ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES / DUTIES:

Patient Connection, Navigation, & Education:

• Serve as a central contact for first-episode psychosis (FEP) team members to help patients navigate the many systems encountered during the recovery journey.

• Develop FEP CHW referral process for FEP team members and community health centers in collaboration with WRAP leadership.

• Offer psychosis psychoeducation for patients and families in accessible and culturally relevant language.

• Work with patients and families/caregivers to set WRAP clinic visit cadence with shared decision making. Facilitates the scheduling of visits and additional testing/procedures, such as primary care appointments, etc.

• Perform THRIVE screener with FEP patients and families/caregivers and provide referrals to relevant community resources.

• Follow-up with patients and families/caregivers at regular intervals to problem-solve around any barriers to care.

• Assist patients and families/caregivers in identifying and accessing community support services.

Resource Management:

• Design culturally relevant educational materials for FEP patients and families/caregivers around psychosis treatment

• Maintain and update resource directory, ensuring clinical team members have access to accurate and current psychosis-specific community resources.

• Identify resources for financial assistance, medication needs, home health care, insurance questions, transportation, and other concerns.

• Documents barriers to care and develop new plans for resource connections, ensuring a collaborative approach for psychosis treatment.

Community Engagement and Leadership:

• Serve as a liaison between communities and the Wellness and Recovery after Psychosis (WRAP) clinical program.

• Attend local community health fairs and community groups.

• Enhance community residents’ ability to communicate effectively with health care providers.

• Advocate for individual and community mental health.

Training and Development:

• Participate in trainings on first-episode psychosis.

• Participate in training in the 10 Core Competencies for Massachusetts community health workers.

• Use training to enhance patient care strategies.

• Minimum of 2 years prior mental healthcare, or community-based experience

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES (KSA):

• Outstanding interpersonal skills to interact with patients and families/caregivers

• Basic knowledge of the mental healthcare system.

• Interest in community mental health and outreach.

• Exceptional organizational skills; ability to multi-task and work independently as well as part of a team.

• Demonstrated oral and written English communication skills; fluency in Haitian Creole or Spanish is preferable.

• Understanding of how language, culture, and socioeconomic circumstances affect mental health.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and data tracking.

• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams and stakeholders.

• A commitment to improving community mental health outcomes and addressing social determinants of health.

• Willingness to undergo training in psychosis education and treatment and team-based approach to care.

Why Join Us? This role offers a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact on community mental health by enhancing patient support and fostering collaborative care. As a CHW, you will be at the forefront of innovative mental healthcare strategies that directly benefit our patients and the community.

Application Process: Interested candidates should submit their resume and a cover letter detailing their relevant experience and motivation for applying. We look forward to welcoming a passionate CHW to our WRAP team!