Job Summary:
Under the direct supervision of the Program Director, the Community Health and Outreach Coordinator provides community-based services and supports for individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities (I/DD) and their families. The outcomes of these services and supports are intended to address health care access and quality, remove healthcare barriers, aid in economic stability, and engage in community. This position is part of a larger collaboration with the West Cook Coalition funded by Health and Family Services (HFS). The service area consists of 18 vulnerable communities in West Cook County. The Coordinator must have the ability to cultivate relationships focused on increasing healthcare awareness and excel at community outreach and networking.
Duties & Responsibilities:
Program Specific
1. Work collaboratively with other agencies to promote the coordination of a network of services.
2. Advocate, explain, protect, and connect the individual’s rights to health services that may include health and dental services, mental health services, substance abuse services, physical and occupational therapy services.
3. Connect individuals with an I/DD to other community services as needed and assist with the development of natural community supports.
4. Responsible for initial assessment and intake. Monitorand document program individual’s progress in relation to the services plan.
5. Provide support and assistance in gaining access to vocational training, educational services, legal services, employment opportunities, and leisure, recreation, religious, and social activities.
6. Provide support and problem-solving assistance on an ongoing basis and at times of crisis.
7. Ability to document and maintain records in multiple systems to ensure compliance with all contractual obligations.
8. Provide informational, educational, and advocacy services to program individuals and family members.
Outreach and Networking
1. Promote community efforts of CSS. Attend outreach, networking, and health and wellness fairs and related activities.
2. Participates on both internal and external taskforces and advisory committees as assigned.
Billing Expectation
1. Required by the program/contract, the Community Health and Outreach Worker will provide services to 80 individuals/families during the contract year. Services may be a one-time referral or a need for ongoing case management and support. Services are individualized to meet the needs of people with an I/DD.
Documentation and Record Keeping:
1. Utilize the agency case management/billing system (Medisked Connect) to input case notes and billing time accurately and timely. Must be competent in Microsoft Office.
2. Maintain the confidentiality of the individuals’ records.
3. Maintain other record keeping functions, including the recording of service hours, according to agency policies, procedures, and directions.
4. Ability to document concisely, accurately, and timely.
Other Responsibilities:
1. Attend staff meetings and other meetings as requested.
2. Ensure all training compliance for self.
3. Follow agency’s confidentiality, privacy, and code of ethics policies.
4. Perform related duties as assigned.
Qualifications/Specialized Skills:
Minimum of a bachelor’s degree (BA orBS) in Social Work, Social Services, Human Services, or Healthcare related field is required.
Experience with the I/DD population required. Qualified Intellectual Disabilities Professional highly preferred.
Community Case Management and/or Community Outreach experience preferred.
Bilingual Spanish/English preferred.
Candidate should be familiar with the surrounding areas/communities, specifically the community health and social service resources that are available to residents in the West Cook Coalition and CSS communities.
Must feel comfortable networking in various community settings including other health and social service providers, employment partners, local funders, and community events to promote the agency programs and to establish relationships that will encourage participant referrals to the West Cook Coalition and CSS.
Solid organizational skills, multi-tasking, and attention to detail, required.
Ability to work some flexible hours that may include evenings and weekends.
Must have a valid Illinois Driver’s license and willingness to use personal vehicle during employment, required.
Competencies
- Leadership: Exhibits confidence in self and others; inspires and motivates others to perform well; accepts feedback from others; gives appropriate recognition to others.
- Adaptability: Adapts to changes in the work environment; manages competing demands; changes approach or method to best fit the situation, able to deal with frequent change. Must be able to work in a dynamic, complex, and fast-paced organization.
- Communication Skills: Clearly and persuasively communicate; listen and seek clarification; participate in meetings; write clearly and informatively; comfortable with public speaking.
- Professionalism: Treat others with respect and consideration; accept responsibility for own actions; understand business implications of decisions; align work with strategic goals; complete administrative tasks and develop strategies to achieve organizational goals.
- Teamwork: Balance team and individual responsibilities; exhibits objectivity and openness to others’ views; gives and welcomes feedback; contributes to building a positive team spirit; puts success of team above own interests; ability to build morale.
- Problem Solving: Gather and analyze information skillfully; solicit feedback and use reason when dealing with emotional topics. Strategic data-driven thinker with excellent analytical skills and ability to identify and respond to issues/opportunities in a timely manner.
