Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants .
This position is funded for 12 months; continuation past 12 months will be based on university need, performance, and/or availability of funding.
POSITION SPECIFICS
Community Health Worker – Street Medicine Program
Position Title
Community Health Worker (CHW) – Street Medicine Program, Department of Medicine
Position Summary
Penn State Health is seeking a compassionate and resourceful Community Health Worker (CHW) to support the development and implementation of a new Street Medicine Program serving individuals experiencing unsheltered homelessness and other vulnerable populations.
The CHW will serve as a trusted bridge between the healthcare system and the community by conducting outreach, building relationships with individuals living outdoors or in unstable housing, helping patients navigate medical and social services, and supporting interdisciplinary street medicine teams in delivering care directly where people live.
Candidates with lived experience of homelessness, housing instability, substance use recovery, justice involvement, or navigating complex social systems are strongly encouraged to apply.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct street outreach alongside clinical and interdisciplinary street medicine teams
- Build trusting relationships with individuals experiencing homelessness or housing instability
- Assist patients in accessing healthcare, behavioral health services, housing resources, insurance, identification documents, transportation, food assistance, and other social supports
- Help coordinate follow-up appointments and continuity of care after emergency department visits or hospitalizations
- Serve as a patient advocate and provide trauma-informed support
- Participate in case discussions and care coordination meetings
- Document outreach encounters and patient interactions in accordance with program policies
- Assist with community partnership development with shelters, faith organizations, social service agencies, and local government organizations
- Provide culturally responsive and nonjudgmental engagement with patients from diverse backgrounds
- Support distribution of basic supplies including hygiene kits, weather-related gear, food, and harm reduction materials as appropriate
- Assist in identifying barriers to care and opportunities for program improvement
- Participate in program development activities as the street medicine initiative expands
- Facilitate collection of identification documents and applications for health insurance
Qualifications
Required Qualifications
- Strong interpersonal communication and relationship-building skills
- Ability to work independently in community settings and as part of an interdisciplinary team
- Commitment to working with vulnerable and marginalized populations using a trauma-informed and harm-reduction approach
- Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation, or ability to travel to outreach locations
Preferred Qualifications
- Prior experience as a Community Health Worker, peer support specialist, outreach worker, case manager, EMT, medical assistant, or social service worker
- Experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness, serious mental illness, substance use disorders, or poverty
- Knowledge of local community resources and social service systems
- Bilingual language skills (English and Spanish)
- Lived experience with homelessness or housing instability
- CHW certification or willingness to obtain certification
Work Environment
This position involves field-based outreach in outdoor environments and nontraditional care settings. The CHW may work evenings or flexible hours based on community outreach needs. Outreach may occur in encampments, shelters, community sites, and other locations where unsheltered individuals reside.
Why Join the Program?
This role offers the opportunity to help build an innovative street medicine program from the ground up and directly improve access to healthcare for individuals who often face significant barriers to traditional medical systems. Team members will help shape a compassionate, community-centered model of care that prioritizes dignity, trust, and equity.
Penn State Health is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants from diverse backgrounds and those with lived experience relevant to the populations served are encouraged to apply.
MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS
Bachelor's Degree
1+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted
Required Certifications:
None
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
This position requires the following clearances in addition to applicable background checks: PA State Police Criminal Background Check, PA Child Abuse History Clearance Form, and Federal (FBI) Fingerprint Criminal Background Check.
Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.
SALARY & BENEFITS
The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $54,060.00 - $78,444.00.
Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure
Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page .
CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS
Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here .
EEO IS THE LAW
Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.
Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.
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