Community Health Worker

Position Summary

The Community Health Worker (CHW) is responsible for the implementation of referral strategies to address the complex social and health problems of the population(s) served. The CHW will serve as the patient's liaison to facilitate access to all services to which they are entitled. Activities will include screening and enrollment for program, including transportation patient education and mentorship, follow up and reinforcement of treatment plan tasks, coordination of appointments as necessary. The CHW must foster cohesive relationships not only with patients but also with community partners and medical teams that will help patients form good habits and improve overall health and quality of life. This position will assist the hospital multi-disciplinary team, consisting of the individual's attending physician, medical specialists, diabetes educator, transition guide nurse, social worker, case manager, hospital nursing staff, family, community agencies and informal support networks, with the communication, coordination and collaboration necessary for the success of the patient after leaving the he hospital.

* This position requires patient contact via in-hospital visits and post discharge telephone calls. * This position requires critical thinking skills, excellence in customer services, self-motivating capabilities, and the ability to work independently as a part of a team.

EXPERIENCE/REQUIREMENTS:
* High school diploma or equivalent required. Must be able to speak, read and write in English * Preferred home health, community case management or public health experience.
* Experience in community systems, entitlements and third-party reimbursement preferred.
* Bilingual language capability desirable. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
* Knowledge of chronic health conditions, behavioral health and related strategies to promote self-management.
* Requires effective customer service and organizational skills.
* Utilizes motivational interviewing skills.
* Ability to effectively communicate with confidence and knowledge to health care team members. Is creative, diplomatic, discreet and tenacious in dealing with patients, physicians and other staff members.
* Requires ability to communicate via documentation, telephone, computer and directly. * Ability to work collaboratively in a team approach. * Ability to effectively present information to patients, family, hospital staff, health care providers, and community engagement.
* Work requires substantial interpersonal skills to communicate effectively with all members of the interdisciplinary team to enhance collaboration and problem-solving; to interact with patients, families, physicians and other health care professionals.
* Ability to work flexible hours as is required to meet department needs. Ability to access information system programs and move throughout the hospital is required. * Proficient in Microsoft office computer programs

Here's a more succinct version of the job description:

The Community Health Worker (CHW) supports patients in addressing social and health-related needs by connecting them to appropriate services and resources. This role serves as a liaison between patients, medical teams, and community partners to help ensure smooth care coordination before and after hospital discharge.

Responsibilities include patient screening and enrollment, transportation support, patient education, follow-up, reinforcement of treatment plans, and appointment coordination. The CHW works closely with the interdisciplinary care team to support patient recovery, self-management, and overall health outcomes.

This position requires in-person patient visits and post-discharge telephone follow-up. Strong communication, critical thinking, customer service, and independent work skills are essential.

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Must be able to speak, read, and write English
• Experience in home health, community case management, or public health preferred
• Knowledge of community resources, entitlements, and third-party reimbursement preferred
• Bilingual skills preferred

• Knowledge of chronic health conditions and behavioral health
• Strong customer service, organizational, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to use motivational interviewing techniques
• Effective communication with patients, families, and healthcare teams
• Ability to work collaboratively and independently
• Proficiency in documentation, telephone, computer, and Microsoft Office
• Ability to work flexible hours and move throughout the hospital as needed