Community Health Worker

About the role

At Oak Street Health, the Community Health Worker (CHW) serves as the bridge between patients, the community, and medical systems to remove barriers and increase wellness across all life domains. This role involves proactive in-person and phone outreach tailored to each patient’s care needs, promoting health literacy and connecting patients to resources that support healthier lives. CHWs work closely with Medical Social Workers to manage care plans, support care team decisions, and coordinate clinical and complementary services, all within their scope of practice and without requiring a clinical license.

Responsibilities

• Establish and maintain strong interpersonal relationships with patients, community organizations, team members, and partners to coordinate patient needs
• Manage patient referrals defined by the care team and collaborate with the Medical Social Worker on action plans
• Facilitate communication between all parties involved in patients’ care, including family members, caregivers, medical providers, and community-based organizations
• Build and maintain an inventory of local community organizations that may benefit patients
• Connect patients to state and local community resources related to housing, transportation, food, and activities of daily living, among other social and physical barriers to health
• Assist patients with completing applications for accessing eligible benefits and resources
• Promote goal setting and achievement to improve patients’ quality of life and self-efficacy, with goals agreed upon by the care team
• Meet with patients in patient-centered and patient-preferred locations, including Oak Street Health centers, patient homes, external medical provider facilities, and community settings
• Spend approximately half of time outside the center in patient-centered locations; reliable transportation is required
• Drive engagement with high-risk individuals, including accompaniment to specialty appointments and adherence to post-discharge visits
• Complete referrals to organizations and agencies as needed
• Deliver culturally appropriate health education in areas where Oak Street Health has provided competency training
• Support care team decision-making through participation in interdisciplinary team meetings
• Document patient interactions in the electronic medical record in a timely manner while maintaining HIPAA standards and confidentiality
• Manage time, set priorities, work independently, and collaborate effectively with an interdisciplinary medical team

Requirements

• Minimum of 1 year of experience in healthcare, community-based, case management, or social service environments
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining a positive attitude
• Dedication to serving the community and building meaningful relationships
• Proficient computer skills (e.g., Windows, GSuite, Microsoft)
• Access to reliable transportation and ability to travel throughout the community
• US work authorization

Preferred Qualifications

• Fluency in a language commonly spoken in the community, most often bilingual English/Spanish
• Experience working on multidisciplinary teams with organizations, agencies, patients, and community members
• Knowledge of community resources and resource navigation
• Community Health Worker certification or Associates or Bachelors degree in a related field
• Experience utilizing electronic medical record systems
• A problem-solving orientation and a flexible and positive attitude

Pay

The typical pay range for this role is $18.50 – $35.29 per hour. The actual base salary offer will depend on experience, education, geography, and other relevant factors. This position is eligible for a CVS Health bonus, commission, or short-term incentive program in addition to the base pay.