Community Health Worker

Job Description

Job Description

Are you a  Community Health Worker (CHW) with a passion for improving access to health care in the community?  American Indian Health and Family Services(AIHFS), a Federally Qualified Healthcare Center (FQHC) in Southwest Detroit is hiring now, ahead of the opening of our  New State-Of-The Art Facility, this Fall, 2026!

Seeking a qualified Community Health Worker (CHW) to serve as a trusted liaison between the health center and the communities we serve, helping clients navigate healthcare services, address social determinants of health, improve chronic disease outcomes, and connect with community resources. The CHW will engage clients through outreach, education, care coordination, health promotion, and resource navigation activities; working closely with clinical care teams, behavioral health providers, case managers, and community partners to reduce health disparities and improve health outcomes. 

With your Life/Work balance in mind, this full time opportunity includes Comprehensive Benefits :

• 15 Paid Holidays per calendar year, paid bereavement, paid jury duty leave - effective immediately upon hire
• Generous Paid Combined Vacation, Sick, and Personal Leave, accrual starts immediately, able to use after 30 days
• Health, Dental, Vision and Life Insurance Coverage is available on the 1st of the Month, following 31 days of Employment.
• For Blue Cross Network HMO plan: AIHFS contributes 100% to employee premium contributions; and 50% to dependent the contributions.
• For the Blue Cross PPO plan: AIHFS contributes up to the BCN HMO amount to employee premium contribution; and 50% of the BCN HMO plan premium towards dependents.
• 403(b) Match Program of 50% of employee contribution, up to $5,000 per year

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Community Outreach and Engagement

• Develop trusting relationships with clients, families, and community members.
• Conduct and attend outreach activities to identify and engage underserved and vulnerable populations.
• Promote awareness of available healthcare services and community resources.
• Participate in health fairs, community events, outreach initiative, and educational programs.
• Support enrollment efforts for health center programs and services

Patient Navigation and Care Coordination

• Assist Clients in accessing medical, behavioral health, wellness, and social service resources
• Help clients schedule appointments and overcome barriers to care.
• Engage with clients who frequently miss appointments
• Coordinate referrals to community agencies, social services, housing, transportation, food assistance, benefits, and other support programs.
• Follow up with patients regarding treatment plans and referrals.
• Assist with care transition and continuity of care
• Conduct screenings to identify social, economic, and environmental barrier affecting health outcomes.
• Provide culturally appropriate health education and disease prevention information.
• Provide client transportation when necessary
• Conduct home visits for underserved clients as needed

Other Duties and Responsibilities:

• Participate in interdisciplinary care team meetings when deemed necessary
• Participate in quality improvement initiatives and grant related requirements
• Track, document, and record data within reporting systems
• Maintain confidentiality and comply with HIPAA regulations
• Successfully complete Community Health Worker training
• Participate in ongoing professional development and stay informed regarding best practices.

Education/Experience: High school diploma or GED required. Associate degree in healthcare, public health, social work, human services, or related field preferred. Experience working with diverse population in community-based, healthcare, public health or social service settings. Basic computers proficiency including Microsoft office applications. Strong interpersonal skills and communications skills. Knowledge of EHR systems a plus.

Additional Qualifications: 

• Must be self-directed.
• Must be able to maintain confidentiality, handle crisis and tolerate stress professionally.
• Valid MI Driver or Chauffeur’s license; other credential or licenses must be kept current and consistent with applicable regulations.
• Ability to maintain a flexible work schedule, including evenings, weekends and overnight or extended travel as necessary.
• Ability to promote an alcohol, tobacco and drug-free lifestyle.
• Ability to apply proficient understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral or diagram form.
• Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence and memos.

Other Requirements:  Familiarity and/or experience working with the Native American community; respect for and knowledge of traditional, cultural and spiritual practices of a diverse Native American community, as well as an ability to work with other racially, culturally and ethnically diverse populations.  

Work Environment/Physical Demands: The characteristics and demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit and use hands to finger, handle, or feel. The employee is often required to stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.  The employee is occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

NATIVE AMERICAN/AMERICAN INDIAN PREFERENCE IN HIRING WILL BE APPLIED AS DEFINED IN THE INDIAN PREFERENCE ACT (TITLE 25, U.S. CODE SECTIONS 472 AND 473).