Community Health Worker

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Engage patients in the community, including home visits, community settings, and accompaniment to appointments, to assess needs, provide support, and reduce barriers to care.
• Assess and address social determinants of health by connecting patients and families with community resources, public benefits, transportation, housing, food, and other supportive services.
• Coordinate non-clinical aspects of care by assisting patients with appointment scheduling, healthcare navigation, and communication with healthcare providers and community agencies.
• Conduct outreach to patients through telephone, home, and community-based visits to improve engagement in preventive, chronic disease, and follow-up care.
• Collaborate with providers, nurses, nurse care mangers, behavioral health staff, and other interdisciplinary team members to develop and implement patient-centered care plans.
• Provide culturally responsive health education, coaching, advocacy, and self-management support consistent with the patient's goals and care plan.
• Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with community organizations and participate in community events to strengthen partnerships and improve access to services.
• Document patient encounters, assessments, referrals, and interventions accurately and timely in the electronic health record and other required systems.
• Participate in interdisciplinary team meetings, quality improvement initiatives, and ongoing professional development.
• Perform other related duties as assigned in support of patient care and organizational priorities. Additional Duties per s

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Demonstrated ability to build trusting, respectful relationships with patients, families, and community partners from diverse cultural, socioeconomic, and linguistic backgrounds.

2. Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills, including active listening (MI), empathy, motivational support, and conflict resolution.

3. Knowledge of some medical terminology preferred.

4. Knowledge of social determinants of health, community resources, public assistance programs, and strategies for reducing barriers to care.

5. Ability and willingness to provide services in the community-based settings, including patient's homes, community agencies, schools, and medical appointments, while maintaining professional boundaries and personal safety.

6. Ability to work collaboratively as a member of an interdisciplinary healthcare team while developing and maintaining strong relationships with community organizations.

7. Strong organizational, time management, and problem-solving skills with the ability to prioritize multiple patient needs and work independently.

8. Proficiency in documenting patient encounters accurately and timely in the electronic health record and other required systems while maintaining strict confidentiality and HIPAA compliance.

9. Basic computer proficiency, including experience with electronic health records, Microsoft Office applications, and other healthcare technology systems.

10. Demonstrated flexibility, initiative, and commitment to continuous learning and professional development.

REQUIRED EDUCATION & OTHER CREDENTIALS:

I. Education: High School Diploma or equivalent.

II. Certification: MA Community Health Worker Certification is preferred.

III. Has consistent, reliable transportation throughout working hours

IV. Experience: 1 to 2 years' experience working in a community-based and multi-cultural setting preferred.

V. Software/Hardware: Basic computer skills: Microsoft Office, Excel, Outlook is required.

VI. Life Support / CPR Certification: Required

VII. Other Requirements: This position requires routine travel throughout the Greater New Bedford community, including patient homes, community agencies, schools, healthcare facilities, and other locations where patients receive services. The Community Health Worker is expected to conduct home visits, accompany patients to appointments when appropriate, and participate in community outreach activities. Reliable transportation and the ability to travel locally are required.