Community Health Worker Trauma - Full-Time - Hackensack Meridian Health

Our team members are the heart of what makes us better. At Hackensack Meridian Health we help our patients live better, healthier lives — and we help one another to succeed. With a culture rooted in connection and collaboration, our employees are team members. Here, competitive benefits are just the beginning. It’s also about how we support one another and how we show up for our community. Together, we keep getting better - advancing our mission to transform healthcare and serve as a leader of positive change.

The Community Health Worker (CHW), Trauma Services in the Trauma and Critical Care Department supports patients' needs by conducting mental health, Acute Stress Disorder (ASD), substance abuse, and smoking screenings and connecting them with appropriate resources.

A day in the life of a Community Health Worker (CHW) at Hackensack Meridian Health includes:

• Assesses all patients who are admitted for medical care to the trauma service, screens for potential discharge needs regardless of race, age, sex, religion, diagnosis and ability to pay by conducting mental health, substance abuse, Acute Stress Disorder (ASD) and smoking screenings, for patients admitted to the Trauma and Surgical Critical Care Department.
• Provide education and information to patients and their families regarding mental health, Acute Stress Disorder (ASD) and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), substance abuse, and smoking cessation resources.
• Prioritizes patient concerns/problems impacting the quality of their lives. Promote and support patients' engagement in services that address their concerns.
• Maintains current and up to date information of community resources and refers patients to those community resources which will enhance the patient's life. Consults with other community agencies and committees to identify potential resources to support patients and their families.
• Establishes relationships with admitted trauma patients who are identified as likely to need further care once discharged, in order to ensure a seamless continuity of care.
• Collaborates with medical staff, social workers, and other healthcare professionals to develop comprehensive care plans for patients with mental health or substance abuse concerns.
• Assists patients in accessing community resources, such as support groups, counseling services, and rehabilitation programs.
• Maintains accurate and confidential records of patient interactions and screenings.
• Participates in training and professional development opportunities to enhance knowledge and skills related to mental health and substance abuse.
• Other duties and/or projects as assigned.
• Adheres to HMH Organizational competencies and standards of behavior.

Education, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:

• High School diploma, general equivalency diploma (GED), and/or GED equivalent programs.
• Compassionate and empathetic attitude towards patients experiencing traumatic situations.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Willingness to learn and adapt to new challenges.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficient computer skills that may include but are not limited to Microsoft Office and/or Google Suite platforms.

Education, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Preferred:

• Associates or Bachelors Degree.
• Prior experience in healthcare or social services.
• Fluency in Spanish.

Licenses and Certifications Preferred:

• Community Health Worker (CHW) certificate.

If you feel that the above description speaks directly to your strengths and capabilities, then please apply today!