Trauma Outreach Worker

Trauma Outreach Worker

Requirements

• High School Diploma/G.E.D.
• 2 years related experience
• Good verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to work as a team member
• Competent computer keyboard, laptop maneuvering, competent in Windows platform
• Basic computer skills and database entry
• Good organizational skills
• Ability to handle difficult calls and maintain professional conduct
• Willingness to be flexible with job responsibilities

Responsibilities

• Meet with patients in the hospital directly following intentional trauma to provide emotional support and connect patient with TRC psychology team during hospitalization, or schedule TRC intake appointment with patient if TRC psychology team is not available.
• Facilitate mediation for survivors and intervene in potentially violent situations to head off violence preventing retaliation for community violence by offering nonviolent solutions.
• Provide intensive outreach efforts by conducting home visits or visits to other appropriate settings to an identified patient population. Establish relationships with patients and provide informal emotional support and encouragement.
• Schedule appointments for the patients at the TRC or with appropriate community partners. Ensure appropriate resources are available for attending appointments. Follow-up with patients by letter, phone call, or home visit on missed appointments or referrals.
• Conduct needs assessments for patients and make connections to appropriate resources to meet patient needs (e.g., TRC psychologists, DV organizations).
• Assist patients in addressing challenges to care for transportation, language, family/social support.
• Educate patients on trauma response using TRC’s education protocols and evidence-based tools or other evidence-based tools.
• Refer patients to appropriate community-based resources to adhere to TRC treatment team recommendations.
• Alert TRC treatment team on patient needs, concerns, and interests to ensure continuity of care.
• Keep accurate records of patient contacts and document patient needs, action plans, and follow up needs in appropriate database or electronic medical record.
• Provide psychosocial education on trauma response to educate patients on the importance of symptom monitoring, validate patient experiences, and normalize trauma symptoms.
• Provide informal counseling, education, and social support to assist patients with gaining access to continuous care and enabling services.
• Encourage patient self-management and adherence to clinical recommendations for improved prognosis and to reduce the chances of re-injury/re-traumatization.
• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with external (e.g., referral sources and community agencies) and internal contacts (TRC) through direct contact including participating in community meetings and Trauma Outreach team meetings, and monthly TRC meetings.
• Share information and resources, collaborate on initiatives and provide education to referral sources and community agencies in order to coordinate access to services.
• Participate in care team huddles to understand and proactively respond to the needs of the patient population.
• In collaboration with the clinical team, identify, consolidate and manage a high-risk patient registry.
• Assist care team as needed and performs other duties as assigned.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with and experience working in Chicago’s south and South Westside communities (resident of Southside communities preferred)
• Hold valid/active driver’s license
• Own or consistent/dependable access to vehicle with active and lawful car insurance that meets daily task requirements
• Passion for and dedication to working with community members
• Excellent phone mannerisms
• Ability to effectively engage conversation, motivate and engage patients to participate in our program, and speak to all types of patients, particularly seniors.