Field-Based Community Health Worker

Primary Responsibilities

• Engage members at their 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 members' trust and foster their relationship with Optum health‑care providers.
• Actively engage with members to remove obstacles that hinder utilization of health‑plan benefits.
• Proactively address future challenges to improve member experience, increase utilization of benefits, and support provider engagement; escalate concerns as appropriate.
• Complete members' assessments, identify additional health‑plan needs, and provide community resources.
• May perform bone‑density screening/osteoporosis management for women who have had a fracture (OMW) as appropriate.
• Utilize the internal electronic medical record system to document engagement attempts and ensure accurate coding.
• 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.

Working Schedule

This is a full‑time, 40‑hour per week position (Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm EST). Occasionally work may be required outside these hours to meet member needs. The specific schedule will be determined by the manager upon hire. The role is field‑based with a home‑based office; you will work from home when not in the field.

Location

Bronx, West Chester, Manhattan, and surrounding communities in New York. Candidates must reside within a commutable distance to these areas, have reliable transportation and a valid U.S. driver’s license (or use public transportation), and be able to rent a car if travel exceeds 100 miles per day. A dedicated home workspace with high‑speed internet is required.

Required Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED.
• 3+ years of experience in a community health setting or community outreach.
• 2+ years of professional experience working with diverse, multi‑ethnic and socioeconomic populations.
• 1+ year of field‑based experience.
• Intermediate computer skills, especially Microsoft Excel and Windows navigation.
• Ability to keep all company‑sensitive documents secure.
• Flexibility with scheduled hours based on member availability and needs.
• Ability to plan routes for optimal time and travel management.
• Dedicated, private work area at home.
• High‑speed internet connection meeting UnitedHealth Group standards.
• Access to reliable transportation and a valid U.S. driver’s license (or ability to use public transit).

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.
• Community Health Worker (CHW) certification.
• Experience working in a managed‑care organization.
• Knowledge of Medicare/Medicaid populations.
• Telecommuter/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.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with health‑care providers.
• Strong organizational and time‑management skills.
• Ability to multitask, prioritize, and meet deadlines.
• Capability to perform well under pressure in a fast‑paced environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication; clear, concise articulation and active listening.

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.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Employee referral bonus program.
• Voluntary benefits (pet insurance, legal insurance, long‑term care insurance, etc.).

Pay

The hourly rate for this role ranges from $20.00 to $36.00 per hour, based on factors such as local labor markets, education, experience, and certifications. The position complies with all applicable minimum‑wage laws.