Community Outreach Worker I at University of Maryland, Baltimore

The University of Maryland, Baltimore School of Nursing is seeking a contractual Community Outreach Worker I. Reporting to the Community Outreach Worker Directors and/or their designee affiliated with the University of Maryland School of Nursing, the Community Outreach Worker (COW) is responsible for helping patients/clients navigate and access services. The COW will refer the patients/clients as needed to other members of the West Baltimore RICH Collaborative team for follow up with social and economic issues and increase awareness and need for health prevention related to hypertension and social isolation. This position also participates in outreach and health screening activities organized by the West Baltimore RICH Collaborative. Community Outreach Workers will be expected to engage in community-based events which occasionally occur in the evening hours and on Saturdays. While this position will schedule clients for appointments, this position will not transport or escort clients to various appointments. Reliable transportation is required.

Benefits Information
UMB offers a comprehensive benefits package that prioritizes wellness, work/life balance, and professional development, along with additional exciting perks that employees can take advantage of. Contingent Category II staff receive a generous leave package that includes annual leave, paid holidays, sick time, and time for community service; subsidized comprehensive health insurance and supplemental retirement options; professional learning and development programs; limited tuition remission for employees enrolled at UMB; life insurance and long-term disability; and flexible work schedules and teleworking options (if applicable per job). 

UMB is a public university and constituent institution of the University System of Maryland.  All employees are expected to work primarily physically within the State of Maryland.

Primary Duties

• Establishes a supportive working relationship with patients/clients and their families to encourage their active engagement in their health care.
   
• Assists with scheduling appointments as needed and makes home visits when appropriate.
   
• Collaborates with care team or the community-based organization team to help clients understand care plans and self-care management goals while trying to reduce cultural and socio-economic barriers between patients, families and health care entities, and community-based organizations.
   
• Provides timely communication to the Community Outreach Supervisor and/or field site designee to report patient/client issues to ensure coordination of care and appropriate referrals to other members of the care team.
   
• Conducts eligibility determination, enrollment, and follow-up with uninsured patients. Assists patients with completing applications and registration forms.
   
• Participates in focused outreach and community health screenings and promotes services and programs within the West Baltimore RICH Collaborative.
   
• Engages in community-based events which occasionally occur in the evening hours and on Saturdays.
   
• Provides referrals for community services as appropriate and in consultation with the care team.
   
• Provides accurate and timely documentation and reports in compliance with UMB (University of Maryland, Baltimore) partner site and West Baltimore RICH Collaborative policies and procedures.
   
• Assists patients in securing transportation to appointments and will not directly transport patients.
   

Note: The intent of this list of primary duties is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities of this job. Incumbents perform other related duties assigned. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary based upon departmental needs.

Education: High School Diploma or GED.
Experience: None required. Previous job experience in health care or social services preferred.
Other: Reliable transportation is required. Except for qualifications established by law, additional related experience and formal education in which one has gained the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for full performance of the work of the job class may be substituted for the education or experience requirement on a year-for-year basis with 30 college credits being equivalent to one year of experience.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships. Ability to operate computers and other office equipment. Ability to write reports and maintain records. Ability to work in extreme weather conditions. Ability to perform extensive standing and walking. Ability to handle sensitive and confidential matters with discretion and tact. Ability to interact with the public, health care providers, community organizations, and social service agencies. Ability to maintain poise and courtesy under pressure.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of the UMB, West Baltimore RICH Collaborative and practice-site operations, operating principles, guidelines and bylaws. Excellent leadership, customer service, organizational and presentation skills as well as the ability to effectively communicate the West Baltimore RICH Collaborative vision, and motivate others to achieve it organizationally, departmentally, and personally/professionally. Ability to plan and organize work initiatives to successfully accomplish center/organizational goals and objectives. Ability to multi-task, prioritize and delegate as appropriate. Strong analytical, problem solving and interpersonal skills. Ability to identify, develop and implement short/long-term strategic goals and objectives. Ability to develop and maintain customer relationships; influence, build credibility and trust. Ability to think critically as well as apply critical thinking skills. Ability to advocate for patients/clients.         
   
• Physical Demands: Ability to lift, carry, push or pull heavy objects upwards of 25 lbs. as well as squat, walk, climb, bend, crouch, stoop, kneel, stand, grasp, reach, pull and repetitive motions. 
   
• Note: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 
   
• Work Environment: Work is typically performed in an office setting or a variety of environments and conditions including work from home, confined spaces, indoor/outdoor, and other circumstances that include increased physical risk and exposure to adverse environmental conditions.
   

Conditions of Employment: 

Employees in this job class may be required to use their personal automobile while conducting official business and possess a valid Maryland Non-commercial Class C or Commercial Class B Driver's License (CDL). Candidates selected for employment may be subjected to medical inquiries and/or medical examination to determine ability to perform the job. Employees in this job class may be required to successfully pass a police background check.

Hiring Range: $40,315 - $43,721, commensurate with experience.

UMB is committed to cultivating a diverse and inclusive workforce and is proud to be an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, ancestry or national origin, sex, pregnancy or related conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, physical or mental disability, marital status, protected veteran's status, or any other legally protected classification.

If you anticipate needing a reasonable accommodation for a disability under the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA), during any part of the employment process, please submit a UMB Job Applicant Accommodation Request. You may also contact [email protected]. Please note that only inquiries concerning an ADA request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address.

The University of Maryland, Baltimore prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates. Individuals may report concerns or questions to the Title IX Coordinator. Read the UMB Notice of Non-Discrimination for more information.