Community Health Worker

The Community Health Worker (CHW) is a vital member of the care team who supports patients throughout the care continuum. They provide responsive support, education, advocacy, and care coordination to individuals and families who may be experiencing socioeconomic, mental health, substance use, and/or other related social challenges. This role focuses on improving access to services, strengthening community connections, and supporting individuals in adopting healthier behaviors through client-centered and trauma-informed practices.

CHWs work closely with healthcare providers, social service agencies, school districts and community partners to address social determinants of health and promote health equity within the communities they serve.

• Collaborate with healthcare providers and community partners
• Referring patients to providers who can assist them
• Advocating for patients attempting to make use of public health and government programs
• Explaining health information in a culturally sensitive, easy-to-understand manner
• Maintaining accurate records of all patient contacts
• Protecting patient confidentiality
• Build trusting relationships with individuals, families, and community members.
• Provide outreach, education, and support related to mental health, trauma, substance use, and overall well-being.
• Assist clients in navigating behavioral healthcare and social service systems.
• Conduct resource referrals and care coordination.
• Support crisis intervention efforts and safety planning as appropriate.
• Advocate for clients and promote self-advocacy skills.
• Assist with arranging transportation and/or meeting patients at healthcare appointments when needed.
• Maintain accurate documentation and participate in data collection.
• Engage in service-learning activities and ongoing training.
• Other duties as assigned

Education

• H.S. Diploma - Required
• Associate's Degree - healthcare related degree or related field - Preferred

Work Experience

• 2 Years - experience in healthcare, managed care, hospital or clinical setting with experience based on educational background - Preferred
• 2 Years - experience in health care related field, in lieu of a degree - Preferred

Licenses and Certifications

• Completion of a recognized Community Health Worker training program (state-certified, community college, or accredited CHW certificate) - Preferred within 1 Year of Hire

Travel Requirements

• Must be able to travel between various system facilities and off-site locations as needed. - Required

Skills and Abilities

Essential Technical/Motor Skills

• Hand/eye coordination; speaks clearly; good hearing, ability to use computers, printers and telephone equipment.

Interpersonal Skills

• Ability to work as member of team and develop trusting relationship quickly.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills including sensitivity to other cultures and ethnicities.

Essential Physical Requirements

• Ability to drive required. Ability to negotiate steps into and within patients' homes.

Essential Mental Abilities

• Implements and provides ongoing support of members care plan, recognizing alternatives, identifying problems.
• Problem solving skills and ability to interpret data
• Follows instructions to patient homes in known and unknown areas of the service area.
• Concentrates on plans and roles of other team members, understanding all responsibilities and plans and coordinates all interventions.

Essential Sensory Requirements

• Visual and hearing skills to obtain a driver’s license are required.
• Ability to communicate with member’s s and families to assess and implement plan of care, communicating in person and on phone.

Exposure to Hazards

• Weather and road hazards.
• Exposure to cigarette smoke and other allergens in patients' homes.

Other Skills and Abilities

• Must have access to transportation, which will allow for timely scheduled home visits.

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