Community Health Worker

Community Health Worker Clairton, Pa.

This is a grant funded position!

JOB SUMMARY:

The Community Health Worker is a frontline public health worker who performs a wide variety of duties at the paraprofessional level to engage, support, advocate and educate community members in overall

health and wellness. The CHW serves as a liaison or link between health and social services and the community to facilitate access and improve health outcomes by increasing health knowledge and self-sufficiency through a range of activities such as outreach, community education, informal counseling, social support and advocacy.

EDUCATION AND EXPEREINCE REQUIRED:

Bachelors degree in related field (e.g. health, social science, science education, health education, nursing, dietetics, etc.) or commensurate experience, preferred. Strong communications skills. Ability to work in settings independent of immediate supervision. Proficiency in office computing and information management technology. Ability to engage effective community organizing. Ability to rapidly assimilate and effectively disseminate knowledge about pertinent health issues.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Demonstrates strong interpersonal and communication skills and has the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.
• Possesses knowledge of community agencies and resources.
• Works with multi-system outreach programs related to health care delivery, clinical education, and health-related services
• Plans, implements, and evaluates individual individuals care plans.
• Maintains knowledge of transportation and other barriers to care that may be encountered by individuals.
• Communicates medical information to health care professionals and care coordinators over the telephone.
• Possesses knowledge of community health concepts, advocacy & capacity building, care coordination, health literacy & education, safety and self-care and cultural competency.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

• Possession of a valid driver's license is a requirement for this job.
• Holds CHW certification or could obtain within six months of employment and complete 30 education/training hours every two years to achieve re-certification.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Creating connections between vulnerable populations and healthcare systems
• Determining eligibility and enrolling individuals into health insurance plans
• Educating health system providers and stakeholders about community health needs
• Providing culturally appropriate health education on topics related to chronic disease prevention, physical activity, and nutrition

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assists patients in their homes, community, or clinic setting. Communicates to individuals the purposes of the program and the impact it may have on their wellbeing. Helps patients identify socio-economic issues that affect their overall health and develop health/social management plans and goals.

• Documents all encounters and contracts made on behalf of patients; completes and submits monthly reports; maintains comprehensive electronic individuals files, which include individuals notes, release of information, assessments and other medical documents acquired on behalf of the individuals. Documents activities, service plans, and outcomes achieved by individuals in an effective manner.
• Educates individuals on the proper use of the Emergency Room and provides information for alternatives. Coaches patients in effective management of their chronic health conditions and self-care. Assists patient in understanding care plans and instructions. Motivates individuals/patients to be active and engaged participants in their health and overall wellbeing.
• Assists individuals in accessing health related services, including but not limited to obtaining a medical home, providing instruction on appropriate use of the medical home, overcoming barriers to obtaining needed medical care and /or social services.
• Provides support and advocacy during initial medical visit or when necessary to assure patients' medical needs and referrals required are being conveyed. Follows up with both patients and providers regarding health/social services plans.
• Continuously expands knowledge and understanding of community resources and services. Facilitates individuals access to community resources, including locating housing, food, clothing, prenatal classes, parenting, and providers to teach life skills, and relevant mental health services. Assists patients in utilizing community services, including scheduling appointments with social services agencies, and assisting with completion of applications for programs for which they may be eligible.
• Facilitates communication and coordinate services between providers and the patients/patients. Coordinates and monitors services, including comprehensive tracking of patients' compliance in relation to care plan objectives.
• Works collaboratively and effectively within a team. Establishes positive, supportive relationships with participants and provides feedback to other members of the team. Builds and maintains positive working relationships with the patients, providers, nurse case managers, agency representatives, supervisors, and office staff, from diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds. Works to reduce cultural and socio-economic barriers between patients and healthcare/community services.
• Travels extensively to individuals homes, community locations, various agencies, and other outreach destinations.
• Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Cornerstone Care is a Non-Profit, Federally Qualified Health Center with 13 locations and a mobile unit, serving communities throughout Southwestern Pennsylvania, and Northern West Virginia. Our mission is to improve the health of our patients and all the residents of the communities we serve, with special concern for the medically underserved and low-income populations.

Cornerstone Care offers: Medical insurance, dental and vision coverage, life insurance, long-term disability insurance, 403 B retirement, flexible spending accounts for medical and dependent care, credit union, and a variety of additional voluntary benefits as well as a generous time off package.

Cornerstone Care, Inc is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin or disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression.