STICH AmeriCorps Members will be placed within 11 federally qualified health centers across Connecticut. The STICH AmeriCorps Members will implement standardized health insurance literacy training at the health centers and in other locations like community centers, local libraries, and colleges/universities. STICH AmeriCorps Members will organize and provide community-specific health education initiatives which address prevalent, chronic conditions currently outside the scope of traditional clinical interventions. Health education initiatives may be offered in numerous languages depending on the need of that specific community. STICH AmeriCorps Members will ameliorate obstacles to patient access, both with adults and children, by focused care coordination and navigation of the health care system. STICH AmeriCorps Members will be expected to attend community events and health fairs to raise awareness of these services throughout their term.
Service Activities
Health Insurance Literacy training; health education; volunteer mobilization; care coordination; outreach; patient engagement.
Community Need Addressed
The AmeriCorps members will be responsible for increasing the understanding of health insurance literacy and changing the attitude of individuals to feel better equipped to navigate the health care system through health education. In addition, the AmeriCorps members will leverage additional non-AmeriCorps volunteers who will be engaged in service projects that will support efforts to improve health outcomes in the community.
Position Outcomes
Increase understanding of health insurance literacy; educate the community about services available at federally qualified health centers; increase understanding of chronic ailments and care plans.
Benefits
Childcare assistance if eligible, Education award upon successful completion of service, Health coverage, Living allowance, Student loan forbearance, Training
Competencies You Will Develop
Communication
Maintain open lines of communication with others, Speak clearly, in precise language and in a logical, organized and coherent manner, Write cleary and effectively
Creativity & Problem Solving
Able to identify and define the problem, Capable of generating possible solutions, Communicate the problem to appropriate personnel
Teamwork
Establish a high degree of trust and credibility with others, Stay positive and outcome oriented
Decisions
Identify and prioritize the key issues involved to facilitate the decision making process, Involve people appropriately in decisions that may impact them
Tools
Seek opportunities to improve knowledge of tools and technologies that may assist in streamlining work and improving productivity
Planning
Able to prioritize various competing tasks, Create plan of action, schedule tasks so that work is completed on time, Facilitate group planning
Service
Be pleasant, courteous, professional and respectful when dealing with internal and external customers or clients, Evaluate customer or client satisfaction, Recognize the importance of maintaining privacy and confidentiality of those being served, Understand the significance of maintaining a healthful and safe environment