Find & Apply For Community Health Worker Jobs in La Crosse, Wisconsin

Overview Join our dedicated team as a Community Health Worker specializing in Community Re-entry, where you will play a vital role in supporting individuals transitioning back into the community after incarceration or hospitalization. This energetic and impactful position offers the opportunity to empower underserved populations, promote health equity, and foster positive community engagement. As a key connector between clients and healthcare resources, you will help bridge gaps in care, provide health education, and advocate for vulnerable populations to achieve better health outcomes. Position Summary The Community Health Worker (CHW) - Jail Re-entry Services provides client-centered, relationship-based support to individuals preparing to transition from the La Crosse County Jail back into the community. The CHW works in partnership with Jail Re-entry Coordinator and Social Worker, to help individuals identify their needs, establish personal goals, and connect with the resources and services necessary for a successful transition. The CHW serves as an advocate and trusted support person, helping individuals navigate healthcare, housing, benefits, employment, behavioral health services, and other community resources. Through consistent engagement and follow-up, the CHW helps reduce barriers to accessing services, promotes continuity of care, and supports individuals in building stability and independence after incarceration. The CHW brings an understanding of community resources, cultural backgrounds, and lived experiences to the role, helping foster trust and meaningful connections with individuals and families. Essential Duties and Responsibilities 1. Jail Re-entry Engagement and Support Establish trusting, respectful, and professional relationships with individuals preparing for release from the La Crosse County Jail. Meet with individuals before release to identify needs, priorities, strengths, and personal goals. Collaborate with the Jail Re-entry Coordinator and Social Worker to develop individualized re-entry plans. Provide ongoing encouragement, advocacy, and support throughout the re-entry process. Assist individuals in identifying and overcoming barriers to successful community reintegration. Support a trauma-informed, person-centered approach to service delivery. 2. Resource Navigation and Advocacy Connect individuals with community resources that support stability, health, and well-being. Assist with applications for Medicaid, FoodShare, and other public benefits. Help individuals obtain identification, vital documents, and other essential paperwork. Connect individuals to housing resources, shelters, transitional housing, and housing navigation services. Assist with access to transportation, employment resources, education, and basic needs assistance. Advocate for clients when navigating complex systems and accessing community services. Provide culturally responsive support that respects each individual's background, preferences, and goals. 3. Healthcare and Treatment Coordination Assist individuals with scheduling and attending primary care, behavioral health, and specialty medical appointments. Support connections to substance use treatment, mental health services, and recovery resources. Help individuals establish or reestablish healthcare services following release. Assist with medication access and coordination with appropriate healthcare professionals. Support continuity of care by helping clients understand and follow through with healthcare recommendations. Coordinate with healthcare providers and community organizations, with appropriate client consent and in accordance with privacy requirements. 4. Post-Release Follow-Up Maintain regular contact with individuals following release to assess progress and identify emerging needs. Provide ongoing support during the transition from incarceration to community living. Assist clients in working toward goals related to housing, healthcare, employment, benefits, and personal stability. Help individuals navigate challenges that may arise during re-entry. Coordinate with the Jail Re-entry Coordinator, Social Worker, probation or other appropriate partners, and community service providers, as authorized. Encourage self-advocacy, independence, and long-term engagement with community resources. 5. Collaboration and Teamwork Work closely with Jail Re-entry Coordinator and Social Worker, to support coordinated re-entry services. Participate in case consultations, team meetings, and program planning as appropriate. Collaborate with St. Clare Health Mission staff, healthcare providers, and community-based organizations. Build and maintain positive working relationships with partner agencies and service providers. Communicate client needs, progress, and barriers to appropriate team members while maintaining confidentiality. 6. Documentation and Program Accountability Document client contacts, services provided, referrals, and follow-up activities accurately and in a timely manner. Maintain records in accordance with St. Clare Health Mission policies and applicable confidentiality requirements. Track client outcomes and service connections to support program evaluation and reporting. Participate in data collection and quality improvement activities. Complete required reports and documentation as directed by the CHW Program Director. 7. Professional Development and Safety Attend required staff meetings, training sessions, and professional development opportunities. Maintain knowledge of local community resources and re-entry services. Follow all applicable St. Clare Health Mission and La Crosse County Jail policies and procedures. Adhere to established safety, security, and professional boundaries when working in the jail and community. Perform other duties as assigned by the CHW Program Director. Minimum Qualifications High school diploma or equivalent preferred. Experience working with individuals facing barriers related to healthcare, housing, poverty, incarceration, substance use, or other complex life circumstances. Knowledge of community resources and service systems. Strong communication, interpersonal, and relationship-building skills. Ability to work effectively with individuals from a variety of backgrounds. Ability to maintain confidentiality and establish appropriate professional boundaries. Ability to work independently and collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team. Reliable transportation and the ability to travel to community locations as needed. Preferred Qualifications Previous experience as a Community Health Worker or in a related community-based support role. Personal or professional experience with the criminal justice or re-entry system. Experience assisting with public benefits, housing navigation, healthcare coordination, or treatment referrals. Bilingual or multilingual communication skills. Knowledge of trauma-informed care, motivational interviewing, or other client-centered engagement approaches. Familiarity with electronic health records or other client documentation systems.

Core Competencies Client Advocacy:

Promotes client needs, rights, and self-determination.

Relationship Building:

Establishes trust and maintains respectful professional relationships.

Communication:

Communicates effectively with clients, colleagues, and community partners.

Resource Navigation:

Connects clients with appropriate services and supports.

Cultural Responsiveness:

Respects and responds to the backgrounds, values, and experiences of the individuals served.

Collaboration:

Works effectively with social workers, healthcare professionals, and community organizations.

Confidentiality and Ethics:

Maintains professional integrity and protects client information.

Organization and Accountability:

Manages caseload responsibilities and completes documentation accurately.

Problem-Solving:

Identifies barriers and works with clients to develop practical solutions.

Resilience and Professional Boundaries:

Maintains a supportive, professional approach when working with individuals experiencing complex challenges. Physical and Work Environment Requirements Ability to work in a correctional facility and community-based settings. Ability to comply with jail security procedures, screening requirements, and facility regulations. Ability to sit, stand, walk, and communicate effectively throughout the workday. Ability to travel to community locations and partner agencies as needed. Ability to respond appropriately to challenging or emotionally sensitive situations. Equal Employment Opportunity St. Clare Health Mission is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and fostering a respectful, inclusive, and supportive work environment. Employment decisions are made in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. This paid position offers an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful difference while developing your skills in community health advocacy. Join us in fostering healthier communities through compassionate service, innovative outreach strategies, and dedicated support for those re-entering society!

Pay:

$20.00 - $24.00 per hour Expected hours: 32.0 - 40.0 per week

Benefits:

403(b) Dental insurance Employee assistance program Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Professional development assistance Vision insurance People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Work Location:

In person