Community Health Worker

About the role

This is a full-time community-based position requiring frequent travel within the assigned territory. The ECCM Community Health Worker (CHW) serves as a bridge between specific communities and the health and social care system. CHWs develop a deep understanding of community resources and needs, align interventions with each patient's values and goals, and serve as liaisons and mediators.

Responsibilities

• Initiate outreach efforts, face-to-face, related to targeted preventive health, maternity, care transitions, and chronic condition initiatives.
• Educate members on the importance of targeted preventive health services, assess opportunity for care management intervention, and make appropriate referrals, including referrals to the Behavioral Health Managed Care Organization (BHMCO) as needed.
• Contact members, providers, and community agencies to coordinate access to preventive health services.
• Develop a rapport with members and community centers to establish a supportive relationship which empowers members to take an active role in their health and wellness.
• Aid members with completing a Health Risk Assessment, identifying/providing direction to managing healthcare barriers (i.e., knowledge deficit, transportation, financial), scheduling appointments, and answering questions.
• Collaborate with human services providers such as Head Start Programs, WIC, community centers, and homeless shelters; as well as state agencies such as Children and Youth Services (CYS) and juvenile probation in the identification and outreach to members in need of services.
• Understand the Organization's lines of business and benefits for members in order to provide accurate and current information to members in the community.
• Contribute to the development and preparation of educational materials for members and providers.
• Conduct provider and community training on Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic and Treatment (EPSDT) services and other special preventive health initiatives.
• Provide summary and outcomes of training to management and peers.
• Participate in the development of programs that are effective, measurable, and innovative, with a special emphasis on reaching at-risk members.
• Represent the company at community events, including events sponsored by community centers.
• Other duties as assigned or requested.

Requirements

• Minimum High School Diploma/GED
• Basic medical terminology background
• Community Health Worker experience
• Complete initial and focused follow-up assessments, provide social support, and advocate for patient and caregiver needs while addressing Social Determinants of Health.
• Complete and facilitate home visits.

Skills

• Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer service.
• The ability to interact well with peers, supervisors, and customers and work as a team member.
• The ability to solve problems independently and creatively and be proactive, self-directed, assertive, and creative in problem-solving and system planning.
• The ability to handle many tasks simultaneously and respond to customers and their issues promptly.
• Good written and oral communication skills.
• An appreciation of cultural diversity and sensitivity towards the Medicaid population with demonstrated expertise in topics related to cultural competency including working with members with limited English proficiency.
• Be aware of issues members face related to healthcare including transportation, childcare, lack of knowledge concerning preventive health, distrust of the system as well as other personal, social, financial barriers.
• Demonstrate patience and empathy when interacting with members and all internal/external customers.

Education

• Preferred: Basic medical terminology background
• Preferred: Community Health Worker experience

License and Certifications

• Required: None
• Preferred: None

Travel Requirement

50% - 75%

Physical, Mental Demands and Working Conditions

• Position Type: Most On-The-Road
• Teaches/Trains others regularly: Rarely
• Travels regularly from the office to various work sites or from site-to-site: Frequently
• Works primarily out-of-the office selling products/services (Sales employees): Does Not Apply
• Lifts up to 10 pounds: Constantly
• Lifts 10 to 25 pounds: Occasionally
• Lifts 25 to 50 pounds: Never