What are the responsibilities and job description for the Community Health Worker position at Kinston Community Health?
Kinston Community Health Center is seeking Community Health Workers to join our Outreach Team. We are hiring two full-time positions for individuals passionate about connecting people with the healthcare and resources they need to thrive.
This role is community-facing and relationship-driven, working directly with individuals and families to improve access to care, address social determinants of health, and strengthen community health outcomes.
Evening availability is essential. Due to the seasonal nature of our outreach work, regular evening hours are required during the annual growing season, and candidates must be able to work nights during this time. Occasional evenings and weekends may also be required throughout the year as community needs arise.
If you are energized by serving your community, building trust across cultures, and helping others navigate healthcare systems, we encourage you to apply.
Position Summary
This position supports and enhances Kinston Community Health Center’s Outreach Team by assessing patient needs and reviewing care plans to help individuals access the most appropriate level of care within the correct department or service area. The role also focuses on addressing broader social determinants of health, working to bridge gaps between vulnerable populations and essential health and social service systems. Through outreach, coordination, and advocacy, this position plays a vital role in improving health outcomes and promoting equitable access to care.
Qualifications
Education:
- High school diploma or equivalent required; Associate’s degree preferred.
- Experience and/or training in billing, charge entry, or related administrative or clinical services, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Certifications & Licenses:
- Must obtain CHW certification within 6-months of hire
- Valid North Carolina driver’s license with an acceptable driving record.
Experience:
- 1–3 years of experience in a clinical or healthcare setting preferred
- Ability to engage respectfully with individuals and families from diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds.
- Must pass a criminal background check.
Skills:
- Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, Chrome, and Internet Explorer.
- Experience working with Electronic Health Records (EHR); familiarity with NextGen preferred.
- Strong skills in basic mathematics, documentation, and analytical reasoning.
- Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred.
- Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends, as assigned.
Schedule:
- CHW will be required to work evening hours during the annual “growing season.” Work schedules will be adjusted as needed to accommodate this change, and advance notice will be provided.
- Must be able to work evenings and weekends as departmental needs arise throughout the year. Advance notice will be provided whenever possible.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Maintains no less than a 250 patient caseload annually
- Attends community meetings as assigned
- Greet all patients and visitors with professionalism and warmth.
- Conduct outreach activities such as home visits, community education, and health screenings. Assist with mobile health clinics as instructed. Attends other community health events, other than those of the KCHC as assigned
- Support enrollment efforts for programs like Medicaid and Healthcare.gov insurance plans.
- Educate patients and community members about sliding fee programs, and assist with application and renewal processes.
- Must be able to complete patient registration and slide scale information creating or updating existing patient records in the EHR system.
- Assist with case management and care navigation services, helping patients access medical, behavioral, and social services.
- Research and connect patients to community-based resources based on care plans and individual needs.
- Accurately complete and document outreach activities, charge entries, and self-scheduling in systems such as NextGen.
- Ensure all documentation andmio interactions comply with HIPAA and organizational policies.
- Maintain confidentiality of all patient records, applications, and personal information.
- Performs daily vehicle safety checks documenting and storing those records on the Community Outreach Server. Assist with transportation if required.
- Attend and participate in internal meetings, trainings, and professional development opportunities.
- Assist with population health initiatives and participate in organizational events or community-based programs.
- Maintain a professional appearance and demeanor while representing the organization.
- Must be able to schedule appointments, communicate with patients in a linguistically and appropriate manner
- Perform all other duties as assigned.
Work Environment & Schedule
- Must be able and comfortable working in a variety of settings including, but not limited to, clinical environments, office spaces, and outdoor locations.
- This role may involve exposure to low, normal, and high temperatures, as well as varying weather conditions during outreach or event-based activities.
Travel Requirements
- Regular local travel is required using a company vehicle.
- Employee must adhere to all vehicle safety policies and participate in routine vehicle inspections and in-service trainings.
Core Competencies
- Communication: Demonstrates strong verbal, written, and digital communication skills; able to clearly explain complex information.
- Judgment & Decision-Making: Provides thoughtful input into operational and program decisions.
- Accountability & Self-Management: Works independently and efficiently, managing multiple responsibilities with minimal supervision.
- Teamwork & Collaboration: Builds effective working relationships across teams, departments, and the community.
- Problem-Solving & Initiative: Applies critical thinking and initiative to resolve issues and improve service delivery.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Delivers high-quality customer service with professionalism and cultural sensitivity.
- Actively listens and communicates clearly across diverse populations.
- Maintains confidentiality and handles sensitive information with discretion.
- Applies knowledge of clinical and administrative standards and institutional policies.
- Manages time effectively, prioritizing tasks and meeting deadlines.
- Demonstrates community awareness and understanding of the population served.
- Projects a professional image and provides leadership when delegating or guiding team efforts.
Physical Demands
- Occasionally required to sit, walk, reach, and handle materials.
- May be required to lift or move items up to 25–50 pounds.
- Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
Supervisory Responsibilities
- None
Compliance Responsibilities
As part of Kinston Community Health Center’s commitment to ethical practices and regulatory compliance, all employees are expected to:
- Act in accordance with the KCHC Employee Handbook, policies and procedures, and all applicable federal and state laws.
- Promptly report any known or suspected violations of compliance/safety standards.
These responsibilities are essential to maintaining a culture of integrity and accountability across the organization.