Job Summary

Established in Philadelphia in 2007, Healing Hurt People (HHP), a hospital and community-based violence intervention program, serves children (ages 5 to 17) and young adults (ages 18 to 35) victims of and witnesses to interpersonal violence. HHP provides trauma-focused therapy, peer support, and case management. Since 2009, HHP has been operating at the Emergency Department of St Christopher's Hospital for Children, a large pediatric hospital in Philadelphia. HHP’s team consists of Community Intervention Specialists (CIS), licensed master’s level clinicians, Community Health Worker Peers (CHWP), workers with similar lived experiences as HHP’s participants, and an Outreach Specialist (OS). A Director and Peer/Case Management Services Supervisor provide performance oversight and clinical supervision to all staff. HHP has formal partnership and office spaces at St Christopher’s Hospital for Children and Jefferson Hospital; HHP also accepts referrals from other Philadelphia are Level I and II Trauma Centers local schools, physical rehabilitation centers, LGBTQ organizations, and other community-based programs serving children and young adults who have been victims of or witnessed violence in the community. HHP abides by State, Community Behavioral Health (CBH), and Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) regulations.

Coordination with other local hospitals, schools, and community-based partners. The CHWP is responsible for engaging youth and adults who are treated at St Christopher’s Hospital and Jefferson University Hospital/Center City after suffering a violent injury or referred to HHP by other hospitals, schools, or community-based organizations. This includes conducting bedside, home, community, and office visits, and phone outreach, to engage patients and offer HHP services. For those who become HHP participants, the CHWP is responsible for providing peer support, linkages to community supports and resources, support around navigation of health and social services, engagement with the participant’s family members or natural supports when possible, and co-facilitation of trauma informed groups. The CHWP works closely with the Community Intervention Specialists (CIS), conducting joint sessions as needed. The CHWP position requires the ability to engage youth and their caregivers in the immediate aftermath of a violent injury and model effective ways of engaging families with resources to support healing. The CHWP also is tasked with outreach and creating connections with community organizations in Philadelphia that are potential referral sources and service partners. This job requires a significant amount of community-based work, and a willingness to engage with a diverse range of neighborhoods in Philadelphia.

Essential Functions

Engagement and Peer Support:

• The CHWP will support efforts to engage potential HHP program participants.
• This includes arranging and attending tabling events, visits, and presentations to community organizations serving youth and young adults who have been impacted by violence.
• For those who become HHP participants, the CHWP will provide trauma-informed peer support, which includes empowerment, modeling, and transferring of skills (i.e., emotional regulation; assertive communication; educational, and vocational).
• CHWP will be expected to complete 12 to 15 billable client activity hours per week. with a particular emphasis on serving young people of color impacted by violence. Inclusion of family and other natural supports of HHP participants is an important component of this position.

Case Management/Navigation of Services:

• This is an essential component of the CHWP role.
• Accompaniment to appointments and advocacy around medical, education, employment, legal, benefits, physical and behavioral health/needs. The CHWP will support the recovery and wellness of HHP participants and related to their larger goals within HHP.
• The CHWP will also serve as a role model in these settings, providing support and assistance in system navigation, managing travel and setting personal goals.

Group Facilitation:

• The CHWP will co-facilitate the Community of Young People Healing, Experiencing, and Rebuilding (CYPHER) group (at least one ongoing series at any time).

Teamwork:

• Collaborate with staff both within HHP and within the hospital systems, including active and open communication with co-workers, and the ability to take input and constructive feedback from members or the team, as well as provide it in a constructive and respectful manner.
• The CHWP should also be able to provide on-going education to help non-peer team members better understand HHP’s participants unique experiences, perspectives, strengths, and needs. Documentation:
• All contact with hospital patients and HHP participants, as well as family and collateral services, must be documented within 48hrs in HHP’s electronic health record system, following CBH’s and Drexel’s guidelines.

Community Outreach:

• The CHWP will attend and/or present during community events with existing or potential partners and stakeholders.
• This can include events at schools, community groups, funding sources, Drexel events, and panel presentations.
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor. Note: This position includes a potential role in gathering surveys for funding (PCCD).

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of HS Diploma or GED 
• Minimum of 1-3 years experience providing peer services to violently injured people
• Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) Certification in the State of Pennsylvania
• Ability to embrace a trauma-informed and culturally sensitive approach for working with violently injured youth and their families.
• Personal experience overcoming a violent injury, either to themselves or a loved one.
• Ability to efficiently carry a case load of participants (adults, children, youth, and their caregivers) to support completion of 12-15 billable hours weekly.
• Ability to complete all required documentation following Community Behavioral Health (CBH) rules and regulations.
• Respect for HHP’s participants rights and responsibilities and demonstration of professional boundaries and ethics across all interactions.
• Sensitivity to and compassion for the diverse experiences of children and families have been exposed to potentially traumatic events.
• Willingness to encourage and inspire others to make positive changes and find alternatives to acting out violently through support, modeling, and coaching.
• Ability to work evening hours at least three times per week.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience in helping other individuals make lifestyle changes and/or experience as a leader in some capacity is preferred.
• Experience facilitating the Community of Young People Healing, Experiencing, and Rebuilding (CYPHER) group preferred.
• Participation in the Community Health Worker Peer (CHWP) Training Academy is strongly preferred.
• Proficiency with Microsoft office is preferred.

Physical Demands

• Typically sitting at a desk/table
• Typically standing, walking
• Typically bending, crouching, stooping
• Lifting demands ≤ 25lbs

Location

• Center City - Philadelphia, PA

Additional Information
This position is classified as Non-Exempt, grade [G]. Compensation for this grade ranges from $15.58to $23.37 per hour. Please note that the offered rate for this position typically aligns with the minimum to midrange of this grade, but it can vary based on the successful candidate’s qualifications and experience, department budget, and an internal equity review.

Applicants are encouraged to explore the Professional Staff salary structure and Compensation Guidelines & Policies for more details on Drexel’s compensation framework. For information about benefits, please review Drexel’s Benefits Brochure.

Special Instructions to the Applicant
Please make sure you upload your CV/resume and cover letter when submitting your application.

Additional Required Documents

A review of applicants will begin once a suitable candidate pool is identified.