Community Health Worker - Charleston Area

Physical Requirements:

The employee is regularly required to speak and hear sufficiently to communicate effectively by phone or in person, at normal volumes. Specific vision is required, including adequate vision to read correspondence, computer screen, forms, etc. The employee is to have good manual dexterity.

Qualifications:

• Trusted member and resident in the community being served.
• Interpersonal skills.
• Ability to express empathy.
• Counseling/health promotion skills.
• Ability to read and write.
• Knowledge of community resources.
• Understanding of professional conduct.
• Must have a valid driver's license.

Basic Function:

This position will assist high-risk patients with the care coordination in their home and community. There will be interactions with patients through weekly home visits, facilitation of communication between the patient and their provider.

• Help patients apply disease self-management plans in the context of their home and community.
• Provide emotional and social support.
• Link individuals with clinical, community and other resources and serve as a liaison between patients and the clinical care coordination team.
• Provide ongoing, flexible, accessible support for patients as their needs change.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Works under direction of the health care team.
• Assists patients in self-management of chronic illnesses and medication adherence as directed by the medical provider.
• Acts as a bridge between individuals, families, communities and health and human services.
• Provides culturally appropriate health education, information and outreach in community-based settings, usually in the patient's home.
• Provide services, such as advising on access to health and human services, social support, care coordination and health screenings available.
• Maintain updated client records with plans, notes, appropriate forms or related information.
• Advise clients or community groups on issues related to improving general health such as diet or exercise.
• Identify or contact members of high-risk or otherwise targeted groups, such as member of minority populations, low-income populations, or pregnant women.
• Contact clients in person, by phone, or in writing to ensure they have completed required or recommended actions.
• Distribute flyers, brochures, or other informational or educational documents to inform members of a targeted community.
• Refer community members to needed health services.
• Attend community meetings or health fairs to understand community issues or build relationships with community members.
• Collect information from individuals to compile vital statistics about the general health of the community.
• Other duties as assigned.