ensure continuity of services. • Maintain accurate, timely documentation in accordance with program policies and confidentiality requirements. • Participate in team meetings, supervision, and relevant training opportunities. • Advocate for residents' needs within healthcare, social service, and recovery support systems. Safety: Promote a safe workplace environment by identifying and addressing any safety hazards/issues, reporting all employee accidents to Human Resources and participant accidents to supervisory personnel, and following established MHA safety policies. Teamwork, Communications, Cooperation, and Continuous Learning: • Regularly attend and actively participate in team meetings, supervision meetings and/or other scheduled meetings. Attend agency mandated training and maintain required certifications. • Pursue additional activities and training to enhance job knowledge and competency, which provide opportunities for professional growth. • Maintain and foster a team atmosphere with colleagues and Supervisor with participant needs as the priority. • Maintain a positive and professional attitude with the staff team and residents. • Use constructive supervisor feedback to grow and enhance professional skills. Requirements • High school diploma or equivalent required; additional education or certification in health, human services, or substance use preferred. • Lived experience in recovery or previous experience working with people in recovery strongly preferred. • CHW certification (or willingness to complete training within 3 months of hire) preferred. • Knowledge of local health and human service systems. • Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills. • Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team. • Cultural humility and sensitivity to the needs of individuals from diverse backgrounds. • Must pass background check and possess a valid driver’s license (if transporting clients is part of the agreed upon role).