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.

Location

Staten Island and surrounding communities, New York. Ability to rent a car if travel exceeds 100 miles per day.

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 members' trust and foster their relationship with Optum health‑care providers.
• Actively engage with members to remove obstacles hindering utilization of health‑plan benefits.
• Proactively address challenges to improve member experience, increase utilization, and escalate concerns as appropriate.
• Attempt to complete members' assessments, identify other health‑plan needs, and provide community resources.
• May complete bone‑density screening/osteoporosis management for women who had a fracture (OMW) as appropriate.
• Utilize 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/GED.
• 3+ years of experience working within 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; ability to navigate a Windows environment, especially Microsoft Excel.
• Ability to keep all company‑sensitive documents secure.
• Residence with UnitedHealth Group‑approved high‑speed internet and a dedicated, private work area.
• Active, unrestricted driver’s license and reliable transportation for travel to member homes and communities.
• Residence within a commutable distance to Staten Island and surrounding New York communities.
• Ability to plan routes for optimal schedule and travel efficiency.
• Flexibility with scheduled hours based on member availability and 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/work‑from‑home experience.
• Strong judgment for improved patient outcomes, ability to consult leadership and escalate as appropriate.
• Ability to work independently with accountability.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with health‑care providers.
• Strong organizational and time‑management skills; ability to multitask and prioritize.
• Ability to perform well under pressure in a fast‑paced environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Benefits

• Competitive base pay.
• Comprehensive benefits program including medical, dental, vision, life & AD&D insurance, short‑term and long‑term disability.
• Paid time off accruing from the first pay period plus 8 paid holidays.
• Health Spending Account or Health Savings Account options.
• 401(k) savings plan and Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
• Education reimbursement.
• Employee discounts, assistance program, referral bonus program.
• Voluntary benefits such as pet insurance, legal insurance, long‑term care insurance, etc.
• Performance rewards and recognition programs.

Pay

Hourly rate ranges from $20.00 to $36.00 per hour based on full‑time employment, local labor markets, education, experience, and certifications.

Schedule

Full‑time, 40‑hour work week, Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm Eastern Standard Time. Occasionally may work outside these hours due to member needs. Schedule will be determined by the manager upon hire. This is a field‑based position with a home‑based office; work from home when not in the field.