Community Health Worker – Street Medicine Program

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday. CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants.Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants. This position is funded for 12 months; continuation past 12 months will be based on university need, performance, and/or availability of funding.​  POSITION SPECIFICS​Community Health Worker – Street Medicine ProgramPosition TitleCommunity Health Worker (CHW) – Street Medicine Program, Department of MedicinePosition SummaryPenn State Health is seeking a compassionate and resourceful Community Health Worker (CHW) to support the development and implementation of a new Street Medicine Program serving individuals experiencing unsheltered homelessness and other vulnerable populations.The CHW will serve as a trusted bridge between the healthcare system and the community by conducting outreach, building relationships with individuals living outdoors or in unstable housing, helping patients navigate medical and social services, and supporting interdisciplinary street medicine teams in delivering care directly where people live.Candidates with lived experience of homelessness, housing instability, substance use recovery, justice involvement, or navigating complex social systems are strongly encouraged to apply.Key ResponsibilitiesConduct street outreach alongside clinical and interdisciplinary street medicine teamsBuild trusting relationships with individuals experiencing homelessness or housing instabilityAssist patients in accessing healthcare, behavioral health services, housing resources, insurance, identification documents, transportation, food assistance, and other social supportsHelp coordinate follow-up appointments and continuity of care after emergency department visits or hospitalizationsServe as a patient advocate and provide trauma-informed supportParticipate in case discussions and care coordination meetingsDocument outreach encounters and patient interactions in accordance with program policiesAssist with community partnership development with shelters, faith organizations, social service agencies, and local government organizationsProvide culturally responsive and nonjudgmental engagement with patients from diverse backgroundsSupport distribution of basic supplies including hygiene kits, weather-related gear, food, and harm reduction materials as appropriateAssist in identifying barriers to care and opportunities for program improvementParticipate in program development activities as the street medicine initiative expandsFacilitate collection of identification documents and applications for health insuranceQualificationsRequired QualificationsStrong interpersonal communication and relationship-building skillsAbility to work independently in community settings and as part of an interdisciplinary teamCommitment to working with vulnerable and marginalized populations using a trauma-informed and harm-reduction approachValid driver’s license and reliable transportation, or ability to travel to outreach locationsPreferred QualificationsPrior experience as a Community Health Worker, peer support specialist, outreach worker, case manager, EMT, medical assistant, or social service workerExperience working with individuals experiencing homelessness, serious mental illness, substance use disorders, or povertyKnowledge of local community resources and social service systemsBilingual language skills (English and Spanish)Lived experience with homelessness or housing instabilityCHW certification or willingness to obtain certificationWork EnvironmentThis position involves field-based outreach in outdoor environments and nontraditional care settings. The CHW may work evenings or flexible hours based on community outreach needs. Outreach may occur in encampments, shelters, community sites, and other locations where unsheltered individuals reside.Why Join the Program?This role offers the opportunity to help build an innovative street medicine program from the ground up and directly improve access to healthcare for individuals who often face significant barriers to traditional medical systems. Team members will help shape a compassionate, community-centered model of care that prioritizes dignity, trust, and equity.Penn State Health is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants from diverse backgrounds and those with lived experience relevant to the populations served are encouraged to apply. MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONSBachelor's Degree 1+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted Required Certifications: None  BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCESThis position requires the following clearances in addition to applicable background checks: PA State Police Criminal Background Check, PA Child Abuse History Clearance Form, and Federal (FBI) Fingerprint Criminal Background Check. Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. SALARY & BENEFITSThe salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $51,000.00 - $74,000.00. Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vi