Community Health Worker (CHW), Foster Care in Springfield, Missouri at Advocates For A Healthy Community Inc.

Description:

About Jordan Valley Health:

Jordan Valley Health (JVH) is a mission-driven organization dedicated to improving the health of individuals and families in underserved communities. We provide comprehensive healthcare services including primary medical, dental, vision, and behavioral health. Our mission is simple: Improve our community’s health through access and relationships. By working collaboratively with partners and continually innovating, JVH strives to be a leader in providing essential healthcare for the underserved, ensuring everyone in our community has access to quality healthcare.

Job Summary:

The Community Health Worker (CHW) plays a critical role in advancing the mission of the Federally Qualified Health Center by improving access to care, addressing social determinants of health, reducing barriers, and supporting patients navigating healthcare and social services. This position serves as a trusted liaison between patients, the health center, and community resources. The CHW is responsible for determining and issuing Sliding Fee Scale (SFS) discounts, assisting patients with Medicaid applications, and determining and issuing Presumptive Eligibility (PE) for Medicaid in compliance with Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), state Medicaid, and organizational requirements. The CHW is responsible for connecting patients to community resources. The Foster Care Community Health Worker (CHW) provides specialized support and care coordination services to pediatric and young adult patients involved in the foster care system. This role focuses on addressing social determinants of health, promoting patient and caregiver engagement, and supporting continuity of care through collaboration with community agencies and healthcare teams.

Key Responsibilities:

• Works directly with patients in the foster care system to identify needs, barriers, and strengths while establishing client-centered goals and individualized support plans.
• Obtains necessary paperwork signed by Caseworker and ensures patient record is current and up to date.
• Provides one-on-one support to patients working toward self-management of physical, behavioral, and/or social health needs, primarily within the home, school, or community setting.
• Provides referrals, referral follow-up, and ongoing coordination with community partners including FosterAdopt Connect and other agencies serving children and families involved in foster care.
• Assist patients and caregivers with accessing community resources, healthcare services, transportation, education support, and other identified needs.
• Works in a manner that promotes and builds individual, family, and community capacity through education, empowerment, collaboration, and support services.
• Develops and maintains professional working relationships with foster families, case workers, healthcare providers, schools, and community organizations to support positive patient outcomes.
• Attend community events to support the organization, community and foster families.
• Performs other duties as assigned to support foster care program initiatives and patient care needs.

Patient Access & Navigation

• Provide patient-centered, culturally competent education and support to individuals and families.
• Assist patients in navigating healthcare services, insurance coverage, and community resources.
• Identify and address social determinants of health that may impact access to care, i.e. PRAPARE.
• Advocate for patients to ensure timely access to medical, dental, behavioral health, and enabling services.
• Follow up on appointments or instructions from the healthcare team by making home visits, meeting the participant in a community setting, and/or phone communication.
• Build relationships and interact professionally with local community partnerships, health, and social service providers.

Sliding Fee Scale (SFS) Administration

• Screen patients for Sliding Fee Scale eligibility in accordance with HRSA and organizational policies.
• Accurately determine and issue Sliding Fee Scale discounts based on income and household size.
• Educate patients on the Sliding Fee Scale program, eligibility requirements, and renewal processes.
• Ensure all documentation supporting SFS determinations is complete, accurate, and audit ready.

Medicaid & Presumptive Eligibility

• Assist patients with Medicaid applications, renewals, and changes, including gathering required documentation.
• Determine and issue Presumptive Eligibility for Medicaid in compliance with state and federal guidelines.
• Clearly explain eligibility determinations, coverage timelines, and next steps to patients.
• Track and follow up on applications to ensure continuity of care and coverage.

Teamwork & Organizational Goals

• Promote effective working relations and work as part of a team to facilitate the organization’s ability to meet its goals and objectives.
• Attain all agreed-upon goals and objectives within specified time frames, contributing to the organization’s overall mission.
• Consistently meet monthly individual productivity goals and key performance indicators (KPIs) as determined by Management.

Compliance & Documentation

• Maintain accurate, timely documentation in the electronic health record (EHR) and eligibility systems.
• Ensure compliance with HRSA, Medicaid, and FQHC regulatory requirements.
• Protect patient confidentiality and comply with HIPAA and organizational privacy policies.
• Participate in internal audits, quality assurance activities, and compliance reviews as required.
• Stay current on changes to Medicaid, Presumptive Eligibility, and Sliding Fee Scale regulations.
• Responsibly follow the Clinic Exposure Control Plans, including protocols for Bloodborne and Airborne Pathogens.
• Demonstrate respect and regard for the dignity of all patients, families, visitors, and fellow employees to maintain a professional, responsible, and courteous environment.
• Provide metrics if needed to meet various GRANT funded initiatives

Collaboration & Outreach

• Collaborate with registration, billing, care teams, case management, and leadership to support patient access.
• Refer patients to internal programs and external community resources, including housing, food assistance, transportation, and social services.
• Participate in outreach events, enrollment activities, and community engagement efforts as needed.
• Support the health center’s enabling services model and patient-centered medical home (PCMH) approach
• All other duties as assigned

Benefits Overview:

• Medical and Prescription Drug Coverage: Three comprehensive plan options (Buy-up, Base, and High Deductible) through UnitedHealthcare's Choice Plus network, covering various deductibles and out-of-pocket limits. Includes access to telemedicine services via Teladoc.
• Health Savings Account (HSA): Available for employees in the High Deductible Plan with employer contributions and tax advantages.
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA): Options for both healthcare and dependent care FSAs, allowing pre-tax contributions for qualified expenses.
• Dental and Vision Coverage: Dental insurance through Cigna’s DPPO network and vision coverage through EyeMed’s Insight network.
• Retirement Plan: Pre-tax and Roth 403(b) retirement plans with a 5% employer match starting after 30 days of employment.
• Life and Disability Insurance: Basic Life and AD&D insurance provided at no cost, with the option to purchase additional coverage. Long-term and short-term disability insurance are also available.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Free confidential support for personal and professional challenges, including counseling and crisis intervention.
• Additional Voluntary Benefits: Options for critical illness, accident, hospital care, and pet insurance through MetLife.
• Pay on Demand Available.

Holidays:

• Nine paid holidays per year.

Health Requirements:
All employees are required to provide proof of vaccination for Flu, Hepatitis B and Tuberculosis (TB) as part of our commitment to maintaining a safe and healthy workplace.
Application Process:
Interested applicants should submit a resume and cover letter through the JVH career portal at Careers & Education - Jordan Valley. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
Jordan Valley Health is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status. Requirements:

Required Qualifications:

• Ability to pass additional background screenings for work with youth and senior services.
• Authorization or certification to determine Presumptive Eligibility for Medicaid, or ability to obtain within the required timeframe.
• 1 year experience in healthcare setting
• For Service Specific CHWs School-based/Mobile Unit, Foster Care or Recovery Care see addendum

Preferred Qualifications:

• Associate degree or relevant certification
• Valid Driver’s License.
• Previous experience in an FQHC, community clinic, or safety-net healthcare setting.
• EPIC, electronic health record experience
• Knowledge of HRSA requirements, Sliding Fee Scale guidelines, and Medicaid programs.
• Community Health Worker certification.
• Bilingual or multilingual skills.
• Experience addressing social determinants of health.