Community Health Worker

Community Health Worker

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

Responsible for connecting un-insured and under-insured populations with community health and social service resources and benefits, identifies as needed medical, mental health, and dental homes, links with providers, completes eligibility applications, addresses barriers to access, and provides follow-up, all with the goal of assuring that this population can benefit from, and become knowledgeable regarding, the best community resources for their individual needs. Typically reports to a Manager of our Community Programs.

Job Description

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Associate's degree or Bachelor's degree in Health Services, Public Health, Social Work, Psychology or related field preferred.

Licenses/Certifications: Certified as a Community Health Worker, or obtains certificate within 12 months of hire.

Experience / Knowledge / Skills:

• Minimum of three (3) years of experience in a community resource setting required with a degree or a minimum of four (4) years of experience in a community resource setting required without a degree.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Demonstrate project knowledge focused on the improvement of Community Health Work initiatives, quality, safety, customer focus, and appropriate resource utilization.
• Knows and understands specific health issues and has an understanding of the health care/social service system.
• Ability to educate staff and patients on the healthcare/social service system.
• Proficiency in communication and computer technologies.
• Highly organized with ability to keep accurate notes and records.
• Thinks critically; utilizes sound judgment; has ability to efficiently manage multiple tasks.
• Knowledgeable in patient interviewing techniques.
• Presents as a CHW subject matter expert in community resources and connections.
• Excellent coordination and organization skills, in preparation of daily priorities on work assignments.
• Ability to work collaboratively with health care providers and staff in a fast paced, patient service oriented environment.
• Ability to maintain professional conduct in all work-related and /or emergent situations.
• Bi-lingual preferred (ability to speak a relevant second language).

Principal Accountabilities

• Performs as a subject matter expert regarding community resources and connections.
• Educates colleagues and serves as a trainer and/or mentor.
• Provides leadership in the Scope of Community Health Work.
• Manifest partnerships to identify and resolve community health problems. Makes consistent contributions to community health work by sharing experiences.
• Applies core competencies to systems or processes in assigned department/team/committee to improve patient outcomes and department goals. Consistently problem solves complex cases.
• Completes detailed patient assessments that includes, but is not limited to: demographics, insurance, financial information, health and social needs. Enters information in computer system with a high degree of accuracy. Must effectively document patient information and patient progress.
• Communicates health information, makes referrals to health and social service providers, and schedules appointments, as needed. Advocates on behalf of the patient and family. Enters required information in the computer system in an accurate and timely manner.
• Educates patient and family on the role and expectations of medical and dental homes, the role of primary care providers for non-acute conditions, and on the importance of preventive health care.
• Educates patients on how to navigate the healthcare system and community resources. Refers to, consults with, and makes connections for continuity of care.
• Coaches patients and family on getting community resources. Explains required eligibility applications to the patient and helps complete applications for services if workflow allows.
• Monitors and reviews patient needs. Follows up after visit to determine effectiveness and follow-through of referral and if there is further need of assistance. Supports and enhances patient experience.
• Communicates in an effective and professional manner and maintains positive relationships with physicians, nursing, business office staff, care management, and community resources.
• Consistently participates in huddles and team meetings to share experiences and knowledge gained in the role of Community Health Worker.
• Takes an active role to support individual professional growth and development by meeting requirements for mandatory/continuing education and skills competency; Maintains CEUs, certifications and skills in CHW.
• 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 by providing safe, caring, personalized and efficient experiences to patients and colleagues.
• Other duties as assigned.