Community Health Worker - Street Medicine

The Department of Family Medicine of the Keck School of Medicine of USC provides care for every member of the family, across generations and over lifetimes. We aim to enhance the quality of life for underserved and vulnerable patients while educating future generations of highly skilled, compassionate primary care specialists. Our goal is to combine education, patient advocacy, and evidence-based research to advance family medicine and geriatrics.

Our department is seeking a Community Health Worker to be part of our Keck School of Medicine of USC Street Medicine Program.  The Community Health Worker (CHW) will be responsible for helping patients navigate and access community services, and other resources, and adopt healthy behaviors. The CHW supports providers and other team members through an integrated approach to care management and community outreach. As a priority, activity will promote, maintain, and improve the health of patients. Provide social support and informal counseling, and advocate for individuals and community health needs.  Some after-hours work may be involved.

This is a full-time position, Monday-Friday, 8am-4pm on-site at the Alhambra, CA office. Some after-hour and weekend work may be involved. It is not a hybrid or remote position.

The Street Medicine Community Health Worker (CHW) duties include but are not limited to:

• The CHW is responsible for driving the team to and from rounds in the team Pick-up Truck and maintaining the vehicle.

• During medical, nursing, and allied health street visits, the CHW is responsible for maintaining situational awareness and ensuring scene safety.

• Responsible for performing community outreach and establishing trusting relationships with patients while providing general support and encouragement. 

• Providing ongoing follow-up with patients including:
  • basic motivational interviewing, and goal setting with patients/families. 
  • phone calls, home visits, and visits to other settings where patients can be found. 
  • Help patients attend appointments. 
  • Provide referrals for services to community agencies as appropriate. 
  • Help patients connect with transportation resources and give appointment reminders in special circumstances. Transporting patients is strictly prohibited. 

• Assist patients with completing applications and registration forms.  Conduct eligibility determination, enrollment, and follow-up with uninsured patients. 

• Work closely with the medical provider to help ensure that patients have comprehensive and coordinated care, including scheduling street medicine visits per the provider’s care plan. Follow-up with patients should be continuous from initial identification through closure. 

• Act as a patient advocate and liaison between the patient and community service agencies (i.e.  Department of Human Services, Heath Care for Homeless, hospitals, support groups, etc.).  

• Record patient care management information in the EMR (training provided) and other software no later than 24 hours after patient contact. 

• Attend regular staff meetings, training, and other meetings as requested.  Manage an assigned caseload of patients.   Other duties as assigned.

General Responsibilities:

• Work cooperatively with other clinical personnel assigned to the same patient.

• Become knowledgeable about community resources appropriate to the needs of patients/families.  

• Be responsible for providing consistent communication to the rest of the Street Medicine team to evaluate the patient.

• Exhibit excellent working relations with patients, visitors, and staff, effectively communicating Street Medicine's mission. 

Preferred experience: Working with unsheltered homeless and/or lived experience with homelessness.

Required: Current and valid California driver’s license. Working knowledge of Los Angeles County cities and freeway systems. Current proof of TB test and updated immunization records for LA County credentialing.

The hourly rate range for this position is $23.04 -$26.00. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state, and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.

Minimum Education: High school or equivalent Minimum Experience: 1 year Minimum Skills: Working knowledge of local maps/freeway systems. experience providing medical/clinical guidance. Experience working with unsheltered and unhoused groups, and/or lived experience with homelessness. Advanced judgment, analytical, and decision-making skills, able to work independently with minimal supervision. Data gathering and analysis skills. Excellent time management skills. Demonstrated interpersonal, negotiation and problem-solving skills. Experience in customer service. Practiced use of discretion and decision-making ability. Excellent written and oral communication skills. Proven ability to build and maintain deep and meaningful relationships with community members and outside agencies. Preferred Education: Related undergraduate study And Specialized/technical training Preferred Certifications: Certifications in CPR, basic life support and/or mental health first aid. Preferred Experience: 2 years Preferred Skills: Demonstrated experience in community healthcare and/or street medicine. A current understanding and appreciation of the cultural vibrancy and historical significance of local communities in Los Angeles and Southern California. Extensive knowledge and/or understanding of numerous cultural issues (e.g., immigration, socioeconomic, LGBTQIA+). Fluent in one or more languages in addition to English (e.g., Spanish, Korean, American Sign Language).