Community Health Worker-Bilingual Spanish- Bridgeport

Community Health Worker Opportunity at Optimus Health Care

Join a team that makes a difference at Optimus Health Care! Are you passionate about providing high-quality, patient-centered care? Optimus Health Care—the largest provider of primary health care services in Fairfield County—is looking for dedicated professionals to join our team! With multiple locations in Bridgeport, Stratford, and Stamford, our mission is to be a lifelong health care partner, dedicated to achieving optimal wellness for the communities we serve.

We are presently recruiting for a Community Health Worker to join our primary care clinic in Bridgeport, CT. Spanish/English is required. This position is 100% grant funded. Join our team based model of care delivered in a kind and compassionate manner.

The Community Health Worker (CHW) will act as the liaison between medical, behavioral health, home, and community. The CHW will provide individualized comprehensive care management and coordination that supports, improves, and maintains overall health and wellbeing of patients served. The CHW will work closely with other members of the care team, social services agencies, and other community partners to assist with coordination of care and services. Must be comfortable working with culturally diverse populations (e.g., race, ethnicity, gender identity and sexual orientation). Highly personable, very organized, self-directed with reliable transportation. Must be open to working a flexible schedule when needed, coupled with strong verbal and written communication, in addition to a strong commitment to maintaining a high level of confidentiality.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

Care Coordination & Outreach

Welcome new patients into the practice and introduce the Care Team model and complete designated assessments specific to the patient's cultural background.

Coordinates all necessary referrals to community resources: such as housing, food, clothing, parenting classes, vocational services, educational resources, assist with completion of redetermination forms for social programs.

Works with teams to create a trauma-informed environment for patients.

Performs initial behavioral health pre-screening. Supports safe transitions of care for patients moving between care settings.

Assists with creating, assessing, and re-evaluating patient-centered care plans that include patient self-management goals.

Coaches' patients in effective management of self-care. Assists patients in understanding care plans and instructions.

Works with patients and their families/care givers to remain actively engaged in their health and overall well-being.

Coaches' patients and their families/care givers on proper use of the emergency department and offers alternative options.

Participates in community health initiatives, health fairs and other pertinent events.

Attends and participates in meetings, as scheduled, or as requested.

Attends individual and group supervision with supervisor, as required.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Collaboration and Advocacy

Builds and maintains positive working relationships with patients, all care team members, as well as agency representatives.

Provides support and advocacy during office visits to assure behavioral health/medical needs and required referrals are conveyed.

Advocates for special accommodations in school, home, community, and healthcare settings, when needed.

Assists with transitioning youth to adult medical and/or behavioral health care.

Identifies gaps in health services and coordinates comprehensive healthcare.

Collaborates with school, community partners, home, and healthcare providers to assist with achievement of established goals.

Attends relevant community meetings to build collaboration and cultivate relationships with community members.

Documentation

Documents all patient encounters, including phone calls and/or discussions with collateral agencies in patients' Electronic Health Record (EHR).

Ensure proper DAP (data/assessment/plan) format when documenting.

Accountable to scan all required documentation into EHR: Releases, guardianship, health records, conservatorship, IEP or 504 plan, if applicable.

Develops and updates integrated care plan with the care team.

Completes screening tools (CAGE, PHQ9, health literacy, PRAPARE, etc.) on an annual basis.

Additional General Requirements

Professional, positive attitude, understanding of customer service principals, intuitiveness, trustworthiness, and excellent interpersonal skills to successfully accomplish tasks necessary to meet high standards of ethical and social responsibility required by this position. Knowledge of some medical terminology preferred. Ability to understand the needs of the community to be served. Must have knowledge of the various services available in the community. Ability and willingness to provide emotional support, encouragement, and patient empowerment. Ability to type into an electronic health record.

Job Qualifications/Requirements

Education: High school or equivalent required.

Experience: Experience working with an ethnically, culturally, and racially diverse office staff and patient population. Preferred: Previous experience working with community-based programs for persons with serious psychiatric and addictive disorders helpful. Applicant has a well-developed understanding of chronic disease and its impact on behavioral/mental health treatment.

Communication Skills: Excellent interpersonal skills required including, but not limited to appropriate email etiquette, active listening, and thorough revision of all written assignments.

Language Requirement: Bilingual Spanish/English required

Licensure / Certification: Certification of Community Health Worker formal training program preferred or ability to obtain within the first year of hire.

Working for Optimus:

• OHC provides a fun, fast-paced working environment, where our commitment to quality is present in every job function.

• 100% Outpatient Setting

* Excellent health & welfare benefit options

• Competitive Compensation

Optimus is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees as protected by applicable federal and/or state law.