Community Healthcare Worker

The Community Healthcare Worker serves as a liaison between the patient/family and the health systems by providing navigation to facilitate access to care, community resources and improved communication to assure patient follow-up, improved quality of life and better health outcomes.

Essential Job Statements

• Understands VCUHS Indigent Care Program and the eligibility process to support patients in completion of application to assure access to care. Understands public support programs to include eligibility requirements, application process and services available once client is deemed eligible assists the individual in getting the services. Provides screening and navigation for patients using approved tools and processes designed to meet TJC requirements

• Documents patient contact and clinical support activities in accordance with VCUHS Hospital and policies, procedures, and standards within specified timeframes.

• Manages patient caseload as evidenced by meeting productivity requirements as established by the program.

• Utilizes reports including hospital activity and patient engagement to contact and/or visit patients directly to discuss program access, prevention services and utilization of services.

• Documents patient contact in approved documentation system.

• Identifies problems and resources to help clients solve problems. with the goal of teaching the patient/family/others how to navigate independently.

• Demonstrates skills in patient advocacy to assure access to care.

• “Navigates” the systems of care while teaching the patient about self-care that is appropriate and timely. This shall include assisting with making appointments, obtaining referrals for specialty care, appropriate use of the ED, promotion of obtaining preventive services, etc. to promote “Right Care, Right Place, Right Time”.

• Provides Culturally Appropriate Information/Education to Patients, Families & Staff

• Counsel enrollees to empower them to become an active participant in their health care.

• Serve as a program liaison at public forums, community health fairs, school and church events to assure that community is informed of health and social resources. Assists program management in barriers to access to resources.

• Ensure responsibility and visible commitment of diversity equity and inclusion programs/initiatives through collaboration and implementation of initiatives across the health.

Patient Population

Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide equitable care appropriate to the age of the patients served on their assigned unit.

Neonates (0-4 weeks)

Infant (1-12 months)

Pediatrics (1-12 years)

Adolescents (13-17 years)

Adults (18-64 years)

Geriatrics (65 years and older)

Employment Qualifications

Required Education:

High School Diploma or equivalent education or training

Preferred Education:

Associate or bachelor’s degree in health sciences or social services from an accredited program

Licensure/Certification Required: N/A

Licensure/Certification Preferred:

Minimum Qualifications

Years and Type of Required Experience:

1-year prior experience working in a healthcare and/or community health setting or on-the-job training and orientation in health sciences, social services, or related field.

Years and Type of Preferred Experience:

2-year prior experience working in a healthcare and/or community health setting or on-the-job training and orientation in health sciences, social services, or related field.

Other Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:

Microsoft Office, communication and organizational skills, critical thinking

Cultural Responsiveness

Demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion through continuous development, modeling inclusive behaviors, and proactively managing bias.

Other Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Preferred:

Working Conditions

Periods of high stress and fluctuating workloads may occur.

May be exposed to physical altercations and verbal abuse.

May be exposed to high noise levels and bright lights.

May be exposed to limited hazardous substances or body fluids. *

May have periods of constant interruptions.

• Individuals in this position are required to exercise universal precautions, use personal protective equipment and devices, and learn the policies concerning infection control.

Physical Requirements

Physical Demands: Lifting/ Carrying (0-50 lbs.), Push/ Pull (0-50 lbs.), Stoop, Kneel, Squat, Bending

Work Position: Sitting, Walking, Standing

Additional Physical Requirements/ Hazards

Physical Requirements: Manual dexterity (eye/hand coordination), Perform shift work, Hear alarms/telephone/tape recorder, Reach above shoulder, Finger Dexterity

Hazards:

Mental/Sensory – Emotional

Mental / Sensory: Strong Recall, Reasoning, Problem Solving, Hearing, Speak Clearly, Write Legibly, Reading, Logical Thinking

Emotional: Fast-paced environment, Able to Handle Multiple Priorities, Frequent and Intense Customer Interactions, Noisy Environment, Able to Adapt to Frequent Change

EEO Employer/Disabled/Protected Veteran/41 CFR 60-1.4.