Community Health Worker Apprentice

Salary: $18-$20/hr. 35 hours a week/Jan-June 2026

Position Summary: This is a temporary, paid apprenticeship in partnership with the Mayor's Office of Community Mental Health. Apprentices will be enrolled in a Community Health Worker course at a local learning institution for 25 weeks, committing to about nine hours of online training per week. Apprentices will report to the Director of Health Navigation and Outreach and will conduct outreach both telephonically and in person to assess Health-Related Social Needs (HRSN) and assist members in navigating healthcare and community resources. Using designated technology platforms and mobile devices, the CHWA will engage with members in
various community-based settings, including Children's Aid clinics, School-Based Health Centers, and community centers on a rotating basis.

Essential Duties:

• HRSN screening and navigation
• Screen patients for Health-Related Social Needs (HRSN) services through the corresponding Social Care Network (SCN) platform.
• Serve as a liaison between patients, healthcare providers, and service providers.
• Assist patients with navigation to address any HRSN services the patient may be eligible for including transportation, housing, food security, and employment as needed.
• Assist patients with referrals, enrollment in assistance programs, and access to Children's Aid and external resources.
• Stay regularly informed about Children's Aid programs and build bridges for partnerships and integration.
• Advocate for patients' needs in accessing care and community-based resources. Raise trends and unmet needs and contribute to efforts to identify creative opportunities and solutions.

General patient education, including:

• Promote empowerment and self-confidence in navigating healthcare systems.
• Provide culturally informed, evidence-based health education to patients.
• Facilitate patients' knowledge and skills of acquisition to support informed health decisions.
• Maintain accurate notes and records of patient interactions and services provided on the appropriate platforms. Ensuring all documentation meets Medicaid requirements and supports service reimbursement.
• Collaborate with health care providers to update patient care plans.
• Collaborate with internal partners to assess and troubleshoot screening and referral procedures to maximize patient participation in enhanced services.
• Support outreach activities to promote Health & Wellness programming, with a special focus on HRSN screening and navigation services.
• Complete and maintain all required training for the role.
• Observe Children's Aid's code of conduct.
• Must abide by privacy laws, including HIPAA, etc.
• In-person collaboration is an essential function of the job
• Active participation in the online Community Health Worker classes to take 3 times a week from 4-7pm at Hostos Community College.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Health and Wellness Division
Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent; additional certifications preferred.
• Bilingual preferred.
• Previous experience performing community health work services preferred but not required.

Key Competencies:

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build trust and rapport.
• Proficiency in using technology platforms with a willingness to complete ongoing training.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse populations, addressing cultural, linguistic, and socioeconomic barriers.
• Some working knowledge of local resources, healthcare systems, and health insurance companies preferred.
• Driven to meet need unique needs of individuals, as well as to identify and share systemic gaps in health system support.
• Highly reliable, with strong organizational skills, customer service skills, and consistent follow-through.
• Effective problem-solving skills and adaptability in dynamic, fast-paced situations.
• Commitment to providing trauma-informed care, recognizing and responding to the impact of trauma while fostering a safe and supportive environment for patients.
• Demonstrates the ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment

It is the policy of Children's Aid to provide equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment and is dedicated to maintaining a work environment that is free from harassment and discrimination. Children's Aid will not tolerate discrimination, harassment, or retaliation on any basis, including race, creed, color, national origin, ethnicity, alienage or citizenship status, gender/sex (including pregnancy), disability, religion, source of income, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, familial status, caregiver status, military status, marital or partnership status, status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual violence or stalking, predisposing genetic characteristics, arrest or conviction record, credit history, unemployment status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. Children's Aid is committed to complying with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Children's Aid will conduct a prompt and thorough investigation of all allegations of discrimination, harassment, retaliation, or any violation of the Equal Employment Opportunity Policy in a confidential manner and will take appropriate corrective action, if and where warranted. Children's Aid prohibits retaliation against employees who provide information about, complain about, or assist in the investigation of any complaint of discrimination or violation of the Equal Employment Opportunity Policy.

The incumbent is expected to work a schedule, whether in-person or hybrid, as determined by the department's needs to facilitate effective collaboration with the team. This flexibility is essential for maintaining seamless communication, fostering teamwork, and ensuring the smooth operation of the department's processes. The position's requirements are subject to periodic review and adjustment based on organizational needs and changes in work dynamics.