Community Health Worker​/Medical Assistant – Jail Release & Infectious Disease Outreach

Vergence Group is seeking Community Health Workers (CHW) / Certified Medical Assistants to establish trusting relationships with justice-involved individuals, connecting released inmates to critical community resources, and assisting with infectious disease outreach initiatives. Leveraging dual clinical (MA) and advocacy (CHW) skills, this role helps clients navigate care, conduct screenings, address social determinants of health, and eliminate barriers to successfully reintegrate into the community.

Pay rate: $25.00/hour; non-exempt

• Jail Release Navigation & Resource Connection: Meets with individuals pre- or post-release to assess healthcare and socio-economic needs (housing, food, clothing, transportation, and benefits like Medicaid/FSSA portals). Schedules and coordinates medical, behavioral health, SUD recovery and social service follow-up appointments.
• Infectious Disease & Community Outreach: Conducts targeted community and facility outreach focused on infectious disease education, prevention, and resource linkage. Delivers health education sessions matching the cultural and literacy needs of clients.
• Clinical Screenings & MA Duties: Performs clinical screenings (e.g., blood pressure, blood glucose, lead testing, phlebotomy, & STD Testing) at outreach events and follow-ups in accordance with established clinic policies and competency standards.
• System & Community Navigation: Helps clients understand care plans, offers motivational interviewing/goal setting, and assists with insurance/Medicaid navigation to ensure ongoing care continuity.
• Documentation & Compliance: Maintains accurate, timely documentation in the Electronic Health Record (EHR) system, tracks deliverables, and strictly adheres to HIPAA privacy regulations and clinic safety standards.
• Stakeholder
  
  Collaboration:
  
  Serves as a liaison between clients, healthcare providers, social service agencies, and justice system partners.

• Education: High school diploma or GED equivalent required
• Experience: 1–2 years of community-based experience providing outreach, advocacy, or patient navigation. Experience in public health, social services, or working with justice-involved populations preferred.
• Licensure & Certification:
  • Medical Assistant (MA) certification or credential required.
  • Indiana Certified Community Health Worker (CHW) preferred upon hire or required within 3–6 months of employment.
  • Valid Driver’s License and proof of auto insurance.
• Skills & Abilities: Strong written and verbal communication skills, proficiency with EHR systems and Microsoft Office, ability to handle high-stress situations with empathy, and commitment to cultural sensitivity. Spanish bilingual skills preferred.
• Background Check: Ability to successfully pass a background check conducted by the Wayne County Sheriff’s Department

Works across office, clinical, jail/facility, and community outreach settings. Requires flexibility to work occasional evening or weekend hours for community events. Must be able to sit, stand, walk, drive, and occasionally lift/carry up to 25–50 lbs.

This Rural Health Transformation Program is supported by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $.80 with 100 percent funded by CMS/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by CMS/HHS, or the U.S. Government