Healing Response Team Per Diem Responder

Mission Statement

The mission of the Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC) is to work in partnership with communities to protect and promote the health and well-being of all Boston residents, especially those impacted by racism and systemic inequities. The BPHC sets an expectation that all staff and leadership commit, individually and as part of the BPHC team, to hold ourselves accountable to establishing a culture of anti-racism and advance racial equity and justice through each of our bureaus, programs, and offices.

Job Description

The Community Healing Response Network (CHRN) is a network of Hospitals, health centers, and community organizations dedicated to supporting individuals and communities heal from incidents of community gun violence. Services are divided into three key areas: Immediate Support, Therapeutic Services, & Community Engagement, and include: Resource Navigation, On-Scene Support, Coping and Healing Groups, Bereavement Services, Behavioral Health Services, Community Engagement & Education. CHRN offers free and confidential services for individuals, families, and communities affected by community violence including:

• Access to support line 24/7, 365 days a year.
• Immediate support services for any individual affected by community violence.
• Support for individuals and families during community events. Events include vigils, memorials, and funeral services.
• Referral to on-going behavioral health services for individuals and families.
• Trauma education and support at community meetings.
• Community outreach to distribute basic trauma health information and support ways to cultivate healing. Community coping and healing groups.

CHRN is hiring per diem staff to respond to incidents of community violence. Responders will travel to scenes of community gun violence to support community members and facilitate healing. The required duties of responders are described below.

DUTIES

• The Responder must be available to deploy the per diem response team members to provide PFA and immediately respond to on-call emergencies for crisis response when scheduled for on-call support and management of trauma support line.
• Provide and enhance immediate and ongoing safety and provide physical and emotional comfort.
• Calm and orient emotionally overwhelmed or distraught individuals.
• Help survivors identify immediate needs and concerns and gather additional information as appropriate.
• Offer practical assistance and information.
• Connect survivors as soon as possible to social support networks, including family members, friends, neighbors, and community helping resources.
• Support adaptive coping, acknowledge coping efforts and strengths, and empower survivors. encourage adults, children, and families to take an active role in their recovery.
• Provide information that may help survivors cope effectively with the psychological impact of disasters.
• Follow BPHC policies and procedures including HIPAA, complaints and grievances and electronic record keeping.
• Understand and can apply trauma-informed practice and treatment.
• Complete all documentation in a timely manner according to specifications.
• Complete all required training for all Community Based Services employees upon employment and annually thereafter.
• Provide referral, intake, discharge, and case monitoring information on all clients for inclusion into the appropriate information systems.
• Attending relevant meetings and training courses as scheduled.

Minimum Qualifications

• Minimum of High School Diploma, GED, or HiSet.
• At least three years of previous experience working as a community health worker (CHW) or working with communities impacted by violence. CHW certification welcomed.
• Promote health equity, inclusion, and diversity within the BPHC, department and community.
• Knowledge of or willingness to learn about the role of public health in addressing racism, the social determinants of health, and inequities in health outcomes as well as strategies to advance racial justice and health equity.
• Experience community needs and resources available.
• Strong organizational and communication skills. Knowledge of Boston area social service agencies, hospitals, and other community-based organizations.
• Computer and phone literacy required.
• Ability to work in a team atmosphere. Basic computer skills required.
• Valid driver's license and good driving record.
• Must possess excellent communication skills (both oral and written) and leadership abilities up to and including time management, problem solving, compassion, adaptability etc. Knowledgeable of the needs and expectations of the program and service models provided, understanding of the range of support provided to this population.
• Available to work: days, evenings, holidays, weekends, and on-call as necessary.

Additional Information

• City of Boston residency is required; Allston, Back Bay, Bay Village, Beacon Hill, Brighton, Charlestown, Chinatown, Dorchester, Downtown, East Boston, Fenway-Kenmore, Hyde Park, Jamaica Plain, Mattapan, Mid-Dorchester, Mission Hill, North End, Roslindale, Roxbury, South Boston, South End, West End, West Roxbury, Wharf district.
• A Criminal Offenders Records Information request must be completed for this position. However, a record is not an automatic bar to employment but is reviewed in relation to the job applied for.
• Certain immunizations will be recommended and/or required prior to commencement of employment duties.
• Any position that requires an advanced degree will be subject to education verification.
• Certain positions at the BPHC may be Grant Funded.
• The Boston Public Health Commission is an EEO Employer and all applicants meeting the minimum requirements are eligible to apply.
• Certain positions at the BPHC may require Child Protective Service Background verification.
• The advertised shift and schedule are subject to change at the department's discretion.

Shift

Hours will be determined by need to respond on days, evenings, holidays, weekends, and on-call as necessary.

Grant Funding Information

This position is not dependent on grants / external funding sources.

Pay Range

$45 per hour