The Center for Discovery and Innovation- CDI was established by Hackensack Meridian Health (HMH) as an academic basic and translational research enterprise to rapidly translate science innovation to the clinic and to improve outcomes for patients with cancer, infectious diseases, autoimmune disease and other acute and chronic diseases.  The CDI has grown rapidly since its origins in 2019, and now has 32 labs, 190 scientists and allied personnel supported by 60 NIH grants and more than 30 other grants and contracts. Areas of expertise include genomics, epigenetics, drug resistance, immunology and immunotherapy, stem cell biology, drug discovery, diagnostics and biomarker development, and pharmacology.

Community-Health Worker, JTCC (CHW) works with the Community Outreach, Research and JTCC clinical teams to assess community health needs, develop plans and materials for health programs, provide social support, patient advocacy and coordinate and deliver health education and promotion interventions to the JTCC catchment area. They must ensure the dissemination of information to the community. CHWs help patients address the social, medical and community problems.

A day in the life of a Community-Health Worker, JTCC (CHW)  at Hackensack Meridian Health includes:

• Assesses the overall health needs of JTCC catchment area populations.
• Develops policies, programs, and events to educate individuals or communities on cancer and other health conditions.
• Defines and plans the desired outcomes and engaging priority populations of JTCC catchment area.
• Produces plans and materials for implementation of health programs.
• Coordinates and delivers health education and promotion interventions in the primary care, hospital or community setting.
• Provides resources to help patients with social issues.
• Makes follow-up calls and home visits to patients.
• Motivates patients to meet their health goals.
• Helps patients fill out applications for benefits like insurance and food stamps, assist with filling prescriptions and making appointments as needed in conjunction with the navigator.
• Monitors progress, resources, and overall sustainability of implementation.
• Identifies current and emerging health issues.
• Engages coalitions of stakeholders to address health issues and promote advocacy.
• Determines the factors that affect communication with the specified audience.
• Develops and evaluates messaging using communication theories and models.
• Coordinates with partners and prepares others to provide health education.
• Applies professional codes of ethics and demonstrates ethical leadership.
• Engages in professional development to maintain and enhance proficiency.
• Prepares reports and documents as needed or requested.
• Attends regular team meetings.
• Other duties and/or projects as assigned.
• Adheres to HMH Organizational competencies and standards of behavior.

Education, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:

• Bachelor's degree in health related field or 3+ years experience in health or hospitality field with a High School diploma, general equivalency diploma (GED), and/or GED equivalent programs
• Long-term resident of the JTCC catchment area with a vast knowledge of social service resources available for these communities.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Proficient computer skills that may include but are not limited to Google Suite and Microsoft platforms.
• Ability to carry out written and oral instructions.
• Ability to exercise judgment in the application of professional services.
• Comfortable with home visits and outreach.
• Comfortable with computer data entry.

Education, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Preferred:

• Prior experience as an outreach worker.

Licenses and Certifications Required:

• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation. 

If you feel that the above description speaks directly to your strengths and capabilities, then please apply today!