Community Health Worker

Reports to a designated Manager (Community Health Enhancement). Functions as a member of the care coordination team with a primary focus on outreach, case finding and direct intervention services with selected individuals and families. Assists clients to receive the services they need. Serves as a link between the clients and the community by helping the family access healthcare and social services, which meet their needs, in the community.

MISSION, VALUES and SERVICE GOALS

• MISSION: We deliver outstanding care, inspire health, and connect with heart.
• VALUES: Trust. Respect. Integrity. Compassion.
• SERVICE GOALS: Personally connect. Keep everyone informed. Be on their team.

Identifies and enrolls individuals who are in need of healthcare services by:

• Interviewing, identifying and enrolling patients; also encouraging them to receive appropriate education and care.
• Identifying and enrolling families who are in need of preventive, education and episodic healthcare services.
• Utilizing creative ideas, with the approval of the Manager, to reach out into the community to make contact with underserved segments of the population.
• Provide support to patients; educate clients of available community resources.
• Becoming visible and active within the community.
• Following up on suggested contacts by current clients.

Assists in the clients care coordination by:

• Completing an intake record and scheduling an initial assessment with the Care Coordinator.
• Visiting clients/patients in their homes to provide support, encouragement and guidance.
• Assisting clients in accessing healthcare services.
• Acting as an advocate to families.
• Working with the Care Coordinator to develop and implement an individualized intervention plan.
• Following up on referrals made to families and making referrals to other appropriate agencies to meet the needs of the family.
• Providing individualized educational and emotional support in accordance with the intervention plan.
• Helping clients/patients improve their health risk behaviors, as identified by the appropriate staff.
• Helping clients identify a personal support system.

Supports the Community Health Enhancement department by:

• Maintaining records, reports and files as required by departmental policies and procedures; also keeping accurate records of home visits, appointments and referrals.
• Following up on clients who have missed an appointment.
• Meeting with the educator, on a weekly basis, to review individualized care plans, share information and report progress.
• Meeting with the care coordination team, on a monthly basis.
• Providing basic health education for clients and their families.
• Communicating with the Manager regarding any concerns or problems.
• Participating in orientation and training sessions.

Performs other functions to maintain personal competence and contribute to the overall effectiveness of the department by:

• Completing other job-related duties and projects as assigned.

ORGANIZATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Associate complies with the following organizational requirements:

• Attends and participates in department meetings and is accountable for all information shared.
• Completes mandatory education, annual competencies and department specific education within established timeframes.
• Completes annual employee health requirements within established timeframes.
• Maintains license/certification, registration in good standing throughout fiscal year.
• Direct patient care providers are required to maintain current BCLS (CPR), and other certifications as required by position/department.
• Consistently utilizes appropriate universal precautions, protective equipment, and ergonomic techniques to protect patient and self.
• Adheres to regulatory agency requirements, survey process and compliance.
• Complies with established organization and department policies.
• Available to work overtime in addition to working additional or other shifts and schedules when required.

Education and Experience:

The knowledge, skills and abilities as indicated below are normally acquired through the successful completion of a high school diploma (or equivalent). Some clinical training or college-level courses are desired. A minimum of one year of experience in a healthcare or social services setting is required.

Knowledge & Skills:

• Demonstrates basic knowledge of family communication skills, community agencies, services and resources available to clients and their families.
• Requires basic knowledge of medical terminology.
• Requires self-motivation, good organization and time management skills.
• Requires the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients/patients, families, staff, medical providers and the public.
• Demonstrates the communication skills (both verbal and written) necessary to interact effectively with diverse populations; also requires the skills needed to communicate in a clear and effective manner.
• Requires good listening and feedback skills, as well as the ability to accurately assess difficult situations and respond accordingly.
• Requires the ability to use good judgment and maintain one's composure in any stressful situations.
• Demonstrates proficiency in basic computer skills (i.e., data entry, word processing and spreadsheets).

Working Conditions:

• Works in an office and patient care environment.
• Occasional possible exposure to communicable diseases and other conditions in a clinic or home setting.
• May be required to travel to clients' homes and other off-site locations.

Physical Demands:

Requires the physical ability and stamina to perform the essential functions of the position.