Community Health Worker

JOB TITLE: Community Health Worker

Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) Status: Non - exempt

Reports to: Social Services Manager

SUMMARY: The Community Health Worker (CHW) position will provide direct care services to Spectra Health patients. The CHW is a trusted member of their communities, bridging the gap between healthcare providers, social services, and the populations Spectra Health serves. CHW duties include responding to provider referrals, completing resource assessments, development of care/services plans, and implementing care plans for patients as well as monitoring and evaluating those cares plans to meet the patient's health and social service needs. They will work within the integrated team to coordinate patient care at Spectra Health and with community agencies. The CHW reports to the Social Services Manager.

ORGANIZATIONAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Privacy & confidentiality: Maintain strict adherence to privacy and confidentiality protocols, ensuring the protection of both patient and employee information in accordance with Spectra Health's policies.
• Champion organizational values: Promote and embody Spectra Health's core values of Compassion, Trust, Respect, Equity, and Inclusivity in all interactions and decision-making processes.
• Culture of safety: Foster a culture of safety; proactively addressing hazards, incidents, and security concerns while contributing to a positive and safe work environment for employees and patients.
• Teamwork & collaboration: Approach teamwork with a positive and collaborative mindset, building strong relationships across departments and sharing knowledge and experiences to enhance overall organizational effectiveness.
• Be part of the solution: Actively support organizational change, offering solutions, participating in leadership initiatives, and championing efforts that align with Spectra Health's evolving mission and goals.
• Patient-centered decision making: Prioritize the best interests of Spectra Health's patients, ensuring quality care and positive outcomes.
• Training & meetings: Complete mandatory training requirements and attend at least 80% of departmental meetings to stay informed and aligned with organizational goals and policies.
• Policy adherence & compliance champion: Strictly adhere to all Spectra Health policies and procedures, and act as a departmental advocate for Spectra Health's Compliance Program activities.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Coordinate and provide care that is safe, timely, effective, and patient centered.
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, to interact effectively with diverse populations.
• Conduct home visits and community outreach to assess health needs and provide guidance.
• Communicate with providers, staff, and other agencies to coordinate patient care.
• Strong knowledge of local health systems, social services, and community resources.
• Ability to build trust and maintain relationships with community members.
• Complete SDOH screenings as needed.
• Advocate for clients by identifying barriers to care, such as transportation or financial challenges, and connecting them with appropriate resources.
• Ensure timely and effective use of Spectra Health services and referral resources.
• Assist with (or conduct) outreach efforts on behalf of Spectra Health.
• If appropriate, provide Free Through Recovery/Community Connect Care Coordination services to referred patients. Handle case assignments, draft service plans, review case progress, and determine case closure in compliance with program guidelines.
• Provide health system navigation and resource coordination; provide health promotion and coaching; and provide health education and training to patients.
• Assist with coordination and patient enrollment in Spectra Health's sliding fee program.
• Ability to understand, navigate, and communicate both billing and insurance complexities to patients.
• Place follow-up calls to patients, as necessary.
• If appropriate, complete annual Certified Application Counselor (CAC) training and certification to assist patients in navigating insurance options.
• Willingness to accompany patients to appointments within Spectra Health and with partner agencies.
• Willingness to complete paperwork with and on behalf of the patient as requested by the patient.
• Ability and willingness to work with Certified Interpreters on a regular basis.
• Ability to comply with data collection requirements.
• Ability to work in both the Larimore and Grand Forks locations.
• Other duties as deemed necessary by the Social Services Manager.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

Required:

• Be a trusted member of the community served.
• Minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent.
• CHW Certification in ND or the willingness to obtain CHW Certification within six (6) months of employment.
• Valid Driver's License, Licensed and Insured Vehicle.
• CPR/BLS certification is required or must be obtained within six (6) weeks of employment.

Preferred:

• Bachelor's Degree in Social Work or a related field
• Credentialed as an LBSW (Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker) in North Dakota
• Experience working in a clinical or hospital environment
• Experience working with homeless and transient populations
• Experience working with New American/Refugee populations
• Experience working with interpreters
• Ability to speak multiple languages

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: The CHW is a position that exists in both an office, clinic, and community setting. When in the office setting the job requires the ability to sit for long periods of time at a desk or workstation. When in a clinical setting there would be long periods of time on one's feet, standing and moving throughout the clinical environment. Periodically, the position requires lifting or carrying items that would be appropriate in an office environment, not more than 20lbs.

REMOTE WORK: The Community Health Caseworker position is not eligible for full-time or hybrid remote work. For more information about remote work, please see HR Policy 1.28 - Remote Work.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Spectra Health provides job opportunities, salaries and benefits, training, promotions, facilities, and other conditions of employment without discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by federal or state laws. Spectra Health does not retaliate against applicants, employees, or former employees for filing a charge or complaint of discrimination, participating in a discrimination investigation or lawsuit, or opposing discrimination.