Case Worker-Community-Rural Health

Rural Health Community Health Worker

The Rural Health Community Health Worker (CHW) serves as a liaison between individual patients and local health and social services. The role is focused on identifying each patient's barriers to health and self-sufficiency through screening and assessment tools and addressing any identified barriers by providing connection to and navigation of resources, programs, and other supports in the rural health clinic setting. The Rural Health CHW builds individual and community capacity by increasing health knowledge and self-sufficiency through a range of activities such as outreach, informal health coaching, providing social support and advocacy. This position directly supports UMC Center for FM, UMC OB/GYN, UMC Center for Pediatrics clinical providers and team in the rural health clinic setting.

Minimum Requirements

Education

• Associates degree or 5+ years' experience.

Experience

• A strong connection to and understanding of Union County and local resources.
• 2 years' experience in community outreach, health education, case management, or care coordination/navigation in a non-profit, faith-based, healthcare, or other related community organization.

License/Registration/Certifications

• Valid driver's license
• Must receive SC Community Health Worker certification within 1 year of hiring.

Preferred Requirements

Preferred Education

• BA/BS

Preferred Experience

• A current resident of Union County with comprehensive knowledge of the community.
• 8+ years' experience in community outreach, health education, case management, or care coordination/navigation in a non-profit, faith-based, healthcare, or other related community organization.

Preferred License/Registration/Certifications

• CCHW, CNA, CMA

Core Job Responsibilities

• Maintain effective communication with hospitals, physicians, community agencies, etc. and serve as a client advocate, assisting with the navigation and appropriate utilization of health services and community resources
• Responsible for utilization of time and management of work processes to ensure organizational and departmental expectations are met
• Serve as part of the patient care team by completing social need screenings and providing patient education
• Document all patient contacts and services in patient record
• Provide care coordination, navigation, and support to patients with social needs through phone calls, home visits and other contacts/follow-up
• Support clinical providers and overall office in efforts to improve outcomes and meet management goals (i.e. decrease patient no-show rate, increase patient adherence to care plan, etc.)
• Serve as a liaison between patients and healthcare/social service systems to strengthen communication and build trust
• Screens, manages, and follows up on telephone messages from patients, referrals and other support services
• Must possess excellent oral and written communication skills
• Ability to complete detailed oriented work
• Must possess a positive attitude and work well as part of a team as well as independently
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information
• Provide patient education and navigation to ensure appropriate utilization of health services and community resources
• Deliver health information using culturally appropriate terms and concepts
• Possess knowledge of laws, regulations, and guidelines that pertain to Rural Health Clinics.
• Perform duties and adhere to requirements of Rural Health Clinic Standards
• Possess a wide knowledge of resources available within the community
• Possess ability to adapt to the resources that are available
• Possess the ability to use innovative and creative solutions to manage challenges in the Rural Health Clinic
• Perform other duties as assigned