ABOUT PROJECT VIDA

Our mission is to improve quality of life and reduce health disparities in underserved communities by promoting self-empowerment and providing holistic health education and direct services. Project VIDA was founded in 1992 to address the urgent needs of racial and ethnic minorities. Initially, the organization provided HIV education through street outreach services to area youth. Today, we have expanded our community scope by initiating a variety of programs: direct services for people infected or affected by HIV/AIDS and various prevention and health education programs.

JOB SUMMARY

The Community Health Worker (CHW) serves as a vital bridge between Project VIDA's clinical behavioral health services and the diverse, high-need communities we serve. This role requires a valid Illinois Community Health Worker certification, and is responsible for proactive client outreach, culturally and linguistically appropriate intake and navigation, and the provision of essential supportive services. The CHW supports clients in accessing and adhering to treatment approaches by addressing social determinants of health (SDOH) that impact mental wellness. The CHW acts as a peer educator, advocate, and resource liaison, ensuring services are accessible, integrated, and affirming for all.

JOB DUTIES

Client Outreach, Engagement, and Navigation Conduct proactive outreach to high-priority populations, including monolingual Spanish speakers, immigrants, and individuals with disabilities, to promote mental health literacy and available services Perform comprehensive needs assessments to identify barriers to mental health care, including linguistic, cultural, transportation, and financial challenges Provide navigation assistance, helping clients access integrated medical care, housing, employment, and social benefits necessary for holistic well-being Accompany clients to initial appointments when needed, providing advocacy during systems interactions, and assisting with document completion to ensure engagement and retention Health Education and Peer Support Deliver culturally and linguistically tailored health education workshops on topics relevant to mental health, trauma, stress management, and chronic disease prevention Offer non-clinical peer support and psychoeducation to reinforce therapeutic concepts, including skills acquired in DBT (mindfulness, distress tolerance) and ACT (values clarification) Facilitate supportive groups focused on shared experience, empowerment, and community building, emphasizing the strength-based model Maintain strict confidentiality and ethical boundaries, operating within the scope of a non-clinical role Service Coordination and Documentation Coordinate internal and external referrals, ensuring smooth transitions between Project VIDA's behavioral health, case management, and HIV prevention services, as well as external city-funded resources (e.g., DFSS-supported housing) Maintain accurate, complete, and timely documentation of all client encounters, service linkages, and progress notes in the electronic health record (EHR) and grant-specific data systems (e.g., CAREWare, if applicable) Participate actively in multidisciplinary team meetings to ensure client service plans are coordinated and responsive to evolving needs Community Linkage and Partnership Support Cultivate and maintain strong working relationships with key community organizations, local businesses, and City of Chicago departments (e.g., CDPH, DFSS) to streamline resource access for clients Provide cultural consultation to clinical staff to ensure service delivery remains relevant and affirming for diverse populations Willing to work an alternative schedule, including evenings, late nights, and weekends, for outreach at community sites and events

QUALIFICATIONS

Associate's degree or higher required, or a High School diploma or GED considered with 5 or more years of relevant experience Certification as a Community Health Worker (CHW) in Illinois is required Demonstrated experience working with diverse, high-need populations, including the LGBTQIA+ community, immigrants, and individuals impacted by trauma Deep understanding of the barriers and strengths within the target community, with personal or related lived experience navigating social services or behavioral health systems, is strongly preferred and will be treated as an asset during the selection process Bilingual proficiency (English/Spanish) required; additional language proficiency (e.g., Polish, Arabic) is an advantage Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills, with proven ability to communicate complex information clearly and compassionately Familiarity with the social service landscape and local resources within the City of Chicago Proficiency in basic computer applications and experience with electronic health records or case management systems Related lived experience is highly valued and considered a significant asset for this position, recognizing the unique insights and trust built through shared experience

Job Type:

Full-time Pay:

$50,000.00 - $55,000.00 per year

Benefits:

401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Employee assistance program Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Vision insurance People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Education:

High school or equivalent (Required)

Experience:

HIV/AIDS

care: 1 year (Preferred)

Microsoft Office:

2 years (Required)

Language:

Spanish and English fluently (Required)

License/Certification:

Illinois Community Health Worker Certification (Required) Shift availability: Day Shift (Required) Night Shift (Required)

Work Location:

In person