Community Health Worker - Heart of the City

The Community Health Worker will have a mix of patient contact over the phone as well as face to face in the clinics. The CHW is responsible for connecting patients to individualized community resources and referrals to support a patient's independence, health, and safety. This is a full time 40 hours per week, non-exempt, benefit eligible position typically working Monday-Friday 8am-5pm.

Under the supervision and direction of the Associate Director of Value Based Care Teams, the Community Health Worker (CHW) supports implementation of the patient’s integrated care plan and works towards resolution of patient  social care needs or barriers. The CHW conducts health risk screenings for targeted health plan populations.  The CHW will be an expert in community resource connections and navigation to support a patient's independence and mitigate any social determinants that may be negatively impacting their health.  The CHW functions as an integral member of the value-based care delivery team.

Who we are:

Cherry Health, Michigan’s largest Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), operates in six counties across the state, is based in Grand Rapids. With a team of more than 800 health care professionals at 20 locations, Cherry Health focuses on removing barriers, expanding access, and delivering comprehensive quality health care services to underserved communities, regardless of an individual’s insurance status or ability to pay. We provide primary care, dental, vision, behavioral health, pharmacy services, substance abuse services, school based health centers and more.

Our Mission: 

Cherry Health improves the health and wellness of individuals by providing comprehensive primary and behavioral health care while encouraging access by those who are underserved.

Our Vision: 

Our community will be healthier because we will seek out and welcome those who need our services. All will be treated as family with integrated, coordinated care to improve health and personal well-being.

Our Values:

• Collaboration – Support the Cherry Health mission by encouraging teamwork to accomplish organizational goals.
• Customer Service – Serve internal and external customers in a welcoming manner with compassionate care.
• Diversity, Equity & Inclusion – Build a stronger culture through treating all patients and staff with respect, dignity and compassion.
• Innovation – Embrace creativity to improve patient care and workplace efficiency while remaining curious and open to learning.
• Integrity – Uphold the highest ethical standards by being honest and trustworthy.
• Professionalism – Create a positive work environment where we care accountable for our decision, our action and the results.

Benefits:

Cherry Health has excellent benefit offerings, check out a sample of the benefits available to our team members below!

• 3 Medical Insurance Plan options for you and your family
• Dental and Vision Insurance Plans with providers across the State of Michigan
• Generous Paid Time Off benefit that includes 8 paid full day holidays (Including Black Friday!) and 2 half day paid holidays!
• 403(b) Retirement Savings Plan with generous employer match – fully vested from day 1
• MET and MESP 529 Savings Plans
• Pet Insurance
• Vendor discounts and much more!

Requirements:

High school diploma required; college coursework preferred.  

Certified as a CHW from an accredited program or ability to attain certification by 12/31/25

Previous experience in a health care or community setting; experience in related program and volunteer work preferred, or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job listed above.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct Health Risk and SDOH Assessments with patients.
• Communicate information amongst the health care team including the patient, family, caregiver, medical clinician, care manager and others involved in their care in order to facilitate coordination of services.
• Provide input into the assessment of the social setting affecting the patient, make physical observations, and screen program participants per standard protocol and procedure.
• Work collaboratively with patients, families, community agencies, to connect patients with services and resources to meet their needs and support their independence and safety as they age.
• May assist patient and/or family member with any available benefits enrollment services.
• Provide and document services, education and other pertinent program data.
• Provide support in the clinics with a high percentage of Medicare beneficiaries.
• Ensure that services are provided in accordance with the State and Federal regulations, organizational policy, and accreditation/compliance requirements. 

• Engage in continuous study, including best practices to maintain the professional competence, knowledge, and skills necessary for the performance of all assigned responsibilities. Complete required continuous training and education, including department specific requirements. 

• Understand and adhere to agency’s compliance standards.
• Other duties as assigned.

Deadline:

We are accepting applications for this position until the position is filled.

Our policy is to offer all employees and applicants for employment equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, height, weight, sexual orientation, gender identity, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws, or any other protected category.

Cherry Health requires all team members, including temps, contractors, interns, residents, students, etc.  to receive the COVID-19 vaccinations subject to certain exclusions.  Cherry Health is committed to granting reasonable accommodations in accordance with applicable laws.