Overview General Resource Navigation The Community Health Associate provides direct community health services through Care Connect to vulnerable populations through identification, engagement, and provision of resources to address unmet social and health needs. Care Connect+ is a community alliance that was established to connect area residents in need with available services and address social determinants of health in a coordinated way throughout Northeast Florida. By aligning community resources into a single access point, Care Connect+ increases coordination and access of available resources. Care Connect+ has over a 120-member provider network to serve the vast needs of our community members. Care Connect+ staff provides crisis intervention, resource navigation, advocacy, practical assistance to clients, and provides client centered assessments to address unmet social and health needs. Please note: **Candidates may be considered for positions for the General Navigation Program or the BRAVE Program (Be Resilient and Voice Emotions), program that serves as the hub for student behavioral health referrals, along with, care coordination and navigation services for schools throughout the state of Florida. General Resource Navigation Overview: With an emphasis on addressing social determinants of health (SDoH),including historical disparities seen with equity in healthcare access and outcomes, the Gen Nav program consists of an ever-growing and evolving network of community partners to provide clients with specialized assistance when conventional approaches are out of reach. Gen Nav is the backbone of the services Care Connect+ provides throughout UF Health St. Johns and surrounding communities. With a client-led orientation, Gen Nav CHAs facilitate resource navigation for a large range of needs such as housing, financial resources, medical and dental care, and mental health, just to name a few. Gen Nav CHAs also have the opportunity to be involved with the Utilization Prevention (UP) program, which focuses on the intersection between complex medical case management, SDoH, and minimization of unnecessary emergency healthcare services that often lead to additional financial burden for both the client and community. Responsibilities Learn and integrate a trauma-informed, client-centered approach into your work with clients. Provides direct community health services including individualized patient/client education, counseling, and information and referrals. Conducts evidence-based assessments to identify individual needs and develop service goals as indicated. This could be inclusive of assisting with past due rent and utilities, Mental Health Referrals, Homeless Prevention Programs, and more. Coordinate and manage client flow and information, with occasional walk-in clients coming into the Care Connect+ office for services. Utilizes case/care management skills on phone or in-person, developing rapport, and building trusting relationships with clients to further facilitate provision of services. Determines patient eligibility for hospital-based services including the Medication Assistance Program and Medical Voucher Program. Utilizes the Care Connect+ database to document all stages of client interactions. Acts as a liaison between service providers in the community and seeks out other community resources that would benefit individuals. Work collaboratively and professionally with other service providers when necessary to manage complex situations. Be able to work in a fast paced environment and highly organized to maintain a case load of up to 150 clients Handle crisis situations where clients need guidance on next best steps to take to deescalate the situation and provide an appropriate level of care Uses critical thinking and decision-making skills to work with a tailored approach to provide the highest level of individualized care Attend relevant trainings, workshops and seminars Performs all other duties as assigned by management within job scope Qualifications Education / Training High School Diploma/Equivalent Preferences: Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree Social Work, Public Health, Healthcare Administration, Psychology, or related. Experience Requirements 0 -1 years Demonstrated experience working with vulnerable populations Skills & Abilities Candidates should be assertive, well organized, possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Candidates should have the mental and emotional resiliency as we are exposed to traumatic situations daily. Candidate should have a calm demeanor in order to reassure parents in times of crisis or concern around the urgency of care for their child(s) health. Ability to think critically and address crisis situations as they arise. Knowledge of Microsoft Office applications and can learn new technologies and systems quickly. Experience working with vulnerable populations from various backgrounds. Additional Information: Level 2 Background Check required upon hire.