Community Health Worker

Job Overview

Community Health Worker – RWJBarnabas Health

At RWJBarnabas Health, Community Health Workers play a vital role in improving the health and well-being of patients by connecting them with the resources, education, and support they need to overcome barriers to care. This position offers the opportunity to build meaningful relationships within the community while collaborating with multidisciplinary healthcare teams to improve health outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Meeting with patients in clinics, hospitals, the emergency department, and community settings to complete Social Determinants of Health assessments and identify barriers to care
• Building trusting relationships with patients while providing education, encouragement, and ongoing support to promote healthy lifestyles and wellness goals
• Scheduling and conducting weekly follow-up phone calls and home visits to monitor patient progress and address emerging needs
• Aiding patients with overcoming challenges related to housing instability, food insecurity, transportation, substance use, financial hardship, and other social needs
• Helping patients organize medical records, coordinate appointments with primary care providers and specialists, and navigate healthcare services
• Connecting patients with community resources such as food assistance, childcare, housing programs, transportation services, and other supportive organizations
• Collaborating with healthcare providers, care managers, and community-based organizations to coordinate services and improve continuity of care
• Maintaining accurate documentation of patient interactions, referrals, follow-up activities, and care coordination efforts
• Participating in mandatory meetings, community outreach events, and organizational initiatives while supporting departmental goals and patient-centered care

Requirements

• A high school diploma or equivalent
• Reliable transportation
• Previous experience working with patients in healthcare, community outreach, social services, or care coordination is preferred
• Spanish-speaking and/or Haitian-Creole speaking ability is required
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills, with the ability to support patients facing complex social and healthcare challenges
• Flexibility to work a 03:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. schedule, including rotating weekends and holidays with at least one weekend per month (potentially two)

Qualifications

• Passionate about helping individuals overcome barriers that impact their health and quality of life
• Enjoy building relationships and working directly with diverse patient populations in both healthcare and community settings
• Communicate effectively and can establish trust with patients, families, healthcare providers, and community partners
• Organized and able to manage multiple patients, follow-up activities, and community resources simultaneously
• Compassionate, empathetic, and motivated to advocate for patients with complex social and healthcare needs
• Flexible and adaptable in a dynamic environment that includes travel, evening hours, rotating weekends, and community outreach activities
• Commitment to promoting health equity and improving access to healthcare and community resources

Skills

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to build trust and rapport with patients and community members
• Effective problem-solving and critical thinking skills
• Organizational and time management skills
• Flexibility and adaptability in a fast-paced, multi-faceted environment

Benefits

RWJBarnabas Health offers a market-competitive Total Rewards package that includes:

• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Medical and Prescription Drug Insurance
• Dental and Vision Insurance
• Retirement Plans
• Short & Long Term Disability
• Life & Accidental Death Insurance
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Health Care/Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
• Wellness Programs
• Voluntary Benefits (e.g., Pet Insurance)
• Discounts through our partners such as NJ Devils, NJ PAC, Verizon, and more!