Certified Community Health Worker, Bedford Wellness Center

University Hospitals•Bedford, OH

13d

About The Position

The Certified Community Health Worker is an advanced role based at Bedford Wellness Center. Working largely independently under minimal supervision in a professional environment, the position provides patient education and connects patients with resources available through Care Transitions, University Hospitals, and the community to help identify and overcome barriers to care. The role works with patients, families when appropriate, providers, clinicians, care teams, referral sources, and community partners to support care coordination and resource connections. The position manages complex cases within the Community Health Worker scope of practice, advocates for patients, and identifies safety concerns in collaboration with a Social Worker. It requires knowledge of patient histories through chart research, strong communication and interpersonal skills, proficiency with healthcare information systems and databases, and timely documentation and follow-up. The role also requires maintaining patient confidentiality and complying with requirements for the safe and secure handling of Protected Health Information.

Requirements

High school equivalent or GED.
At least 1 year of experience as a Community Health Worker in a clinical and/or community setting.
At least 1 year of progressive work experience in a healthcare environment.
Experience working with multiple healthcare data sources, including electronic medical record applications, registration and scheduling systems, and medical claims systems.
Experience facilitating telephonic patient outreach.
Community Health Worker completion of state education and certification issued by the board and verified by a supervisor.
Competency in all practice areas.
Basic medical terminology.
High integrity and ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive data.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Time-management and organizational skills.
Excellent customer service with patients, employer staff, providers, and other stakeholders.
Ability to apply concepts, use sound judgment, and work independently.
Ability to work in a team environment and remain productive and professional while working remotely under minimal day-to-day supervision.
Knowledge of healthcare resources, benefits, and entitlements in the local area.
Ability to manage multiple initiatives and priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to remain composed and professional during periods of high emotional stress.
Good computer skills, including ability to use Microsoft Office products.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Public Health, or a related field.

Responsibilities

Provide patient education and connect patients with Care Transitions, University Hospitals, and community resources to help identify and overcome barriers.
Coordinate with patients to assess their needs for community resources and ensure referrals are appropriate.
Take on complex care cases within the Community Health Worker scope of practice.
Work with Social Workers, RNs, care teams, and providers to facilitate patient care coordination.
Participate in the community in a volunteer capacity and use community connections to facilitate patient care.
Serve as a liaison between patients and, when appropriate, their families and internal or external care teams.
Discuss missed, declined, and rescheduled visits with patients to assess barriers to appointment attendance.
Protect patient confidentiality and follow applicable PHI and HIPAA practices, including appropriate points of contact and consent procedures.
Initiate and maintain communication between disciplines and referral sources.
Communicate with patients as they move through the healthcare system and community.
Collaborate with peers and system resources, address patient concerns about internal and external support resources, and advocate professionally for patients.
Identify patient safety concerns and collaborate with a Social Worker to address high-level concerns.
Refer complex and/or clinical issues to a Social Worker for follow-up.
Research patient charts to understand patient history and provide a high-level overview of that history.
Manage assigned daily and weekly tasks, documentation, follow-up calls, and reports.
Maintain professional and ethical standards in high-stress situations and complex cases.
Use interpersonal and communication skills and emotional intelligence when working with patients, caregivers, and clinicians.
Use information technology and appropriate databases to complete referrals and documentation promptly and ensure resource connections.
Perform other duties as assigned and comply with policies and standards.
Complete department-specific duties and responsibilities as provided during orientation.
Safely and securely maintain patient PHI and comply with annual training, the UH Code of Conduct, and UH policies and procedures.