Community Health Worker

Position Summary

The Community Health Worker (CHW) serves as a trusted liaison connecting individuals and families to social services, community resources, wellness programs, and clinical care. This role focuses on outreach, care coordination, patient education, and navigation across health and social systems to address social determinants of health, improve access to care, and support health outcomes.

Essential Duties

Community Health Worker Functions

• Build trusting relationships with community members through outreach and engagement activities.
• Connect clients to community resources such as housing, food assistance, transportation, employment services, childcare, and public benefits.
• Provide health education and wellness information in culturally appropriate and easy-to-understand formats.
• Assist clients with scheduling appointments, completing applications, and navigating healthcare and social service systems.
• Conduct follow-up contacts to ensure clients successfully access the services needed and supports.
• Identify barriers impacting client well-being and advocate for solutions and resource access.
• Support individuals in setting personal wellness and self-sufficiency goals.
• Participate in community events, workshops, outreach programs, and health fairs.
• Collaborate with community organizations, case managers, schools, and social service agencies.
• Maintain accurate documentation, reports, and client records according to organizational policies.
• Maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries at all times.
• Other duties as assigned.

Care Coordination & Clinical Support

• Support patient care continuity through follow-up outreach, appointment coordination, and referral tracking to ensure completion of care.
• Provide patient education reinforcement following clinical visits, under the direction of clinical staff.
• Support coordination of specialty referrals, diagnostics, and prescription assistance programs, including tracking and patient follow-up.
• Collaborate with providers, medical assistants, and clinic staff to support efficient clinic workflows and patient access to care.
• Assist with patient outreach for preventive and chronic care needs, including care gap closure efforts (e.g., HEDIS, GPRA, and other quality initiatives).
• Maintain accurate documentation, reports, and client records according to organizational policies.
• Maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries at all times.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education and Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Community Health Worker certification or equivalent experience preferred.
• Medical Assistant (MA) certification or experience strongly preferred.
• Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification or experience preferred.
• 1-2 years of experience in community work, healthcare, education, social services, or a related field preferred.
• Experience working with underserved, vulnerable, or diverse populations strongly preferred.
• Experience with Medi-Cal and Covered California application processes and support preferred.
• Familiarity with care coordination, referral management, outreach, or population health activities preferred.
• Valid California driver's license and proof of automobile insurance required.

Skills and Competencies

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong problem-solving, organizational, and resource navigation abilities.
• Ability to establish trust and rapport with patients and community members.
• Knowledge of local community resources and support programs preferred.
• Cultural awareness, sensitivity, and professionalism.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced healthcare environment.
• Team-oriented mindset with the ability to collaborate effectively with providers, clinic staff, and community partners.
• Ability to manage and document daily, weekly, and monthly assignments in a timely and efficient manner.
• Proficiency with computers and healthcare technology, including Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems, Microsoft Word, Outlook, and related software programs.
• Strong data entry, documentation, and follow-up skills.
• Possess interpersonal qualities including compassion, positivity, patience, and adaptability.
• Maintain confidentiality, professional boundaries, and HIPAA compliance at all times.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to travel locally for outreach, meetings, and community events.
• Ability to sit, stand, walk, and interact with the public for extended periods.
• Occasional lifting of up to 30 pounds of outreach materials or supplies may be required.

Reasonable accommodations will be given to qualified disabled applicants pursuant to Section 501 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973,29 U.S. Code 791, Title 29, and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Working Conditions

• This position is based in both office and clinical settings, with time allocated based on patient and clinic needs. Community outreach and external site visits as needed.
• Occasional flexibility for outreach events or extended hours