Community Health Specialist

At Memorial Hermann, we pursue a common goal of delivering high quality, efficient care while creating exceptional experiences for every member of our community. When we say every member of our community, that includes our employees. We know that when our employees feel cared for, heard and valued, they are inspired to create moments that exceed expectations, while prioritizing safety, compassion, personalization and efficiency. If you want to advance your career and contribute to our vision of creating healthier communities, now and for generations to come, we want you to be a part of our team.

Job Summary

The Community Eligibility Specialist is responsible for conducting screenings and navigating individuals to both community resources and medical homes, when appropriate, to address non-medical drivers of health (NMDOH). This role builds on the foundational skills of a Community Health Worker (CHW), with a specialized focus on helping clients apply for services such as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Harris Health Financial Assistance, utility support and other essential benefits. Community Eligibility Specialists engage directly with patients and community members, working primarily in person at Memorial Hermann Community Resource Centers across the Greater Houston area. This role will guide clients through the application process, ensure all documentation is completed accurately, and conducts follow-ups to confirm successful enrollment and service access. This role requires a strong understanding of eligibility criteria, program requirements, and local resources to ensure clients receive timely and appropriate support. The position typically reports to a Manager within the Community Health Network’s Community Resource Centers or may report to a Manager within the Memorial Hermann Contact Center, as needed.

Job Description

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education: High school diploma or GED required.

Licenses/Certifications:

One of the following is required:

• Community Health Worker (CHW) by the Texas Department of State Health Services (TDSHS)

• Community Health Worker - Instructor (CHW-I) by the Texas Department of State Health Services (TDSHS)

• Community Health Worker -Experience (CHW-E) by the Texas Department of State Health Services (TDSHS)

• Community Health Worker - Training (CHW-T) by the Texas Department of State Health Services (TDSHS)

The following is preferred:

• Certified Application Counselor (CAC) by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

• Benefits Enrollment Center (BEC) by the National Council on Aging (NCOA)

• Texas Eligibility Worker Certification by the Texas Department of State Health Services (TDSHS)

Experience / Knowledge / Skills:

• Two (2) years' experience in healthcare, social services, or community outreach settings preferred.

• Effective oral and written communication skills, with the ability to build trust and rapport across diverse populations.

• Bilingual (Spanish) preferred.

• Knowledge of NMDOH and an understanding of community resources.

• Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple referrals and follow-ups.

• Comfort using digital platforms and technology to support remote engagement and documentation.

• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team while maintaining empathy, discretion, and professionalism.

• Experience using Microsoft Suite (Word, Excel).

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Conducts screenings to identify NMDOH and accurately documents patients’ risk levels for each domain (e.g. housing, food, utilities) within the designated electronic medical record system (e.g. EPIC) and to determine eligibility for public assistance and community support programs.

• Guides clients through the full application process for programs such as SNAP, Harris Health Financial Assistance, Medicaid, utility assistance, and other benefits, ensuring forms are competed accurately and submitted with appropriate documentation. To do this successfully, the specialist acts as not only a resource navigator but an educator, helping clients understand the scope of services available, including their responsibilities and the steps necessary to maintain eligibility.

• Follows up with clients and benefit agencies to confirm application status, troubleshoot issues and ensure successful enrollment and access to services. This includes documenting all follow up activities within the appropriate electronic systems, ensuring timely and accurate reporting to support coordinated care and performance tracking.

• Identifies and tracks trends and common barriers related to program eligibility approvals or denials, serving as the subject matter resource to inform leadership strategies that improve access and streamline enrollment processes.

• Works collaboratively with Memorial Hermann care teams to ensure that clients receive both medical and non-medical support based on their need and eligibility. This includes providing emergency support (e.g. food pantry assistance, transportation scheduling) to walk-in clients at the Community Resource Centers at each Memorial Hermann campus.

• Participate in community-based activities to identify new resources while maintaining longstanding partnerships that enhance patient navigation and represent Memorial Hermann at special events or programs in support of broader community health initiatives.

• Provides support, as needed, at other locations outside of the designated Memorial Hermann site, that align with the Community Health Network including but not limited to Community Resource Centers, Food as Health sites, Community Health Worker Hub, to meet patient and program needs.

• Ensures safe care to patients, staff and visitors; adheres to all Memorial Hermann policies, procedures, and standards within budgetary specifications including time management, supply management, productivity and quality of service.

• Promotes individual professional growth and development by meeting requirements for mandatory/continuing education and skills competency; supports department-based goals which contribute to the success of the organization; serves as preceptor, mentor and resource to less experienced staff.

• Demonstrates commitment to caring for every member of our community by creating compassionate and personalized experiences. Models Memorial Hermann’s service standards of providing safe, caring, personalized and efficient experiences to patients and our workforce.

• Other duties as assigned.