Public Health Advocate II

The mission of the Boston Public Health Commission 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.

PROGRAM/DEPARTMENT DESCRIPTION

The Boston Healthy Families Community-Based Perinatal Health Project (Boston COPHI) will address large and persistent inequities in birth outcomes for Black women and other women of color in the city of Boston. This community-based doula program will strengthen systems of perinatal care that support women and families of color through the birthing process. It will do this by connecting mothers (and in some cases fathers) to doula support while training people from the community as doulas and educating policymakers, providers and the community on the benefit of doula services. This US Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Office of Minority Health (OMH) Project will make investments in the Boston Public Health Commission's workforce and foundational capabilities, which will help it achieve its mission of protecting, preserving and promoting the health and well-being of all Boston residents, particularly those who are most vulnerable. The proposed investments are in line with BPHC's strategic plan and our commitment to be a model leader in addressing racial justice and health equity. This position will be a part of a care team of home visiting nurses and doulas that serve pregnant and parenting mothers in Boston.

JOB DUTIES

• Working to help BPHC become an antiracist organization by meeting or exceeding the standards set by the BPHC Anti-Racism Policy.

• Provides outreach, education, case management, advocacy, referral, and support services to Boston residents with a focus on children, families, high risk clients and immigrant populations. Refers clients to relevant services, including, but not limited to health insurance, health resources, parenting programs, housing, educational opportunities, job training and support, childcare and public assistance programs, substance abuse treatment and counseling services, HIV/AIDS services, doula services, other services for to support maternal and infant health.

• Maintains current knowledge base of new and existing health care services and programs.

• Establishes a positive, productive relationship with client.

• Performs outreach to client base, including engaging high-risk clients, and providing information/ education about services available.

• Provides case management services for patients/clients as required; educates and informs clients about self-help activities; facilitates and advocates for client access to services; implements outreach strategies to engage clients in community-based services; distributes prevention materials to clients; teaches clients how to reduce exposure to hazards.

• Participates in developing patient assessments, treatment plans and intervention strategies for clients and/or family served by the program.

• Conducts clinic based and home visits to assess the needs of families and link them to the appropriate services.

• Maintains accurate, legible and current documentation and intake forms; documents outreach/home visiting activities.

• Develops and implements strategies for "hard to reach" individuals and families.

• Develops and maintains good working relationships with community agencies, health care providers and other BPHC depts.

• Represents the program at community events and health fairs. Attends required meetings.

• Delivers services according to established program protocols.

• Performs other duties as required.

• Provides technical assistance with determining proper client treatment plans and assists with reviewing treatment plans and intervention strategies.

• Maintains continuity and quality of care for all clients and collaborates with other professionals.

• Provides specialized health related services (domestic violence, immigration, public benefits) or provides leadership and expertise to other program or BPHC staff.

• Assists with training and orienting new staff.

• Networks with Neighborhood Health Center's, Community Base Organizations and local agencies such as Mass Health, to stay current of health insurance/services.

• Facilitates the provision of culturally appropriate services to the target population.

• Seeks out and develops good working relationships with relevant community agencies, health care providers and other BPHC departments.

• Must be able to work independently, be self-directed and possess good organizational skills with the ability to develop timelines and meet deadlines.

• Ensures that accurate, legible and current documentation is kept on all client interactions.

• May assist with weekly staff meetings; Attends appropriate conferences and tasks forces as needed; Co-facilitates support groups or workshops for clients and providers as necessary.

• Participate in team staff meetings with support personnel (nurses, social workers, etc.) to discuss patients' progress and problems (legal, social, familial, etc.)

• Please note flexibility is required as hours and schedule vary; some weekends and evenings may be required.