Community Health Worker

Job Summary: The Community Health Worker (CHW) is responsible for acting as a bridge between health care providers, community services providers, and individuals in the community to promote health, reduce disparities, and improve service delivery. The CHW is a trained and trusted public health worker who is respected by the people they serve and applies his/her unique understanding of the experience, socio-economic needs, language and/or culture of the communities served. CHWs identify barriers to health and advocate for changing service delivery and other strategies to improve community health. The CHW – HTN will work primarily on the Johns Hopkins research studies implementing a CHW intervention for participating patients with elevated blood pressure. This is a grant-funded 2-year position. Required Skills/Abilities: Must be able to work independently and have excellent problem-solving skills in order to provide patients with optimal assistance. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to work well under stressful conditions to effectively interact with patients, families, and various programs when obtaining necessary information. Must have working knowledge of medical terminology and word usage to ensure accurate referrals and concise, detail-oriented performance to ensure optimum referral tracking and follow up. Basic computer skills, including Word, Excel, and Outlook Must maintain a high level of confidentiality. Must have own transportation and ability to travel to CCHS sites on a weekly basis. Education and Experience: High school graduate or equivalent. CHW or Social Work background preferred. CHW certification will be required but can be obtained after starting employment. Standards of Behavior: Commitment To Service Respect Quality Teamwork Patient Focus Integrity Accountability Caring & Compassion Professionalism Listening & Responding Safety AIDET Commitment to Inclusion: Choptank Community Health System (CCHS) is committed to creating an inclusive healthcare environment that reduces health disparities and values and respects the unique experiences and perspectives of both patients and staff by: Prioritizing equitable access for individuals of all backgrounds, beliefs and cultures; Offering ongoing training for staff to promote health awareness, preventive measures and early detection for a patient population of all backgrounds and cultures; Actively engaging with patients, families and staff; Fostering a workplace culture in which everyone is treated with dignity. Job Related Competencies: Empathetic Outlook- The ability to perceive and understand the feelings and attitudes of others; the ability to place oneself “in the shoes” of another and to view a situation from their perspective. Attention to Detail- The ability to process detailed information effectively and consistently. Problem Solving- Identifies and analyzes problems weighing the relevance and accuracy of available information. Generates and evaluates alternative solutions and makes effective and timely decisions. Communicates Effectively- Developing and delivering multi-mode communication that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences. Values And Ethics- Serving with integrity and respect in personal and organizational practices. Ensuring decisions and transactions are transparent and fair. Time Management- The ability to effectively manage one’s time and resources to ensure that work is completed efficiently. Duties/Responsibilities: Follow Johns Hopkins research protocols and implement the CHW intervention including teaching patients to measure their BP, use a telemonitoring app, and provide education and counseling on lifestyle modification and self-management. Support participating patients by: (1) providing education on how to manage BP through self-monitoring and practicing dietary modification and exercise; (2) reinforcing positive BP self-management behaviors through follow-up encounters; (3) delivering knowledge and skills to promote patients’ competencies for chronic condition management; (4) assisting with linkages to existing clinical and administrative services; and (4) linking participants with community resources to address health-related social needs (i.e. housing, food, job placement, legal representation, education). Ensure remotely transmitted data of home blood pressure readings are in EHR and viewed by primary care provider. Assists patients navigating the health system, by connecting patients with needed services, filling out paperwork, and providing non-directive emotional support. Improve quality of care by aiding communication between provider and patient to clarify cultural practices and to promote wellness by providing culturally appropriate health information to patients and providers. Regular, reliable attendance is a requirement of this job. Benefits: Tuition and education assistance Certification scholarships available Paid holidays Flexible paid time off and vacation scheduling 403(b) 403(b) matching Employee assistance program Flexible spending account Health insurance Dental insurance Vision coverage Life insurance Referral program Employee wellness program Discretionary Bonuses Job Type: Full-time Schedule: 8 hour shift - Monday to Friday