Community Health Coach

Pay Grade: 20 ($31.83/HR with step increases to $40.62/HR)

An employee of this class is responsible for providing guidance, social assistance and case management to vulnerable populations that interact with the Police Department. Acts as a liaison between the Police Department, Fire Department, hospitals, social service providers, community and populations served, the employee will assist Police Officers in recognizing and addressing social determinants of physical and mental health to which can negatively impact public safety.

The employee will work alongside Police Officers in the community to remove barriers impeding health outcomes while advocating for individual and community health.

• Researches, develops and manages departmental programs which advance public safety by supporting community physical and mental health.
• Work as part of the Caring for Our Communities (CFOC) Team to improve the well‑being of vulnerable populations.
• This role will be positioned at the Council Bluffs Police Department; however, it will work closely with all frontline and first responder staff with the City of Council Bluffs.
• Establish trust and rapport with citizens in culturally and linguistically appropriate ways.
• Coordinate with Police Officers to identify individuals who may benefit from drug court, mental health court or veterans’ courts and assist with diversion and deflection programs.
• Screen for social determinants of health/barriers impeding patient from achieving health outcomes (i.e. substance abuse, transportation, mental health, housing, food insecurity).
• Address social determinants of health by connecting individual with resources and referring to community‑based programs.
• Document interactions with individuals and other relevant data points.
• Educate and influence patients to seek/accept available resources.
• Build strong relationships with commonly referred community benefit organizations.
• Participate in calls for service with the Police Officers and other frontline employees.
• Coordinate with crime victims to connect them with services and mitigate trauma.
• Participate in ongoing street outreach efforts through our CFOC partnerships such as Southwest Iowa Region, New Visions, Micah House and Heartland Family Service.
• Provide delivery of ongoing case management services to those that need it.
• Work with CFOC Stakeholders to maintain an appropriate caseload.
• Remain knowledgeable of community resources such as support groups, food pantries, mental health treatment providers, transportation, and financial assistance.
• Act as an advocate for the needs, rights, and interests of individuals.
• Utilize computer and word processing software in preparing reports, correspondence, and progress notes on individuals.
• Assist individuals in utilizing and/or applying for services provided through various state and federal agencies and local service providers.

This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED)
• A bachelor’s degree in social work or similar field, required
• Two years of social work, community health, mental health, patient advocacy experience, or the equivalent combination of education and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the work.

• A valid driver’s license.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and see, talk, and hear.
• The work environment is generally in an office setting, but it will also include significant time spent in the community.

• Knowledge of basic health, social determinants, and social work principals.
• Screen for and make referrals to address social determinants of health, such as housing, transportation, and food insecurity.
• Strong interpersonal and collaborative skills.
• Flexible and adaptable to change with a rapidly changing health‑care environment.
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a team.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to be agile in addressing individual, team and community needs.
• Ability to support vulnerable patients of all ages, typically from underserved, low‑income communities in urban, suburban, and rural areas.