Field Based Community Health Worker

About the role

Optum is a global organization that delivers care, aided by technology, to help millions of people live healthier lives. The Field Based Community Health Worker (CHW) will actively engage health plan members and clinical contacts to increase their engagement with and utilization of health plan benefits and offerings. The CHW serves as a field‑based resource, meeting members in their homes and communities and representing the organization in a positive and professional manner.

Primary Responsibilities

• Engage members at residential homes, senior living apartments, long‑term care facilities, or assisted living communities.
• Provide member education regarding programs and benefit plan offerings.
• Coordinate and schedule members for appropriate clinical service visits, ensuring timely access to care.
• Build member trust and foster relationships with Optum health care providers.
• Remove obstacles hindering members from utilizing health plan benefits and proactively address future challenges.
• Escalate concerns and barriers as appropriate to support the member.
• Complete member assessments, identify additional health plan needs, and provide community resources.
• May perform bone density screening‑osteoporosis management for women who had a fracture (OMW) as appropriate.
• Utilize the internal electronic medical record system to document engagement attempts and ensure coding accuracy.
• Plan routes for optimal time management of schedule and travel distance.
• Use scheduling tools to arrange various types of visits, contributing to Stars gap closure and reduced medical expenses.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED.
• 3+ years of experience working within a community health setting or community outreach.
• 2+ years of professional experience with diverse multi‑ethnic and socioeconomic populations.
• 1+ years of field‑based experience.
• Intermediate computer skills, especially Microsoft Excel, in a Windows environment.
• Ability to keep all company‑sensitive documents secure.
• Reliable high‑speed internet connection and a dedicated, private work area.
• Active, unrestricted driver’s license and reliable transportation for travel within the designated area.
• Residency within a commutable distance to Milwaukee and surrounding communities in Wisconsin.
• Ability to plan routes for efficient scheduling and travel.
• Flexibility to adjust scheduled hours based on member availability or needs.

Preferred Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience working with vulnerable populations.
• Experience in sales or marketing.
• Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), Certified Nursing Assistant/Home Health Aide, or Medical Assistant certification.
• Bilingual fluency in Spanish and English.
• CHW certification.
• Experience working in a managed care organization.
• Knowledge of Medicare/Medicaid populations.
• Telecommuter or work‑from‑home experience.

Soft Skills

• Good judgment for improved patient outcomes and ability to consult leadership and escalate as appropriate.
• Ability to work independently with accountability.
• Strong collaboration with health care providers.
• Excellent organizational and time‑management skills.
• Ability to multitask, prioritize, and meet deadlines.
• Resilience under pressure in a fast‑paced environment.
• Clear verbal and written communication; ability to convey information concisely and understand others.

Benefits

• Paid Time Off accruing from the first pay period.
• 8 paid holidays.
• Medical plan options with Health Spending Account or Health Savings Account.
• Dental, vision, life & AD&D insurance, short‑term and long‑term disability coverage.
• 401(k) savings plan and Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
• Education reimbursement.
• Employee discounts and assistance program.
• Referral bonus program.
• Voluntary benefits (pet insurance, legal insurance, long‑term care insurance, etc.).

Pay

The hourly pay for this role ranges from $20.00 to $36.00 per hour, based on factors such as local labor markets, education, experience, and certifications.

Schedule

This is a full‑time, 40‑hour per week position, Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm Central Standard Time. Occasional work outside these hours may be required to meet member needs. The exact schedule will be determined by the manager upon hire.

Location

Milwaukee and surrounding communities in Wisconsin. The role is field‑based with a home‑based office; you will work from home when not in the field. Ability to rent a car is required if travel exceeds 100 miles per day.