Community Health Worker

SUMMARY The Community Health Worker (CHW) is responsible for helping individuals and families navigate and access community services, other resources, and adopt healthy behaviors. The CHW will support medical and service providers through an integrated approach to care coordination and community outreach. As a priority, activities will align with the Pathways Community HUB model and promote, maintain, and improve the health of individuals and families residing in Adams, Brown, Highland, and Scioto Counties.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

a) Provides outreach and recruitment activities throughout the service area that targets potentially eligible program clients, including those eligible for the Ohio Department of Health Breast and Cervical Cancer Project. b) Establishes formal referral partnerships and clinical linkages with community service providers in the regional area. c) Determines client eligibility and suitability for services according to applicable program guidelines. d) Establishes and maintains trusting relationships with clients and their families while providing general support and encouragement. e) Maintains individual file for each client/family which documents eligibility, all program required forms and paperwork, and all other required supporting documentation to meet funder/agency requirements. f) Provides ongoing follow-up via phone calls, home visits and visits to other settings, basic motivational interviewing, and goal setting with clients/families. g) Helps clients connect with transportation resources and provide appointment reminders in special circumstances, transporting clients based on need. h) Works closely with medical providers to help ensure clients have comprehensive and coordinated care plans. i) Provides consistent communication to other providers to evaluate client/family status, ensuring provided information and reports clearly describe progress. j) Acts as a client advocate and liaison between the client/family and medical providers/community service agencies. Assists clients in understanding and accessing services aimed at overcoming situational, financial, medical, social, and emotional problems. Makes referrals as appropriate and accompanies client to appointments as needed. k) Follows up at regular intervals, obtaining feedback at each stage, with clients and other appropriate parties to determine effectiveness of program, measure of client's success/satisfaction and further need for services. Documents feedback received for inclusion in a required reporting. l) Attains required program outcomes, as defined by the funder/agency, related to eligibility, enrollment, outcomes, and follow up. m) Improves internal and external awareness of program services by making group presentations about services and opportunities available. Coordinates and hosts regular meetings throughout the service area with a goal of increasing participation and enhancing program offerings. n) Conducts periodic evaluations of program effectiveness and responsiveness, creates reports as needed and maintains all records necessary to meet program requirements. Coordinates activities with other agency and program personnel as appropriate. Inputs and updates required information in applicable program data management system(s). o) Assists in the creation of a safety culture by working in a safe manner; reports unsafe situations and accidents; follows safety procedures; requests and uses safety equipment and safety techniques; and participates in safety training. p) Attends professional development seminars and workshops as deemed necessary. q) Assumes additional duties and responsibilities as required.

OCCASIONAL FUNCTIONS

Participates on work-related committees.

QUALIFICATIONS AND PROFESSIONAL REQUIREMENTS

a) High School Diploma/GED required. Post-secondary education in a health-related field and 1 to 2 years professional experience in a medical/social service field preferred. Pay rate is commensurate with CHW certification level. b) Excellent verbal and written communication, interpersonal, problem-solving, decision making, time management, and organizational skills. Must have the ability to effectively communicate with individuals and large groups, as well as facilitate client, community partner, and public meetings. c) Ability to successfully obtain CHW certification within one year of hire. d) Strong commitment to learning and integrating cultural differences into day-to-day practices. e) Regular and punctual attendance on the job. f) Compliance with agency and departmental policies and procedures, including those related to client confidentiality, drug free workplace, criminal background, and vaccination status. g) Familiarity with pertinent legislation, rules, and regulations as well as other social service programs within the service area. h) Operational knowledge of PC Operating Systems and Microsoft Office software package. i) Valid Driver's License, automobile insurance, and reliable transportation.

WORK CONDITIONS AND POTENTIAL HAZARDS

There is frequent, personal contact with people; exposure to illness and communicable diseases, people with a wide range of physical and mental disabilities, emotionally distraught, communication or memory impaired, confused and irate and those under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Must sit and operate keyboard or write for extended periods of time. Must be able to climb up and down stairs and walk on a variety of surfaces in various regional locations, including personal homes. Must work in fast-paced environment performing several different tasks in a brief time. Work is mostly indoors and sedentary; frequent visits to a variety of regional locations required. Must be able to comfortably lift forty (40) pounds. Must be able to drive agency and personal vehicles to transport clients, as needed.

EQUIPMENT OPERATED

Computer and data processing equipment. Standard office equipment, such as multi-line switchboard, copier machine, fax machine, etc. Agency vehicles, including 12-passenger van.

Job Type:

Full-time Pay:

$22.82 - $23.37 per hour

Education:

High school or equivalent (Required)

License/Certification:

Driver's License (Required)

Work Location:

In person