Community Health Worker-Family Advocate

La Rabida Children's Hospital

Community Health Worker - Family Advocate

La Rabida Children's Hospital is hiring a full-time Community Health Worker - Family Advocate for the Outpatient Clinic in Chicago, IL.

Our mission is simple: we're dedicated to maintaining and improving the quality of life for each of our patients with complex conditions, disabilities, and chronic illnesses. The path to completing this mission, however, is often complicated. Fortunately, we've got the best team around. If you are looking for your next career opportunity to partner with a compassionate multidisciplinary collaborative team, we have the job for you!

Job Summary:
The Community Health Worker-Family Advocate performs various activities focused on the Stronger Together Grant, along with the Social Worker-Integrated School Liaison. They are members of the community they serve, understanding their needs and concerns. The Community Health Worker will educate parents/caregivers on their child's educational rights, working with the family to increase knowledge and understanding of these rights to better advocate for their child in the Special Education process. Additionally, they will educate and teach parents/caregivers self-advocacy skills to enhance the skills of the parent/caregiver in advocating for their child.

Essential Community Health Worker - Family Advocate Functions:

• Teaches parents/caregivers regarding educational rights, Special Education System, and the IEP/504 plan/IFSP process.
• Provides support and advocacy to the parent/caregiver and patient before, during and after IEP/ 504 Plan/ IFSP meetings.
• Develops an educational binder for families which may include information regarding behavioral health services and educational rights, laws, and rules.
• Works in partnership with the Social Worker-Integrated School Liaison to develop and provide family support groups, as indicated
• Works with the Social Worker- Integrated School Liaison to develop and provide groups focusing on Self-Advocacy Skills and Educational Rights/IEP rules and process
• Facilitates communication and coordinates with primary care provider and ancillary staff (including but not limited to PT/OT/SLP and Behavioral Health) to better understand the needs of patient within the IEP/ 504 Plan/ IFSP process.
• Meets with parents/caregivers within the Outpatient Clinic, home, community, or school settings to assist with advocacy, and education.
• Assess need for community resources and referrals, including connecting with behavioral health resources and addressing SDoH (Social Determinants of Health) concerns
• Establish relationships with parents/caregivers to provide general support and encouragement
• Coordinates activities within the Stronger Together Grant, working with the Social Worker-Integrated School Liaison and Project Manager to meet targeted metrics.
• Provides and documents community health worker services for all cases consistent with quality, productivity, and timeliness standards established by La Rabida leadership.
• Successfully participates in all mandatory training as required by La Rabida policy, grant guidelines, or State/Federal regulations.

What We Need from You:

• Education: High School Diploma required
• Associate degree or bachelor's degree preferred
• Related Experience: Member of La Rabida service area community parent/caregiver with experience in navigating the Special Education Process/System or a parent/caregiver with experience in navigating the Pediatric Behavioral Health System

Specialized Knowledge and Skills:

• Desire to work with parents/caregivers to help them navigate the school and/or pediatric behavioral health systems, required.
• Knowledge of the IEP Process and/ or Pediatric Behavioral Health System, required Excellent communication, and interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to work with parents/families in individual and group settings required.
• Organized and motivated self-starter being able to work independently while collaborating effectively as a team member with other healthcare professionals, and the school system, required.
• Ability to communicate effectively with all required.
• Commitment to La Rabida's Mission and Core Values

What you will receive:

• Competitive Salary
• Medical, Dental, and Vision
• Pet Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Life & Disability Insurance
• Retirement Savings Plans & Matching
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Generous Paid Time Off & Holidays

Who we are:
La Rabida is a place unlike any other. We understand the needs of families with children dealing with the most serious or complicated of conditions. With teams of the best healthcare providers in Chicago, we give continuous, comprehensive care, education and support, helping families face their unique obstacles head-on.

La Rabida Children's Hospital is very proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.