Community Health Worker / Patient Support Specialist

Join an Organization that Puts its People First!

Interested in helping grow a healthcare model based on trusting relationships, joy in work, and health equity? Orchid Health might be just the place for you!

Orchid Health was founded 10 years ago with the belief that the most effective way to improve the health of our communities is through integrated patient-centered care that takes the time to listen to and build trusting relationships with each patient. We are committed to our communities and each other and are proud of the positive feedback and reputation that we have built. We currently see thousands of patients at our Oregon clinic locations, all supported by a talented, passionate, and dedicated staff.

Our mission is to advance a new model for community health to thrive based on relationships, joy in work, and health equity. We achieve this by leaning into our four pillars and core values:

Core Values:

• Challenge the Status Quo
• Cultivate Respect
• Courageously Vulnerable and Accountable

Four Pillars (in order of priority):

• Pillar 1: Employee Well-Being
• Pillar 2: Trusting Patient Relationships
• Pillar 3: Community Health
• Pillar 4: Financial Sustainability

Why work for Orchid Health?

Orchid Health’s culture revolves around a healthy work-life balance, asking open-ended questions and providing transparent feedback, and learning from our mistakes. Orchid’s team members have abundant opportunities to expand their professional skills in a supportive environment, participate in community outreach efforts and partnerships, and enjoy a robust benefits package. 

Compensation:

• $20.50 – $23.25/hour depending on experience and skills 

Benefits:

• Medical, Dental, & Vision – Orchid pays monthly premiums at 100% for team members and at least 50%   for their dependents for base medical and dental plans 
• $1000/year Wellness Benefit - for things that make you happy!

• 401(k) with a company match and financial planning and wellness resources available at no cost.

• A Continuing Education / Continuing Medical Education budget for all team members
• An Employee Assistance Program (EAP) that provides mental health support, financial planning, and lifestyle training opportunities, at no cost to employees
• 128 hours of PTO per year, annually front-loaded with tenure-based increases
• 40 hours of paid inclement weather and emergency closure leave, annually front-loaded
• 8 paid holidays, plus your birthday off!
• Free care at our clinics for team members and their families
• And more!

*Team members are eligible for benefits on the first of the month following 30 days of employment.

Located at the foot of the Cascade Mountains, Orchid Health’s Oakridge Clinic is in the center of one of the best recreational areas in the state and is just 45 minutes east of Eugene. The area is known for year-round sunny weather, having over 500 miles of hiking and biking trails, and being surrounded by waterfalls, hot springs, and numerous other outdoor adventure opportunities.

The schedule for this position is Monday – Friday / 8:00am - 5:00pm

Responsibilities:

• Prepare for the day’s patients by verifying insurance, scrubbing for missing information, and preparing  documents before we open so that the check in process is streamlined
• Warmly and professionally greet patients as they check into the clinic for their appointments
• Collect and record necessary patient intake paperwork and any patient copays
• Answer phone calls, schedule patient appointments, answer patient questions, and be able to identify when patients need to discuss questions with a medical professional
• Handle incoming faxes by passing them off to the appropriate staff member and/or uploading documents to patients’ electronic health records system
• Calmly and professionally respond to healthcare crises as the first line of interaction. Appropriately involve supervisor(s) and healthcare staff as needed
• Participate in community events, promotional efforts, and healthcare activities
• Present the clinic in a positive light at all times to members of the community
• Maintain professional boundaries in the community at all times especially regarding PHI, HIPAA, and other sensitive information
• Nightly cleaning of the waiting room to ensure it is clean and presentable with fresh coffee, water, cups, tissue, business cards, stickers, magnets, etc.
• Responsible for establishing trusting relationships with patients and their families while providing general support and encouragement and creating a welcoming and safe environment.
• Providing initial outreach and engaging patients in their care plan goals specific to Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) via ongoing follow-up and support.
• Providing ongoing follow-up, basic motivational interviewing and goal setting around identified SDOH needs with patients and their families.
• Participate in an integrated team to support chronic care management and behavioral health needs.
• Participate as an active member in the patient's care team in coordinating services and developing care plans.
• Conduct outreach efforts for newly assigned patients and patients losing insurance coverage to help patients stay covered on OHP and establish care at Orchid. 
• Be knowledgeable about community resources appropriate to the needs of patients/families. 
• Provide resources and referrals to community agencies and follow-up to support successful connections are established.
• Build and maintain relationships with community organizations and partners. 
• Community engagement and community organizer. 
• Follow-up on all CHW referrals and document all patient contact in the EHR.
• Record work performed in the EHR via cases and encounter notes no later than 24 hours after patient contact.
• Exhibit excellent working relations with patients, visitors, staff and community partners, effectively carrying out Orchid’s mission.
• Attend regular staff meetings, training(s) and other meetings as requested. 
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• Minimum of high school diploma or GED
• One (1) year relevant experience working with underserved populations with medical and social needs in a social service and/or community-based setting
• Understand rural  communities served, preference via lived experience.
• Experience working in medical settings and interacting collaboratively with healthcare teams preferred
• Basic computer skills
• Ability to initiate and maintain positive working relationships with patients, staff and other organizations.
• Good communication skills, such as listening well, and using language appropriately.
• Ability and willingness to provide emotional support, encouragement and motivation to patients.
• Valid Driver’s License

Preferred Qualifications:

• Certification as Traditional Healthcare Worker (THW) or Community Health Worker (CHW); however, Orchid will compensate for necessary job related training upon employment. 
• EHR Experience

Work Environment:

While in the clinic, team members may be exposed to viruses, disease, and infection from patients and specimens in the working environment. Team members may be required to work for extended periods of time at a computer. Team members use standard office equipment, such as computers, phones, and e-fax.

Physical Demands: 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. The employee may be regularly required to use hands and fingers to operate a computer, telephone, and keyboard. This position requires intermittent physical activity, including standing, walking, bending, kneeling, stooping, reaching, and crouching, as well as lifting and supporting patients. Computer work is required for in-clinic positions. Light to moderate lifting may be required.

Travel: 

Travel is primarily local during the business day, although some out-of-the-area may be expected on occasion (CME events, or activities involving other Orchid Health Clinics).

Employment Offer Contingencies:

Job offers are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check and drug screening. 

AAP/EEO Statement:

It is the policy of Orchid Health to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, Orchid Health will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.

Salary : $1,000