Job details
Job type full-time
Full job description
Rhode island parent information network
Job posting
Community health worker
Medical home program
About ripin: ripin deploys a peer model to support people with special healthcare and education needs across the whole lifespanFounded in 1991 by a group of parents of children with special needs, ripin continues to be peer-led: a majority of our board and more than three-fourths of our staff are parents or caretakers of loved ones with special needsRipin’s peer professionals now help more than 45,000 rhode islanders every year navigate healthcare, schools, and other support systems.
Job summary: community health worker(chw) provides peer-to-peer support to families and children with special health care needs; completes family assessments; works with family to determine family goals and implement plan for achieving goals; links families to an array of supports and resources; provides input regarding services and programs in ri and works to mitigate system barriers to accessing services; encourages families to be an active voice in making changes to systems to better meet the needs of families and children with special health care needs.
This position will work remotely, changing to in-person once safety protocols allow.
Essential functions:
Provide care coordination of services and supports, while educating parents and primary caregivers in the navigation of systems of care for their children with special health care needs, by promoting person-centered care and medical home model.
Outreach to referred families within agency guidelines of two business days of receiving referral.
With each family, conduct a family assessment and develop an individualized family care plan within 45 days of referral or sooner, depending on the needs of the child/family
Identify family strengths, concerns and natural supports; utilize motivational interviewing skills and culturally sensitive methods to support members in achieving their goals.
Support each family in finding geographically convenient supports and services; collaborate with other service providers, helping families make necessary connections
Assist families as they transition to independence /case closure; provide follow up support as needed
Assist in statewide system analysis, planning and coordination with state agencies, state and local boards, community-based organizations, and community rehabilitation programs.
Actively participate as effective team member in assigned agency meetings and team meetingsMake constructive use of individual and peer supervision/one-on-one meetings.
Accept other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
Knowledge, skills and abilities:
Ability to provide peer perspective as an individual or family member of an individual with a disability, chronic condition, and/or special health care need
Advanced knowledge of special health care and education systems in ri and other human service systems supporting families of children with disabilities and/or special healthcare needs
Problem-solving skills to facilitate empowering experiences and positive outcomes with families
High level of interpersonal skills and excellent communication skills to interact on a professional level with our diverse stakeholders, including parents and professionals
Ability to convey complex information in a clear and understandable manner
Excellent organizational skills to manage multiple priorities and tasks
Ability to effectively work independently and in collaboration with multiple staff and programs
Proficiency in computer and internet navigation (online documents, search engine, government websites), as well as computer skills to maintain and update program related materials, reports and database
Ability to effectively carryout the mission and philosophy of ripin and a willingness to work cooperatively and collaboratively with multiple constituents
Ability to present to small and large audiences that include consumers, stakeholders, and professionals on ripin programs’ operations, mission, and focus
Education and experience:
High school diploma/ged required; associates degree or bachelor’s degree in human services, education, health or related field strongly preferred
Experience supporting families and individuals with special health care and/or educational needs required
Demonstrated life experience as a consumer, parent or family member of a consumer with special health care and/or special education needs
Demonstrated knowledge of ripin’s programs, mission and vision
Experience working with and outreaching to diverse populations
Community health workers certification preferred; non-certified incumbents are expected to earn certification within 18 months of hire date
Fluency (speaking, reading, and writing) in english and spanish desired
Physical demands:
Regularly required to talk or hear
Regularly is required to stand, walk, sit, use hand to finger, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms
Regularly required to climb stairs, reach, stretch, stand and bend
Required to have the ability to lift and/or moves up to 25 pounds
Required to remain at their station for prolonged periods of time
Working conditions/ work environment:
Primary work location is a climate-controlled indoor office environment; however, may also be required to conduct visits in private homes, climbing up to three flights of stairs, and community locations
Flexibility for travel related to job requirements
Willingness and ability to work evenings and weekends as needed
Provide own reliable transportation with proof of valid driver’s license and ri minimum requirements of auto insurance to support home and community visits
The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this jobReasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Please include letter of interest, resume, and salary requirements to complete your application.
Ripin provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws.
