Community Health Worker at Central Neighborhood Hlth Fdn – San Bernardino, California

INTRODUCTION:

Central Neighborhood Health Foundation is a Federally Qualified Healthcare Center (FQHC) committed to the Triple Aim as described by the Institute for Healthcare Improvement. Improving the US health care system requires simultaneous pursuit of three aims: 1) improving the experience of care, 2) improving the health of populations, and 3) reducing per capita costs of health care. Preconditions for this include the enrollment of an identified population, a commitment to universality for its members, and the existence of an organization (an "integrator") that accepts responsibility for all three aims for that population.

SUMMARY:

The Community Health Worker (CHW) will serve as a liaison to help patients navigate the health system. This includes working closely with primary care providers, social services, and community-based organizations to facilitate access to services and help patients achieve improved health outcomes. The CHW will provide culturally competent customer service to all patients encountered. The CHW is responsible for greeting members and engaging members at the assigned work location. Engagement activities include providing warm handoffs to the clinic, follow-up contact, and coordinating patient support services with providers and care teams. This position will play a crucial role in maintaining member retention by cultivating positive relationships with the patients and the community.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include but are not limited to the following functions:

• Ensure that all newly assigned members are cordially welcomed.

• Provide excellent customer service at each encounter with our members.

• Provide ongoing follow-up with patients/families to ensure proper and timely follow-up care with health care providers.

• Follow up with patients via phone calls, home visits, and visits to other settings where patients can be found.

• Helps families get appropriate health care services, helps with goal setting, and provides basic motivational interviewing.

• Work closely with medical providers to help ensure that patients have comprehensive and coordinated care plans.

• Knowledgeable about community resources appropriate to the needs of patients/families.

• Help patients connect with transportation resources and provide appointment reminders in special circumstances.

• Provides patient and family health advocacy

• Collects data and relays community feedback to healthcare providers to improve service delivery.

• Assesses additional needs and facilitates referrals and enrollment in other supportive services.

• Provides interpreter services in the field to assist with the coordination of care

• Acts as a liaison for patients with the health system.

• Assist the program coordinator with required program data entry as needed.

• Refers patients to health center support services (housing, enrollment, pantry, etc.)

• Demonstrates understanding of age-specific competencies for the infant, child, adolescent, and adult population.

• Participate in community events and health fairs to promote health and wellness.

• Travel to other sites as needed.

• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

• Must be CHW Certified.

• Minimum one year of experience in the healthcare field, preferably as a CHW or in a similar role.

• Experience working in community settings, particularly with underserved populations.

• Knowledge of community resources and social services.

• Medical terminology and/or background preferred.

NECESSARY SKILLS:

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

• Excellent customer service and conflict resolution skills.

• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.

• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.

• Ability to work independently and be self-directed and flexible.

• Ability to act with integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality.

• Ability to work at a high-volume level of accuracy.

• Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office.

• A valid driver’s license and reliable transportation may be required.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Variations in conditions may occur under certain circumstances.

CONFIDENTIALITY

Maintains patient, employee, and Foundation confidentiality at all times, discussing patient or employee business only with appropriate parties who have a bona fide need to know; and communicating only the minimum amount of information necessary with respect to protected health information (PHI) as defined by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA).

1. AGREEMENT AND ACCEPTANCE

2. I HAVE READ THE ABOVE JOB DESCRIPTION AND FULLY UNDERSTAND THE REQUIREMENTS SET FORTH AND WILL PERFORM ALL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES TO THE BEST OF MY ABILITY.