Community Health Worker II - Full Time - Mercy South

About the role

A community health worker is a front-line public health worker who is a trusted member of and/or has an unusually close understanding of the community served. This trusting relationship enables the worker to serve as a liaison/link between health/social services and the community to facilitate access to services and improve the quality and cultural competence of service delivery. Performs duties and responsibilities in a manner consistent with our mission, values, and Mercy Service Standards.

The Community Health Worker II (CHW II) provides onsite support to patients across hospital and clinic settings as part of an integrated healthcare team. This role serves as a liaison between patients, healthcare providers, and community resources to address health-related social needs (HRSNs), reduce barriers to care, and improve access to healthcare and supportive services. Through patient education, advocacy, resource navigation, and follow-up support, the CHW II helps patients access healthcare coverage, financial assistance programs, medication assistance, and community-based resources that promote overall health and well-being.

Responsibilities

Patient Advocacy and Resource Navigation

• Work one-on-one with patients identified through referrals from care teams and those screening positive for health-related social needs.
• Provide real-time assistance, including walk-in support, to address social needs, answer questions, and connect patients with appropriate resources.
• Educate patients on available healthcare and social service programs and assist them in navigating healthcare and human service systems.
• Assist patients with applying for healthcare coverage, financial assistance programs, medication assistance programs, and other support services.
• Educate patients regarding Healthcare Marketplace options and assist with application processes.
• Facilitate access to healthcare services and support patients in overcoming barriers to care.
• Provide follow-up services to ensure referrals are completed, appointments are kept, and identified needs are addressed.

Community Resource Coordination

• Administer or confirm completion of health-related social needs screenings.
• Connect patients to appropriate community resources using established referral processes.
• Maintain knowledge of available community resources and services.
• Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with local community organizations, agencies, and service providers.

Documentation and Reporting

• Accurately document patient interactions, interventions, referrals, and outcomes within the electronic medical record (EMR).
• Track and report patient encounters and maintain required records in accordance with departmental and organizational standards.
• Ensure documentation is timely, accurate, and compliant with organizational policies.

Patient Caseload Management

• Maintain an appropriate patient caseload as directed by leadership.
• Conduct patient outreach and follow-up utilizing telephone, patient portals, and other approved technology platforms.
• Monitor patient progress and identify unmet needs requiring additional intervention.

Professional Development

• Participate in ongoing training, continuing education, and professional development opportunities.
• Complete Community Health Worker certification training provided by the organization within established timeframes.
• Stay informed on community resources, healthcare programs, and best practices related to social determinants of health.

Additional Duties

• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Requirements

Education

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.

Experience

• 1-3 years of Community Health Worker experience or equivalent relevant experience.

Certification/Registration

• Community Health Worker training certificate (Mercy-provided) within 6-12 months of hire.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong interpersonal relationship-building and collaboration skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication abilities.
• Ability to work independently while functioning effectively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Demonstrated compassion for underserved and vulnerable populations.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and electronic medical record (EMR) systems.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Access to reliable transportation.

Preferred Qualifications

• Additional experience working within healthcare, community outreach, case management, patient advocacy, or social services environments.
• Bilingual or multilingual abilities relevant to the communities served.
• Knowledge of local community resources, public assistance programs, and healthcare systems.
• Experience supporting diverse and underserved populations.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to travel locally between clinic, hospital, and community locations as needed.
• Ability to sit, stand, walk, and utilize standard office and computer equipment for extended periods.

Benefits

From day one, Mercy offers outstanding benefits - including medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid time off, tuition support, and matched retirement plans for team members working 32+ hours per pay period.