Community Health Worker

Summary

The Community Health Worker (CHW) will serve as a bridge between under-served communities and the health and social service systems.

Job Description

As a non-clinical role, work within the patient-centered medical home model, which embraces a team approach to chronic disease self-management. Provide information and assistance to help patients navigate a complex health and human services system. Strong advocacy and raising awareness of individual and community health needs are necessary for efficient and culturally sensitive work.

Must strive to build capacity for access to services and community engagement. Strong communication skills from a non-judgmental perspective will be necessary to engage patients in their own care, articulate clearly and effectively when advocating for patients and community groups, and assist members in understanding and effectively navigating complex health systems. Effective active listening skills are essential. Actively engage in relationship building and work from a team-based perspective.

Collaborate on goal setting and care planning within an inter-professional team context. Required to give presentations to community groups, and requires strong public speaking and presentation skills that include diplomacy and tact. Strong organization skills and the ability to anticipate future planning needs is required. Effective coordination skills are necessary in facilitating appointment attendance and individual plans of care. Serves as a point person for issues and related solutions while maintaining appropriate boundaries.

Hold knowledge and experience of ethnic and cultural populations, government partners, community stakeholders, and other organizations. Model effective problem solving skills to empower patients to take an active role in their health care. Must have a thorough understanding of self-efficacy theory and its application when working with others who have chronic disease. Embrace cultural sensitivity when seeking information and working with others.

Documents completion of assigned activities and support of community members as required. Provide services under supervision as directed by state or other regulatory requirements. Strictly adhere to the scope of their duties and will not give medical advice under any circumstance. Strong adherence to all patient privacy laws in health care settings and the community is essential.

Qualifications

High school diploma or equivalent required. College courses strongly preferred but not required.

Preferred qualifications include a minimum of three years of ambulatory care experience, experience in community outreach, and/or working knowledge of various integrated systems of care in the community. Personal experience living with a chronic health condition is preferred.

Motivational Interviewing skills are required with training, to be completed within six months of hire.

Proof of certificate from a Community Health Worker program is required upon hire or within six months.

Must have a valid driver's license.