“When the next generation asks ‘What did you do when the biggest drug epidemic hit this country?’ we want to be able to say – and I think we will be able to say now – that we did something that no one had ever seen before.” -Navdeep S. Kang, PsyD, HSP, CGP
In 2023, Ohio ranked twelfth in the nation in drug overdose deaths. Mercy Health and AmeriCorps have partnered to build MERCY SERVES, a diverse, energetic, volunteer corps providing compassionate, patient-centered support in Mercy Health Emergency Departments across Southwest Ohio. Day-to-day, Mercy Serves members work alongside nurses, providers, social workers, and coordinate with community organizations to improve patients’ access to culturally competent care, treatment, and community resources. Mercy Serves members provide patient education, substance use and mental health risk screening, social drivers of health screening, emotional support, and referrals to treatment and social services for Emergency Department patients.
Mercy Serves is recruiting a class of 2 full-time and 18 half-time AmeriCorps members to serve an 11-month service term in 9 Mercy Health emergency departments in Cincinnati and Springfield.
The Mercy Serves Member will:
- Conduct screenings for mental health and substance use disorder and social drivers of health such as financial stability, food security, and housing.
- Provide education and referrals to community-based resources and treatment for patients utilizing the SBIRT (Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment) model.
- Provide linkages to healthcare and social service resources.
- Follow up with patients to continue providing support and reducing barriers to care after discharge.
- Collect data from patient encounters; maintain appropriate, accurate databases necessary for reporting and compliance activities; and provide pertinent reporting as needed.
- Attend personal and professional development sessions, including team retreats, conferences, networking meetings, and expert talks.
- Participate in mandatory Mercy Serves team meetings and AmeriCorps meetings and conferences to learn and share member experience and program successes.
- Maintain comprehensive and accurate documentation of AmeriCorps service experience including number of hours served, training received, etc.
- Maintain internal and external contacts, including community-based organizations, to support diverse patient needs.
- Organize and participate in volunteer and civic engagement opportunities and represent the service-oriented values of the Mercy Health ministry, Community Health team, and the Mercy Serves program.
- Other duties as assigned, including specialized projects based on site needs and community outreach activities.
Required Minimum Education: High School Diploma/GED with additional career experience
Preferred Education: 4 years/Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant field (Public Health, Social Work Psychology, Sociology, Pre-Med, or similar); Community Health Worker certificate
Minimum Types Of Experience
- Measurable achievement in an academic, volunteer, extracurricular, or professional setting.
- Proven interpersonal skills working in sensitive situations.
- Adaptability in a challenging environment.
- Demonstrated oral and written communication skills.
- Strong analytical, professionalism, critical thinking, and stress management skills.
- Experience with data collection and database management.
- Ability to maintain patient confidentiality and HIPAA compliance.
- Experience working in team environments and on collaborative projects.
- Interest in careers in healthcare, population and community health, addiction and mental health services, and/or social justice.
As a Mercy Health associate, you're part of a Mission that matters. We support your well-being—personally and professionally. Our benefits are built to grow with you and meet your unique needs, every step of the way.
What we offer
- Competitive pay, incentives, referral bonuses and 403(b) with employer contributions (when eligible)
- Medical, dental, vision, prescription coverage, HSA/FSA options, life insurance, mental health resources and discounts
- Paid time off, parental and FMLA leave, short- and long-term disability, backup care for children and elders
- Tuition assistance, professional development and continuing education support
Benefits may vary based on the market and employment status.
All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, genetic information, or protected veteran status, and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. If you'd like to view a copy of the affirmative action plan or policy statement for Mercy Health – Youngstown, Ohio or Bon Secours – Franklin, Virginia; Petersburg, Virginia; and Emporia, Virginia, which are Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employers, please email recruitment@mercy.com. If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation as part of the employment selection process, please contact The Talent Acquisition Team at recruitment@mercy.com
Members will be placed at the following locations:
- Mercy Health West Hospital (Cincinnati, OH)
- Queen City Medical Center (Cincinnati, OH) - stand alone ED
- Mercy Health Clermont Hospital (Batavia, OH)
- Mercy Health Anderson Hospital (Anderson/Cincinnati, OH)
- Mercy Health Fairfield Hospital (Fairfield, OH)
- Mercy Health Kings Mills Hospital (Mason, OH)
- Mercy Health - The Jewish Hospital (Kenwood, OH)
- Rookwood Medical Center (Cincinnati, OH) - stand alone ED
- Springfield Medical Center (Springfield, OH)
*Service schedule will be based on varying needs at each site.*
To apply, visit https://careers.mercy.com/, keyword "AmeriCorps".
