Community Health Worker

POSITION SUMMARY

The Community Health Worker (CHW) for the Community-Based Primary Care and Palliative Care Program serves as a frontline public health liaison, helping patients and families with serious illnesses navigate care systems and access resources that align with their values and goals. Working under indirect supervision, the CHW supports patients with complex medical, psychosocial, and cultural needs by providing advocacy, culturally appropriate education, connection to resources, and compassionate, community-rooted support to improve quality of life.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Outreach and Education

• Conduct home visits and community outreach to provide health education related to serious illness, symptom management, and advance care planning.
• Tailor health messaging to the cultural and linguistic needs of the population.

Care Coordination and Resource Navigation

• Support patients and caregivers in navigating the healthcare system, including referrals to primary care, hospice, social services, and other community supports.
• Assist with accessing services such as housing, food, medication assistance, and insurance enrollment.

Advocacy and Empowerment

• Act as a trusted voice for patients and families to communicate goals, values, and care preferences to the clinical team.
• Support patients in understanding their rights and making informed healthcare decisions.

Social Support and Counseling

• Provide emotional support and informal counseling to reduce distress and enhance coping.
• Address social determinants of health affecting care access and adherence.

Data Collection and Documentation

• Accurately document client encounters, care coordination activities, and outcomes in electronic records.
• Maintain secure, comprehensive case files and generate reports for program evaluation.

Collaborative Partnerships

• Work in partnership with interdisciplinary palliative care team members including APRNs, physicians, social workers, and spiritual care providers.
• Represent the program at community meetings and support holistic care planning.

Program Support

• Educate clients on appropriate healthcare utilization, including reducing avoidable emergency room visits.
• Travel frequently within the service area to engage with clients in person.

Benefits:

We offer a robust benefits package for qualifying full-time and part-time employees. Depending on eligibility, a variety of benefits include health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, life insurance, a 401(k) retirement plan, short-term and long-term disability, and a generous time off package.

We have a Drug Free Workplace Policy. An accepted offer will require a drug screen and pre-employment background screening as a condition of employment.

Expectations of all Employees
Support the mission, vision and values through unequaled quality patient care, professional competence, collaboration, communication, innovation, accountability, ownership and provide support to the entire agency regardless of their primary office location.

HIA Health has HEART
Honor - I accept the honor of service to hospice patients, families, and communities.
Excellence - I strive for excellence in my work, as we stand on hallowed ground.
Attitude - I choose a positive attitude at work.
Respect - I treat people with the same respect I wish to be given.
Teamwork - I value everyone’s contribution in delivery of care, operation of the organization and stewardship of our resources.

REQUIRED EDUCATION, CERTIFICATIONS, AND EXPERIENCE

• High school diploma or GED required; associate degree in health or human services preferred.
• Minimum of 1 year of experience in community outreach, health education, or case management.
• Bilingual preferred
• CPR/First Aid Certification (or willingness to obtain within 6 months).

PREFERRED QUALIFICATOINS

• Strong communication, cultural humility, and relationship-building skills.
• Working knowledge of local health and social services systems.
• Ability to document services accurately using electronic platforms.
• Understanding of palliative care principles and sensitivity to end-of-life issues.
• Ability to maintain boundaries and confidentiality in emotionally intense situations.
• Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and willingness to travel extensively.