Community Health Worker

Job Description

Job Description

Community Health Worker

Location: Santa Cruz, CA.
Job Type: Full-Time
Schedule: Monday–Friday, Regular Business Hours
Compensation: $25–$30 per hour, depending on experience

Position Summary

A California-based healthcare and social services organization is seeking an experienced Community Health Worker to provide person-centered support to Medi-Cal members participating in Enhanced Care Management (ECM) and Community Supports programs.

This is a community-facing role focused on outreach, member engagement, care coordination, housing navigation, health education, and connecting individuals with critical healthcare and social services.

The Community Health Worker will support individuals who may be experiencing homelessness, chronic health conditions, behavioral health challenges, substance use disorders, housing instability, or other barriers to accessing care.

Candidates must live within or near the assigned county and be comfortable conducting home visits, community outreach, and local field services throughout their assigned territory.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct community outreach and educate individuals about available healthcare and social service programs.
• Engage eligible members and assist with enrollment in managed health plan programs.
• Manage an assigned caseload and coordinate referrals received from health plans.
• Help members navigate healthcare, housing, behavioral health, and social service systems.
• Conduct home and community visits to assess member needs and provide health education.
• Connect members with appropriate medical, housing, behavioral health, and community resources.
• Advocate for individuals experiencing complex physical, behavioral, housing, or social challenges.
• Use motivational interviewing techniques to encourage positive behavior changes and greater member self-advocacy.
• Collaborate with healthcare providers, social workers, health plans, and community-based organizations.
• Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential documentation of member interactions and services.
• Collect and report required program and operational data.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years of professional experience in community health, outreach, care coordination, case management, or a related field.
• Experience conducting community outreach and enrolling members into managed health plan programs is required.
• Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Sociology, Public Health, or a related discipline preferred. Relevant professional experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• Community Health Worker certification is strongly preferred but not required.
• Knowledge of healthcare systems, medical terminology, and community resources.
• Familiarity with Medi-Cal, Medicare, CalAIM, Enhanced Care Management (ECM), and/or Community Supports is preferred.
• Experience supporting individuals experiencing homelessness, behavioral health conditions, substance use disorders, housing instability, or other complex social needs is highly valued.
• Strong communication, advocacy, cultural sensitivity, and documentation skills.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with healthcare and community partners.
• Ability and willingness to conduct home visits and travel locally throughout the assigned county.
• All customary work must be performed within California.

Schedule

This is a full-time position, primarily Monday through Friday during regular business hours . Occasional evening or weekend availability may be required depending on member needs.

Compensation & Benefits

• $25–$30 per hour , depending on experience.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance options.
• Paid vacation and sick time.
• Paid company holidays.
• Retirement plan.
• Company-provided technology and communication tools.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Our client is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, age, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.