Position Description

Reporting to the Associate Director of Health Equity, the Senior Van Driver and Community Health Worker will manage the operations of the mobile unit and provide direct service to clients of The Family Van.
Senior Van Driver Responsibilities: This person must have an impeccable driving record, be able to safely navigate the large van through the narrow streets of Boston, perform daily safety inspections of all functions and equipment, coordinate requests for maintenance and repairs with University Operations Services, informing the Director of non-routine maintenance and repair issues. The senior driver must be familiar with and anticipate traffic patterns, local and ever changing construction constraints and weather factors to ensure the van is parked at the location at the required time. This person is also responsible for maintainig an updated manual for proper procedures and policies to operate the vehicle, and will also train, mentor and shadow new drivers. The driver will refuel the vehicle as needed. Requires some physical labor in setting up for service including setting up the external stairs, tables and chairs for outdoor service.
Community Health Worker/Health Educator Responsibilities: During the van shift when the van is safely parked, this person will provide screening, education, coaching, and referrals, and follow-up for health and social services. This role will also provide services related to The Family Van’s mental health initiative to raise awareness and reduce stigma associated with mental illness. This person will provide one-on-one support and education to people at risk for anxiety and depression. This person will also perform outreach activities in the community, including leading workshops, representing the organization at special events, and promoting the Van’s services. They will work with collaborators and community agencies, especially those serving immigrants, to increase access to health care and address the social determinants of health. CHW will work closely with students, volunteers, and community members in the role of educator and mentor.

• Driving the van to the required locations ensuring safety of vehicle and equipment, and that maintenance is up to date.
• Ensuing proper protocols and procedures are followed on the van.
• Training, mentoring and shadowing new van drivers.
• Providing culturally appropriate health and wellness prevention screenings, health education, information, and outreach in community-based settings.
• Bridging/culturally mediating between individuals, communities, and health and human services, including actively assisting clients with access and referrals to community resources
• Assisting clients to engage in wellness activities as well as chronic disease self-management
• Provides outreach to potential and existing clients in the community and at events
• Identify community members at risk for depression and anxiety through mental health screening and education.
• Provide preventive health screenings like blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, body mass index (BMI), pregnancy testing and other health screenings
• Educate clients and community members about the prevention and management of common chronic conditions.
• Refer clients to appropriate health and social services. Follow-up with clients to ensure they received the services they needed.
• Continuously expand knowledge and understanding of community resources, services and programs
• Actively listens to clients, seek to understand spoken and unspoken needs, and develop rapport for the purposes of empowering clients to take steps to improve their health and the health of their families.
• Documents client encounters on a laptop computer or tablet.
• Assist with training, orientation, and mentorship of students
• Provides telecare services when van is not in service.
• Participate in staff meetings
• Attend special events with the van
• Other duties as assigned

Basic Qualifications

3 or more years of experience. Higher education may count towards experience.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Experience of 10 or more years driving a commercial vehicle, specifically someone who can drive the 30’ mobile unit and prepare it for service
• Clean driving record and current license
• Experience of 5 or more years in a health care or social service position.
• Experience working with diverse communities, people with mental illness and/or substance use disorder as well as immigrants and their families, LGBTQ persons, people with limited financial resources, formerly incarcerated persons, and those without health insurance.
• Commitment to racial equity and advancing the health and well-being of Boston residents who identify as Black and/or African American
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a customer-focused team environment required
• Basic computer skills (Email, Word, Internet)
• High school diploma or GED

A driver with a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) is preferred
It is also strongly preferred to have someone with strong ties to the Roxbury or Dorchester communities and with experience working with residents and community organizations in those communities.
Strong interpersonal skills; ability to juggle multiple tasks with competing priorities; critical-thinking skills; familiarity with Boston-area health and social service resources; experience representing an organization effectively to the public and responding appropriately to e-mail and phone inquiries. Additional language skills are a plus, especially Portuguese, Cape Verdean Creole, Haitian Creole, and Arabic.
Excellent communication skills and the ability to build trust and rapport with people of all backgrounds and life experiences required. Ability to work productively, both independently and collaboratively, managing multiple responsibilities, projects, and deadlines.

Additional Information

The health of our workforce is a priority for Harvard University. With that in mind, we strongly encourage all employees to be up-to-date on CDC-recommended vaccines.
This is a two-year term position from the date of hire, with the possibility of extension, contingent upon work performance and continued funding to support the position. 
Please note that we are currently conducting a majority of interviews and onboarding remotely and virtually. We appreciate your understanding.
The Harvard Medical School is not able to provide visa sponsorship for this position.
Not ready to apply? Join our talent community to keep in touch and learn about future opportunities! (https://www.gem.com ?formID=16341e35-cbc6-4904-88a3-09b35763307e)
 

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging

This is an in-person position based on our campus in Boston

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.