Community Health Worker

Job Overview

• The community health worker (CHW) is responsible for helping community members, patients and their family's access and navigate community services and resources and adopt healthy behaviors.
• The CHW supports providers and team members through an integrated approach to care management and community outreach.
• Activity will promote, maintain and improve individual and community health.
• The CHW provides social support and informal counseling, individual and group health education and advocacy for individuals and community health needs.
• Providing home visits and health screenings may be required.

Responsibilities

Promote wellness by providing culturally appropriate health information to providers, patients and/or community members Provide individual social and health care support Refer and link to preventive services through health screenings and healthcare information Conduct health related screenings as assigned Increase access to primary care through culturally competent outreach and enrollment strategies Make referrals and coordinate services Teach people the knowledge and skills needed to obtain care Facilitate continuity of care by providing follow-up Link patients to and inform them of available community resources Articulate and advocate needs of community and individuals to others Be a spokesperson for patients when they are unable to speak for themselves Involve participants in self and community advocacy Map communities to help locate and support needed services Enhance care quality by aiding communication between health system, patient, and community members to clarify cultural practices Educate patients / community members about how to use the health care and social service systems Educate the health and social service systems about patient / community needs and perspectives Establish better communication processes Build individual capacity to achieve wellness Build community capacity by addressing social determinants of health Identify individual and community needs Mentor other CHWs – capacity building Seek professional development (continuing education)

Required Qualifications 3 years experience working on community health projects, programs or initiatives Community based experience Experience, demonstrated competency and sensitivity in working with diverse populations Community Health Worker Certificate within 1-1/2 Yrs

Preferred Qualifications

College degree in health, human services or related field Teaching or presenting information to groups Experience with Microsoft Office Multicultural healthcare experience or healthcare experience in other countries