Community Health Worker

Job Relationships: 

Responsible to: Clinic Director 

Workers Supervised: Does not supervise other employees

Interrelationships: Works cooperatively with all hospital and clinic departments, providers, Board of Trustees, Patients, Visitors, Vendors, and Community

Position Overview: The community health worker (CHW) will support and coach at-risk patients to manage their own health and assist them in navigating the health care and social service systems. CHWs work in safety net clinics, hospital systems, and community-based agencies. Community Health Workers (CHWs) bridge the gap between health care providers and people in need of care. They serve as a link between the patient and the health or social service agencies. 

Major Duties/Key Responsibilities/Essential Functions:

Assist patients in the community—through home visits, attending medical appointments, and accessing other community-based resources. Although this position is based at the Clinic, CHWs are very mobile and spend a majority of their time actively working with patients in the community. 

Be onsite at assigned clinic, community-based agency, or hospital system and build relationships with site staff. Review referral forms, needs assessment screeners, or Electronic Medical Record data and determine appropriateness for project participation in conjunction with Project Coordinator. For patients not appropriate for project, provide active referrals to other community resources. Complete all telephone and face to face contacts with patients in a timely and professional manner. Complete enrollment forms and other needed documentation and document in approved format in a timely manner. 

Complete client-centered treatment goals in collaboration with patients and review progress in meeting goals routinely and at identified 60-day check-in times. Assist patient to schedule medical and social service appointments and attend appointments as needed or requested. Provided assistance with medical and behavioral health referrals to ensure client access and follow-through. Ensure client’s access to interpreters and translators for medical and social service appointments. Assist patient in securing transportation to medical and social service appointments. Assist patient in obtaining necessary medications through patient assistance programs and other reduced cost programs.

Assist clients in accessing and understanding necessary health and wellness information provided by their medical provider and clinic. Provide support and education to patients to assist them in adhering to medical recommendations and taking medications as prescribed. 

Provide regular and timely updates to medical providers, referral sources, and assigned clinics on patients' progress to meet treatment goals and to trouble shoot any problems or concerns. 

Complete all required documentation and data tracking in a detailed and timely manner. 

Attend and actively participate in all project related trainings and project meetings. 

Job Qualifications:

Experience: 

Must have strong PC proficiency and MS Office skills 

Must be able to manage time effectively in order to complete tasks and meet deadlines

Ability to function effectively in both an autonomous work environment and as part of a team.

Must have good interpersonal skills with ability to relate to diverse groups of people 

Ability to prioritize workload and manage multiple tasks with different deadlines

Ability to speak other languages preferred

Experience working with underserved and diverse populations in community settings 

Experience in navigating health and social service systems

Reliable and accessible transportation along with current insurance coverage

Demonstrated ability to support, coach and motivate patients to reach their goals

Required Education: High School diploma or equivalent 

Required Certifications/Registrations: Additional certifications and education in community health is encouraged

Physical Requirements: 

Light physical effort (lift/carry up to 25 lbs.)

Occasional standing/walking

Occasionally lift supplies/equipment

Eye hand coordination

Normal sight, with or without corrective lenses

Normal hearing, with or without aid

Potential exposure to virus, disease and infection from patients in working environment

The employee regularly is required to stand, walk or sit for long periods of time.

Working Conditions: 

Normally works in an office environment

Subject to frequent interruptions

Expected to travel to community meetings, client homes, or other agencies

May experience traumatic situations including psychiatric traumatized and deceased patients

This position may require meeting deadlines, dealing with patient and family members. It may also result in stressful situations and the possibility of long hours with interruptions requiring flexibility.