Community Health Specialist-Psychiatry

Market Range: 07

Hiring Salary: $20.65/Hourly 

THIS IS A GRANT-FUNDED POSITION FUNDED UNTIL 06/30/2026

JOB SUMMARY/ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:  The Community Health Specialist (CHS) helps to promote, maintain, and improve the health of individuals, families and communities. Through outreach, advocacy, and intervention, the CHS assists individuals and their families to connect with supportive services, navigate healthcare systems and access health and social service resources. The CHS works collaboratively with healthcare professionals, community health organizations, and other service agencies to provide individuals with opportunities to stabilize, improve and maintain their health and help both individuals and communities identify and address the impact of social determinants of health.

1. Assists individuals and families in identifying healthcare needs, socioeconomic issues, and other barriers to overall health to determine options for securing and maintaining resources.
2. Assists individuals and families in developing health/socioeconomic plans and goals to help overcome identified challenges and barriers.
3. Facilitates referrals to appropriate resources and community programs. 
4. Documents activities, service plans, outcomes, referrals and other required data in relevant data management systems.
5. Participates in the development and implementation of the yearly institutional outreach plan, including travel to conferences, health profession career fairs, community colleges, and four-year institutions.
6. Educates individuals, families and communities on the importance of preventive health care, follow-ups and disease-specific information
7. Provides health education and awareness sessions to families, community members, partner organizations, and UTHSC staff.
8. Develops partnerships and maintains communication with community agencies and resource providers within his/her assigned region.
9. Meet with individuals and families in their homes, community locations, or healthcare settings. 
10. Performs other duties as required.

Minimum Requirements:

EDUCATION: Bachelor’s Degree. (TRANSCRIPT REQUIRED)

EXPERIENCE: Two (2) years of related experience or formal training as a community health worker.  

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities:

• Ability to effectively utilize computer software application skills such as MS Office. 
• Knowledge of community agencies and resources. 
• Skilled in the use of personal computers and related software, including e-mail. 
• Demonstrated skill in organizing resources, establishing priorities and time management. 
• Knowledge of motivational interviewing techniques. 
• Ability to understand and compose complex written materials. 
• Ability to communicate effectively and positively, both verbally and in writing, with individuals and families.
• Ability to exercise prudent independent judgment. 
• Demonstrated problem-solving skills. 
• Knowledge and understanding of social determinants of health impacting client the population. 
• Ability to plan, implement, and evaluate client care plans. 
• Ability to legally operate a personal vehicle. 
• Ability to work independently and in a team setting.

WORK SCHEDULE: This position may occasionally work evenings and frequently work weekends.