Community Health Worker - Pathways to Better Health (SAMHSA Grant) presso Ottawa County, MI

About the Department

Using the Pathways to Better Health Model, this position works to assist clients overcoming barriers to their identified health, social services, education and employment needs. This position engages clients open to Community Mental Health in identifying and accessing community resources to improve health and self-sufficiency in the community.

This is a full-time, benefited position working primarily in the community and based out of the James Street Complex located at 12265 James Street, Holland, MI 49424. Typical working hours are Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Position Duties

The essential functions of this position include, but are not limited to, the following: 

• Engage clients to assess health and social needs to determine eligibility for community services and programs.
• Provides transportation to access community resources.
• Acts as a bridge between client and healthcare providers, ensuring concerns are heard and answered by reviewing and clarifying treatment recommendations.
• Completes program checklists; records referral data; and fulfils data entry requirements.
• Establishes and maintains positive relationships with community resources and agencies.
• Participates and/or conducts case conferences to support clients.
• Advocates for clients and serves as a liaison with community resources and agencies, when appropriate.
• Functions collaboratively within a CMHOC treatment team.

Minimum Qualifications

High school diploma or GED. Experience with social services, public health or mental health systems preferred.  Lived experiences with mental illness, developmental disabilities, or substance use disorders are valued. Bilingual written and verbal skills are preferred. 

Licenses and Certifications: 
Must possess or can obtain Community Health Worker Certification. Possess valid driver’s license.   

Other Qualifications

Required Knowledge and Skills: 

• Computer literacy and working knowledge of Word, spreadsheets, and databases.
• Knowledge of health care and other public and private human services resources available to client populations.
• Ability to interact positively with clients, co-workers, health care, human services, and community representatives from diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds and varying communication skills. 
• Adherence to departmental, statutory, and regulatory requirements governing protected health information.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills. 
• Knowledge of cultural and ethnic groups represented in Ottawa County and cultural norms affecting health. 

Disclaimer: This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.
This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.



Physical Requirements: 
Must be able to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodations, including, but not limited to, visual and/or audiological appliances, and devices to increase mobility. 

Working Conditions: 
The work environment varies.  The office setting is within the Community Mental Health of Ottawa County.  When in the office, safe work practices in regard to office equipment, avoiding trips/falls, and fire regulations are required.  When traveling to or spending time at client homes, exposure to unusual, unpleasant, or hazardous environments increases.

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