Community Health Worker

Lower Lights Christian Health Center (LLCHC) transforms the overall health of Central Ohio, serving one individual at a time. We are focused on whole-person wellness, available to ALL in Central Ohio who need it, regardless of ability to pay!  In 2019 alone, we served over 12,000 patients - with 40% being uninsured - and totaled 50,000 medical encounters!

Operating out of seven locations, we offer medical care (primary care, dental, vision, OB/GYN, telehealth), behavioral health care, 340B pharmacy, nutritional assistance programs, and more. Working hours are Monday - Friday with occasional Saturday morning coverage. 

The Community Health Worker (CHW) is a frontline health professional responsible for addressing the social determinants of health affecting patients. This role collaborates with clinical and medical staff to provide compassionate, one-on-one support to patients and families. The CHW works to build individual and community capacity by increasing health knowledge and promoting self-sufficiency. This position requires strict adherence to confidentiality and alignment with the mission, values, policies, and procedures of Lower Lights Christian Health Center.

ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Eligibility Screening and Application Assistance

• With assistance of FOR staff, screen all OB/pregnant patients and patients under age 18 for Medicaid eligibility
• Interview patients to determine level of assistance needed and support application completion
• Complete Presumptive Eligibility as appropriate and follow up to ensure full Medicaid application submission
• Document all eligibility interactions in the electronic health record (EHR)
• Address patient questions regarding insurance coverage and resolve issues using appropriate resources
• Follow up with patients according to Medicaid application timelines
• Adapt communication to match patient understanding
• Serve as a resource to staff regarding Medicaid guidelines and patient eligibility
• Assist patients who do not qualify for Medicaid with alternative insurance or financial assistance options
• Utilize MITS and other payer systems to verify insurance and update patient records

2. Referral & Coordination of Care

• Process CHW referrals within the organization
• Assess patient social determinant needs and schedule follow-ups
• Connect patients to community resources to address barriers
• Collaborate with clinical staff to link patients/families to services (housing, nutrition, utilities, transportation)
• Support preventative care and chronic disease management
• Assist with urgent patient needs through appropriate referrals
• Accompany patients to internal and external appointments as needed
• Maintain awareness of community resources
• Communicate patient updates to providers in a timely manner
• Identify financial barriers and connect patients to support programs

3. Administrative Responsibilities

• Maintain accurate daily documentation in the electronic health record
• Manage daily patient schedules
• Collaborate with staff to ensure continuity of care
• Participate in clinical consultations with behavioral health and medical providers
• Process Release of Information (ROI) documentation
• Track referrals to community mental health services

4. Additional Responsibilities

• Contribute to quality improvement initiatives
• Attend and participate in staff meetings and trainings
• Support program management as assigned
• Assist with departmental metrics
• Complete annual compliance training requirements
• Maintain professional certification/licensure
• Perform other duties as assigned

BENEFITS AND PERKS

• Health benefits including medical, vision, dental, life, disability 
• Generous Paid Time Off
• Paid Holidays and CME
• Student loan forgiveness opportunities
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with access to various consultants 
• 3% match toward retirement fund 
• And more!

LIVING OUR VALUES

You are mission-oriented and passionate about living out your purpose. You play an active role in responding to the needs of the community and organization. You work well alongside your teammates and use your time and resources effectively. You challenge yourself to grow personally and professionally. You embrace diversity and enjoy providing your customers with excellent treatment and compassion. 

Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or GED required
• Associate degree preferred
• Community Health Worker certification required

Experience:

• 1–3 years of relevant community experience preferred
• Experience working in a team-based environment

Skills:

• Strong communication skills with the ability to communicate respectfully and effectively
• Valid Ohio driver’s license
• Reliable transportation with business auto insurance
• Proficiency in computer use and internet navigation
• Ability to work with diverse cultural, religious, and socioeconomic populations
• Strong organizational, multitasking, and time management skills with ability to meet deadlines
• High level of initiative, critical thinking, and independent judgment
• Ability to serve as a liaison between communities, agencies, and healthcare providers
• Strong collaboration skills to work effectively with interdisciplinary teams and patients with varying needs
• Ability to stay up to date on changing Medicaid qualification guidelines and ensure accurate eligibility determinations
• Bilingual Spanish preferred