Community Health Worker, Psychiatry Research (per diem)

STEPPS – Behavioral Health Coaching for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Location: Boston, MA

Schedule: Per-diem, Hybrid

ABOUT BMC:

At Boston Medical Center (BMC), our diverse staff works together for one goal — to provide exceptional and equitable care to improve the health of the people of Boston. Our bold vision to transform health care is powered by our respect for our patients and our commitment to ensure everyone who comes through our doors has a positive experience.

You’ll find a supportive work environment at BMC, with rich opportunities throughout your career for training, development, and growth and where you’ll have the tools you need to take charge of your own practice environment.  

POSITION SUMMARY:

Under the supervision of the Dr. Sarah Valentine, the Community Health Worker (CHW) will support an NIMH-funded study entitled, “Stepped Care for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Study” (STEPPS) which aims to develop a stepped care treatment model for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) at Boston Medical Center. 

The CHW will be responsible for providing telehealth coaching for a brief online PTSD treatment program, called web-administered Skills Training in Affective and Interpersonal Regulation (webSTAIR). WebSTAIR educates patients about trauma and related mental health symptoms, and teaches patients skills to manage their emotions and improve relationships. The webSTAIR program will be provided in English and Spanish. 

The CHW will receive training in motivational interviewing, cognitive and behavioral techniques, and approaches to enhance engagement in treatment programs. CHWs will receive receive ongoing case consultation on coaching visits from Dr. Marylene Cloitre, the psychologist who developed webSTAIR and a leading expert in the field. CHWs will also receive professional development support from a CHW supervisor/expert outside of the study which will provide an opportunity for the CHW to reflect on their experience with providing trauma focused mental health supports and connect with other CHWs.   

This is a hybrid position. The CHW will mostly work remotely but may occasionally work on-site to assist with in-person research activities and coordination.   Generally the work schedule will be Monday through Friday though some evenings and weekends may be required depending on specific patient needs.  

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

Must adhere to all of BMC’s RESPECT behavioral standards.

• Demonstrates sensitivity and respect for the culture of the participant. 

• Functions a key member of an inter-disciplinary team (social workers, behavioral health clinicians, clinical support staff, etc.) 

• Provides coaching and support, including outreach to and engagement with study participants to define individual goals 

• Completes initial coaching visit, care plan, and schedules follow up visits and phone calls for enrolled patients within specified timeframes 

• Clearly documents all activities relevant to the study protocol.  

• Communicates plans and updates with members of the research team. Participates in weekly consultation meetings with research staff 

• Engages in ongoing training and learning, include CHW professional development meetings 

JOB REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION:

• High School Diploma or GED required.

EXPERIENCE:

• Minimum of two years of prior healthcare, public health, or community-based experience in community setting.

• Equivalent education above a High School Diploma may be substituted for experience. 

KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS:

• Bilingual (Spanish) is a plus. Understanding of language, culture and socioeconomic circumstances affect health. Desire to work with a diverse population. 

• Basic knowledge of healthcare system and social service landscape 

• Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills (verbal and written) and comfortable with discussing mental health topics  

• Comfort with learning new technologies, as the CHW may need to support patients with limited technology literacy in access telehealth video conferencing and online treatment program 

• Exceptional organizational skills; ability to multi-task and work independently and as part of a team. 

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (i.e. MS Word, Excel, Access, Outlook) and web browsers. Proficiency with database management. 

This position is grant funded through 7/31/2030. There may be opportunity beyond this grant funding for position integration into ongoing operations.

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT:

As the primary teaching hospital for Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine and BU schools of public health and dentistry, intellectual rigor shapes our inquiries. Our research is led by a belief that skin color, zip code, and financial circumstances shouldn’t dictate health.

Boston Medical Center is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. If you need accommodation for any part of the application process because of a medical condition or disability, please send an e-mail to Talentacquisition@bmc.org or call 617-638-8582 to let us know the nature of your request.