Field-Based Community Health Worker

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.

Working Schedule

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

Location

Bronx/Queens and surrounding communities, NY. The role is field‑based with a home‑based office; you will work from home when not in the field. A reliable vehicle (or public transportation) and a valid U.S. driver’s license are required, and the 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 relationships with Optum health‑care providers.
• Remove obstacles that prevent 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 have had a fracture, as appropriate.
• Document member engagement attempts in the internal electronic medical record system to improve coding accuracy.
• Plan routes for optimal time management of schedule and travel distance.
• Utilize 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 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 ability to navigate a Windows environment.
• Ability to keep all company‑sensitive documents secure.
• Flexibility with scheduled hours based on member availability and needs.
• Ability to plan efficient travel routes.
• Dedicated, private work area with high‑speed internet meeting UnitedHealth Group standards.
• Residence within commuting distance to Bronx/Queens, NY.
• Reliable transportation and a valid U.S. driver’s license (or ability to use public transportation).

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 credential.
• 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.

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.

Pay

The hourly pay for this role ranges from $20 – $36 per hour, based on factors such as local labor markets, education, experience, and certifications.

Benefits

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