Community Health Worker

JOB SUMMARY:

The Community Health Worker (CHW) is part of the Hospital’s Community Care Team (CCT).

CCT is a program focused on improving the health of complex, chronically ill Howard County

residents. This program helps individuals connect with resources that allow them to better

manage their illness, improve their health and avoid preventable hospital encounters. CCT

helps clients to meet their goals by providing health education, teaching chronic-disease

management skills, and by connecting them to a medical home and other community resources.

The CHW is an integral part of the multi-disciplinary team that includes Community Health

Nurses and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. CHW is responsible for initiating the

development of a care plan with the client and his or her health care providers as well as

monitoring its implementation and progress made toward goals. This position maintains an

assigned client caseload and conducts regular home visits and assessments.

MAJOR JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

Working closely with the Community Health Nurse, principal duties include the following:

1. Establishes trusting relationships with clients and their families while providing general

support and encouragement

2. Provides ongoing follow-up, basic motivational interviewing and goal setting with

clients/families

3. Conducts follow-up with clients via phone calls, weekly home visits and visits to other

community settings

4. Assists clients to increase health knowledge and self-sufficiency through a range of activities

such as outreach, community education, informal counseling, social support and advocacy

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Performs duties in a manner that is consistent with the hospital’s core values and the

language of caring habits.

2. Attends mandatory departmental meetings, hospital in-services, and continuing education

programs to keep informed of new developments affecting hospital initiatives and his/her

SKILLS & ABILITIES REQUIRED:

1. Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints.

2. Ability to effectively present information to patients, families, hospital staff, health care

providers and community organizations.

3. Proficiency in Microsoft Word.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

1. Bachelor’s Degree preferred with an interest in behavioral, community or public health. AA  is required.

2. Experience working in a community setting or home setting preferred.

3. Experience working as part of a multi-disciplinary team as well as with people of diverse

backgrounds preferred.

LICENSES & CERTIFICATIONS:

1. Must obtain CPR certification within sixty (60) days of hire and maintain thereafter.

2. Must have valid driver’s license, clean driving record, and reliable transportation. This

position may spend the majority of the time working away from the office