What are the responsibilities and job description for the Community Health Worker position at Appalachian Mountain Health?
SUMMARY OF RESPONSIBILITIESCommunity Health Workers are frontline public health workers who are trusted members of and / or have an unusually close understanding of the community served. This trusting relationship enables the worker to serve as a liaison / link / intermediary between health / social services and the community to facilitate access to services and improve the quality and cultural competence of service delivery. A community health worker also builds individual and community capacity by increasing health knowledge and self-sufficiency through a range of activities such as outreach, community education, informal counseling, social support and advocacy. The primary purpose of this roles is to engage, support, and build capacity of individuals and communities to improve health outcomes. JOB EMPHASIS : The primary focus of work will be general community outreach, health education and promotion; collaboration with public health, primary care, and community-based organizations / leaders; and focused resource coordination for individuals and families in isolation and quarantine.KEY ACCOUNTABILITIESHealth NavigatorEstablish and maintain cooperative, trusting relationships with individuals, families, community-based organizations, community leaders, healthcare providers, local health department, and other public health entities.Perform client and community centered assessments that identify and inform resource coordination services.Support and connect individual and families to community resources, primary care, and public health services. Assist individuals in decision making about their health and health care using approved tools and methodology.Document services provided in approved tools.Health and Wellness PromoterIdentify and develop opportunities for community outreach related to disease prevention and health promotion.Perform client and community centered assessments that identify and inform individual and general health education and promotion services.Provide ongoing support and follow-up as necessary to support healthy behavior change.Model effective coping and resilience techniques to individuals or groups of individuals.Provide other direct services trained and qualified to provide.Participate in and foster effective care team communication.AdvocateEnsure individuals served are treated respectfully and given access to culturally responsive services and resources vital for health and wellbeing. Build capacity among individuals and community members to advocate for individual and community health and well-being. Advocate for client self-determination and dignity.Identify and build capacity for community leadership and community health improvement. Set and maintain clear boundaries with participants as necessary.Collect and maintain accuracy of data linked to demonstrating impact of services provided.RequirementsKNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, and ABILITIES : Basic typing and computer navigation skills for use of and documentation in electronic programs.Ability to communicate with other members of the care team using email and other electronic tools.Ability to navigate and perform internet searches and use social media.Basic use of Microsoft Word and Excel, or capacity to learn.Able to communicate in clear and organized manner, both verbal and written.Able to listen and summarize understanding.Able to effectively participate in multi-disciplinary team meetings, community meetings, and other group events.Able to take initiative to learn and implement the use of new knowledge and skills quickly.Respected in the community.Able to build relationships with people from different backgrounds.KEY COMPETENCIES : Service Delivery - You place clients and your teammates at the center. You possess a high sense of responsibility, independence and ownership in solving problems and identifying opportunities to increase service. Quality and Excellence - You prioritize your workload and possess an acute attention to detail. Follow through on written and verbal instruction. Collaboration and Partnership - You model civility and compassion to clients and teammates at all times. You consistently prioritize others and engage in a calm, honest and transparent manner.Resilience and Adaptability - You deal effectively with pressure, competing demands, and interruptions while maintaining focus and optimism under adversity. You are open to change and new information, adapting rapidly in response to changing conditions and unexpected difficulties. You solicit and act on feedback, learning from experience. Integrity - You maintain confidentiality of medical, fiscal, and personnel records and appropriate judgment in handling daily assignments.EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE : Minimum Qualifications.Any combination of education and experience equivalent to the following : High school diploma or GED.Previous work and / or volunteer experience that demonstrates basic capacity to successfully perform duties of the role.Demonstrated knowledge of or ability to work with and / or within the targeted community.Required Licenses. Valid driver's license required.Preferred Qualifications.Previous employment or volunteer experience in a health care setting, with community-based health setting strongly preferred.SCHEDULE : Work will occur in both community and clinic-based settings. Typical business hours are Monday - Friday, 8 : 00 am to 5 : 00 pm (or flexed to best meet the needs of the clients and / or the Division); 40 hours per workweek; weekend, holiday, or evening coverage is occasionally required. Work hours will need to be flexible in order to respond to special work assignments, or evening activities, as requested by the team leader.WORK ENVIRONMENT : Potential for routine exposure to infectious diseases, hazardous chemicals, etc.Moderate noise level typical of a busy clinical office with office / medical equipment and foot traffic.
