Community Health Worker in Linton, Indiana at Greene County General Hospital

Job Summary

The Community Health Worker (CHW)/OB Navigator serves in a dual role supporting maternal, infant, and family health through care coordination, patient navigation, education, outreach, and resource connection. This position functions approximately 50% as a Community Health Worker within the Healthy Start program and 50% as an Obstetrical (OB) Navigator supporting prenatal patients throughout their pregnancy journey.

Using a family-centered, strengths-based approach, the CHW/OB Navigator collaborates with Perinatal Navigators, healthcare providers, case management staff, community partners, and support services to improve access to care, address social determinants of health, reduce barriers to care, and improve maternal and infant outcomes. The position serves as a primary non-clinical contact for patients, helping individuals navigate healthcare systems, community resources, and Healthy Start services while promoting healthy behaviors throughout pregnancy, postpartum, and early childhood.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Community Health Worker / Healthy Start Responsibilities

• Support the Perinatal Navigator in providing case management and care coordination services for Healthy Start participants.
• Assist the Perinatal Navigator with group-based education.
• Administer Healthy Start intake assessments and required screening tools according to program protocols.
• Utilize screening tools throughout pregnancy and the postpartum period to identify risks, barriers, and participant needs.
• Assist participants in accessing healthcare services, behavioral health services, and community resources.
• Promote healthy behaviors before, during, and after pregnancy.
• Provide health education and educational materials, including but not limited to:
  • Safe Sleep
  • Breastfeeding and lactation support
  • Nutrition and healthy pregnancy
  • Car seat safety
  • Behavioral health resources
  • Smoking and tobacco cessation
• Encourage healthy and safe infant and toddler care practices.
• Support implementation of prevention interventions and health strategies aimed at reducing maternal morbidity, maternal mortality, and infant mortality.
• Conduct outreach and follow-up activities with program participants.
• Maintain accurate and current information regarding community resources available to mothers, infants, fathers, and support persons.
• Monitor referrals and participant compliance with recommended services and document outreach efforts and outcomes.
• Perform home visits as required by participant care plans and Healthy Start program guidelines.
• Assist participants with scheduling appointments, including prenatal, postpartum, pediatric, and specialty care appointments.
• Serve as a resource regarding insurance coverage, Medicaid enrollment, eligibility, and healthcare access.
• Communicate effectively with participants, providers, and community organizations to support coordinated care.

Community Engagement and Partnership Activities

• Actively participate in local, state, and national maternal and child health initiatives.
• Participate in activities and initiatives related to:
  • Fetal and Infant Mortality Review (FIMR)
  • Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Review Committee (MMMRC)
  • Perinatal Periods of Risk (PPOR)
• Attend all required partner meetings, conferences, webinars, training sessions, and community engagement activities.
• Complete all Healthy Start and organizationally required training programs.
• Assist in building and maintaining relationships with community organizations and referral partners.
• Participate in meetings and activities related to Healthy Start program development, implementation, and evaluation.

Documentation and Data Reporting

• Complete participant documentation and data collection in REDCap®, electronic medical records, and other approved systems.
• Document services, screenings, referrals, education, and participant encounters in real time whenever possible.
• Enter required documentation within two (2) business days when real-time entry is not feasible and systems are functioning normally.
• Maintain accurate, complete, and timely records to support program compliance, performance monitoring, reporting requirements, and quality initiatives.
• Protect the confidentiality and privacy of all participant information.

Quality Improvement and Program Evaluation

• Participate in continuous quality improvement and performance improvement initiatives.
• Assist with program monitoring, reporting, and evaluation activities.
• Participate in surveys, focus groups, interviews, and other evaluation activities as assigned.
• Support achievement of Healthy Start program goals, objectives, and performance measures.
• Collaborate with leadership and evaluation staff to assess program effectiveness and participant outcomes.
• Report incidents, near misses, safety concerns, adverse events, and quality issues according to organizational policy.
• Participate in the development and implementation of patient safety and quality improvement activities.

Organizational Responsibilities

• Maintain professional relationships with patients, families, providers, and community partners.
• Protect participant privacy and confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA and organizational policies.
• Demonstrate strong organizational, communication, customer service, and problem-solving skills.
• Maintain flexibility to accommodate participant needs, including occasional irregular schedules, community outreach activities, or home visits.
• Demonstrates clear ownership of workplace and patient safety.
• Report mistakes, near misses, adverse events and quality and safety concerns.
• Participates in the development and implementation of safety and quality improvement activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Associate degree or higher in a healthcare, social service, public health, or related field preferred.

Licensure and Certifications

• CPR certification required within thirty (30) days of hire.
• Valid Indiana driver's license in good standing required.
• Current automobile insurance and satisfactory driving record required.

Experience

• Minimum of three (3) years of experience in obstetrics, labor and delivery, patient care, case management, community health, care coordination, or related healthcare settings preferred.
• Experience working with pregnant and postpartum populations preferred.
• Knowledge of community resources, Medicaid, insurance processes, and social service programs preferred.
• Experience with electronic medical records and data management systems preferred.
• Ability to travel throughout the service area and conduct home visits as needed.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse populations and multidisciplinary teams.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of maternal and child health principles and social determinants of health.
• Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to build trusting relationships with patients, families, providers, and community partners.
• Strong organizational, planning, follow-up, and time management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong attention to detail and documentation accuracy.
• Ability to communicate with empathy, professionalism, and cultural sensitivity.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively to an interdisciplinary team.

Physical Requirements

• Frequent sitting, standing, walking, bending, reaching, and computer work.
• Ability to occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to travel for home visits, meetings, training, and community outreach activities.
• Good visual acuity and manual dexterity necessary for documentation and computer use.