PORT Community Health Worker (Correctional Counselor), Correctional Health Services, (10a-6p), CHS Central Office

NYC Health + Hospitals is the largest public health care system in the nation. We are a network of 11 hospitals, trauma centers, neighborhood health centers, nursing homes, post-acute care centers, and correctional health services. We are a home care agency and a health plan, MetroPlus. Our health system provides essential services to 1.4 million New Yorkers every year in more than 70 locations across the city's five boroughs. Our diverse workforce of more than 42,000 employees are uniquely focused on empowering New Yorkers, without exception, to live the healthiest life possible. Visit us at nychhc.org and stay connected on facebook.com/nycHHC or Twitter@hhcnyc.

NYC Health + Hospitals/Correctional Health Services is one of the nation's leading correctional health care systems in quality of and innovations to care, and access from pre-arraignment through compassionate release. In-jail services include medical, nursing, mental health, substance use treatment, social work, dental and vision care, discharge planning, and reentry support. In addition to providing direct patient care in the jails, CHS leverages the resources of the nation's largest municipal health care system to help discharged patients successfully return to their communities. CHS is also a pivotal partner in New York City's criminal justice reform efforts.

Job Description

Summary of position:

CHS is seeking a Community Health Worker (CHW) to support the Point of Reentry and Transition (PORT) Program and other projects under the Office of Reentry and Transition Services (RATS). PORT consists of a team of CHWs who assist people released from jail with a variety of reentry needs via the PORT Line (a general phone helpline). The PORT team helps callers connect to health care and support services in jail and in the community; assists with pharmacy and insurance coverage questions; provides information about organizations that can help with housing and other social services. The PORT team also conducts phone outreach to ensure continuity of care upon release from jail, connecting patients to the PORT Practices (hospital-based primary care clinics) and CRAN offices (Community Reentry Assistance Network).

This position requires excellent communication skills, health literacy, resourcefulness, organizational skills, compassion, and ability to manage tasks independently. Ideal candidates will be highly self-motivated, familiar with the social service landscape of New York City, and reflect the patient population served.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with the criminal justice system
• The ability to manage tasks independently
• Knowledge of benefit entitlements, community-based resources for the previously incarcerated population
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills
• Bilingual English/Spanish
• Strong teaching and mentorship skills

Detailed Tasks:

• Operate PORT Line Monday - Friday during work hours (10am - 6pm).
• Promptly respond to PORT Line requests received over phone and email. Services provided include, but are not limited to:
  • Serve as a point of contact, advocate, and informational resource for patients in jail and in the community, as well as patient's loved ones and community providers;
  • Schedule PORT Practice appointments and work closely with facility teams to connect to care and relay critical information;
  • Send outpatient prescription requests to CHS providers and confirm completion;
  • Assist with questions about health care received while incarcerated;
  • Refer callers to appropriate community organizations and agencies;
• Conduct outreach for specific patient populations released from jail and connect to healthcare, housing and social services
• Attend program meetings, trainings, and other activities as required
• Perform other related duties assigned by the immediate supervisor, program administrator or designee

Qualification Requirements:

1. A four-year high school diploma or its educational equivalent and four (4) years of satisfactory full-time experience providing direct counseling, guidance, crisis-intervention or information and referral services for inmates of a correctional facility, substance abusers or a similar client population; or
2. Education and experience equivalent to "1" above. Thirty (30) semester credits from an accredited college will be considered equivalent to one (1) year of the required experience. However, all candidates must have a four-year high school diploma or its educational equivalent and at least one (1) year of experience as described in "1" above.

Minimum Qualifications
1. A four-year high school diploma or its educational equivalent and four (4) years of satisfactory full-time experience providing direct counseling, guidance, crisis-intervention or information and referral services for inmates of a correctional facility, substance abusers or a similar client population; or
2. Education and experience equivalent to "1" above. Thirty (30) semester credits from an accredited college will be considered equivalent to one (1) year of the required experience. However, all candidates must have a four-year high school diploma or its educational equivalent and at least one (1) year of experience as described in "1" above.

If you wish to apply for this position, please apply online by clicking the "Apply Now" button or mail your resume, noting the above Job ID #, to:

NYC Health + Hospitals / Correctional Health Services
Talent Acquisition
Human Resources Department
55 Water Street, 18th Floor
New York, NY 10041
Attn: Talent Acquisition

If applying online, please include your cover letter in the same file attachment with your uploaded resume.

NYC Health and Hospitals offers a competitive benefits package that includes:

• Comprehensive Health Benefits for employees hired to work 20+ hrs. per week
• Retirement Savings and Pension Plans
• Loan Forgiveness Programs for eligible employees
• Paid Holidays and Vacation in accordance with employees' Collectively bargained contracts
• College tuition discounts and professional development opportunities
• Multiple employee discounts programs