Bilingual Community Health Worker

MEDNORTH HEALTH CENTER•Wilmington, NC

3d•$20 - $27•Onsite

About The Position

The Bilingual Community Health Worker (CHW) is a trusted liaison between patients, the healthcare system, and community resources. This role supports patients who face language, cultural, and social barriers to care by providing education, navigation, advocacy, and connection to services. This is an ideal role for someone who is passionate about community advocacy, bilingual communication, and improving access to care for underserved populations. SUMMARY: The Community Health Worker is responsible for serving as a liaison/connector between the patient, care team, and the community with a focus on ensuring access to behavioral health and substance use services if needed. This position will help to bridge conversations with patients and remove barriers that prevent them from accessing health and social services.

Requirements

Requires a High School diploma or GED equivalent from an accredited institution.
Proficiency with computers, electronic documentation, and willingness to learn new systems.
2 years of experience in a healthcare, community-based, or social work environment; or any combination of education and experience, which would provide an equivalent background.
Demonstrated understanding of and is part of the community being served.
Ability to read, write, and speak the native language of the population served.
Information Technology skills: Ability to use Laptops, Smartphones, Internet/online application systems, Microsoft Office, etc.
Must have valid drivers license and reliable insured transportation as travel is required.
Ability to communicate easily with others, including demonstrating active listening skills.
Demonstrates group facilitation skills.
Demonstrates flexibility in addressing changing community needs and program environment.
Create connections between vulnerable populations and healthcare providers
Help patients navigate healthcare and social service systems
Manage care and care transitions for vulnerable populations
Ensure cultural competence among healthcare providers serving vulnerable populations
Educate healthcare providers and stakeholders about community health needs
Provide culturally appropriate health education on topics related to chronic disease prevention, physical activity, and nutrition
Advocate for underserved individuals or communities to receive services and resources to address health needs
Collect data and relay information to stakeholders to inform programs and policies
Provide informal counseling, health screenings, and referrals while maintaining confidentiality.
Has knowledge of the basic workings of the health center.
Demonstrates good customer service and acts in a professional manner.
The incumbent is expected to attend work on a daily basis and to be at work on time.
The incumbent is expected to report absences in accordance with personnel policies and procedures.
The incumbent's work is expected to be accurate, neat, and thorough, and completed on time.
The incumbent is expected to have a positive attitude, be cooperative, and considerate of others.
The incumbent is expected to be dependable and is expected to accept responsibility for assignments and duties given.
The incumbent has the ability to receive and express detailed information through oral and written communications.
The incumbent is expected to dress and act in a professional manner and adhere to all safety standards.
The incumbent is expected to participate in staff meetings, be courteous and polite with patients and other staff.
The incumbent is expected to maintain confidentiality.

Nice To Haves

Certified Community Health Worker preferred.
Experience in community work, education, health care, or related field preferred.
Bilingual-English/Spanish preferred
Demonstrated knowledge of navigating health insurance marketplace and/or other insurance and payment options for low income or indigent patients.
Must possess knowledge of a broad range of social service and assistance providers in community.

Responsibilities

Build strong, trusting relationships with patients and families using culturally and linguistically appropriate approaches
Provide bilingual support (verbal and written) to help patients understand their health, care plans, and available services
Assist patients in navigating healthcare systems, including appointments, referrals, insurance, and follow-up care
Identify and help address social drivers of health such as food insecurity, housing needs, transportation, and utilities
Connect patients to internal programs and external community resources; support referrals and follow-up
Provide health education and coaching tailored to patients’ language, culture, and health literacy levels
Collaborate with primary care, behavioral health, and care management teams to support whole-person care
Participate in community outreach, health education events, and enrollment activities
Accurately document patient interactions and outcomes in the electronic health record (EHR)
Meeting the patient in clinic, facility or at home to help identify social determinants of health impacting patients health and general well-being.
Collaborates with care team members to develop a care/action plan.
Develops trusting relationship with patients by providing support and advocacy to help achieve health goals.
Assists patients in accessing health-related services and community resources, such as accompaniment to specialist appointments and assistance with enrollment forms.
Facilitates communication between all parties (patients, families, colleagues, and community-based organizations) as needed.
Documents interactions with patients and on behalf of patients in medical record.
Attends meetings as required.
Maintain a resource file of available social service agencies and assistance providers in community for use in referring patient in future.
Physical attendance is an essential element of the job and necessary to perform the essential functions of the job.
Actively demonstrates dedication and commitment to the core values of MNHC.
Ability to learn the NCCARE360/UniteUs program.
Complete referral requests for service requests within the NCCARE360 program in a timely manner as outlined by the service agreement.
Attend all required trainings related to use of the NCCARE360 program.
Attend all required trainings related to the Healthy Opportunities program in Salesforce and UNCW portal.
Complete the CHW Integration & Optimization tool in conjunction with Southeast Area Health Education Center.