The Community Health Worker (CHW), under the general supervision of the CHW Supervisor, provides health education, disease management education, health care and social service navigation services, and/or case management services to community members while assisting with identifying and addressing patient social determinants of health (SDOH) goals. The CHW will work within an interdisciplinary team and will serve as a bridge between the community members and medical network partners by building trusting relationships with the community members served by the assigned health center or program(s). ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job function satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential duties. - Assess needs and provide clear and pertinent information on health topics and healthy behaviors to improve health outcomes for community members.
- Offer health education to community members in various settings (home visits, health fairs, community outreach events, clinics, hospitals, ER, phone contact, etc.)
- Utilize the EMR system to identify patient health needs and social determinants of health that may be impacting their well-being.
- Assist community members in accessing needed health services (doctors, appointments, medications, referrals, etc.), social services, and community resources.
- Work collaboratively with community members to set goals and develop individualized plans to achieve better health.
- Provide case management for individuals and families, ensuring follow-up until issues are resolved or appropriate referrals are made.
- Maintain accurate and detailed records of all interactions with patients and community members following established data collection procedures.
- Prepare program data and reports (case studies, program evaluations) to inform grant applications and progress reports.
- Build and maintain relationships with community members, organizations, and stakeholders to advance program goals.
- Participate in professional development opportunities, present at conferences, and assist with organizing health promotion events and activities as needed.
- Monitor and order project supplies as needed.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS: - Flexible work schedule required. This position requires travel throughout the Chicagoland area. The typical schedule is weekdays 8:00am – 4:30pm but shifts may vary, and occasional weekend/evening work may be required.
- Education: High school diploma or the equivalent required.
- Language Skills: Bilingual in Spanish required.
EXPERIENCE: - At least 1 year of experience in community health, health education, case management, administration, medical assisting, or certified nursing assistant work required.
- 2 years of direct patient care or community/patient health experience preferred.
- For some positions: 2 years of health education and navigation experience in a behavioral health setting.
- Licenses and Certifications:
- Up-to-date vaccinations as defined by the CDC, including influenza and COVID-19 required. Proof required prior to the start date.
- CHW Certification preferred
COMPUTER SKILLS: - Strong proficiency with an EMR system (e.g., Athena, Epic, Cerner) preferred.
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Sharepoint, Excel, PowerPoint) preferred.
ADDITIONAL: - Familiarity and/or experience working with Chicago's West Side and/or South Side communities (residents preferred).
- Ability to work in various settings, including home visits, community events, clinics, and hospital partner sites required.
- Manual dexterity for various duties (e.g., typing, lifting up to 15 lbs.).
- Ability to provide health education in individual and group settings.
- Ability to coordinate non-clinical care under supervision.
- Passion for working with community members and providers.
- Strong interpersonal skills to connect and build trust with diverse populations.
- Commitment to racial and health equity.
- Punctual, reliable, and eager to learn.
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