Community Health Worker (CHW) / Care Navigator

Essential Functions

• Conduct community outreach and engagement activities to connect eligible individuals and families to health, housing, and supportive services.
• Build trusting relationships with clients through consistent communication, field visits, and follow-up.
• Sustain member engagement and retention by maintaining regular contact and encouraging participation in healthcare and supportive service programs.
• Conduct screenings related to social determinants of health (SDOH) including housing stability, food security, transportation access, financial hardship, and healthcare access.
• Connect clients to community resources, public benefits, and supportive services that address identified needs.
• Support families experiencing homelessness or housing instability by connecting them to housing resources, supportive services, and community programs.
• Collaborate with housing providers, shelters, and community agencies to promote housing stabilization.
• Document all client interactions, outreach attempts, services, and referrals in the organization's data system in accordance with program and payer requirements.
• Maintain strict confidentiality and adhere to all HIPAA privacy regulations.
• Develop and maintain relationships with community organizations, healthcare providers, and local service agencies.
• Participate in community meetings, trainings, and outreach events to strengthen referral networks and promote program awareness.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, Public Health, Human Services, or a related field OR equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated experience coordinating non-clinical health and behavioral health services.
• Ability to maintain accurate and timely documentation in compliance with DMH, UBH, and contract requirements.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation preferred for community outreach and home visits.
• Ability to work flexible hours when necessary to support client engagement and community events.
• Ability to pass background clearance and meet all DMH/UBH compliance requirements.

Preferred Experience

• Experience working with individuals or families experiencing homelessness or housing instability.
• Experience in community health programs, housing programs, or social services.
• Experience supporting individuals with chronic health conditions, disabilities, behavioral health needs, or substance use recovery.
• Knowledge and skills in Medi-Cal managed care systems and community-based health programs.
• Understanding of social determinants of health and their impact on health outcomes.

Physical & Environmental Requirements

• Ability to work in the field and conduct home visits.
• Ability to walk, stand, sit, and move throughout the facility.
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds if needed (e.g., files, supplies).
• Ability to respond to crisis situations calmly and professionally.