Community Health Worker (CHW), Foster Care

Jordan Valley Health•Springfield, MO

About The Position

Jordan Valley Health (JVH) is a mission-driven organization providing comprehensive primary medical, dental, vision, and behavioral healthcare to underserved communities. Its mission is to improve community health through access and relationships. The Community Health Worker (CHW) advances access to care, addresses social determinants of health, reduces barriers, and helps patients navigate healthcare and social services. The Foster Care CHW provides specialized support and care coordination to pediatric and young adult patients involved in the foster care system. The role serves as a liaison among patients, caregivers, the health center, and community resources, with a focus on patient and caregiver engagement and continuity of care. The CHW screens patients for Sliding Fee Scale eligibility and determines and issues discounts, assists with Medicaid applications and renewals, and determines and issues Medicaid Presumptive Eligibility in accordance with HRSA, state Medicaid, and organizational requirements. The role also connects patients with healthcare services and community resources, maintains accurate records, and collaborates with healthcare teams, foster families, case workers, schools, and community organizations. Services are provided primarily in patients’ homes, schools, or community settings, with follow-up also conducted by phone.

Requirements

Ability to pass additional background screenings for work with youth and senior services.
Authorization or certification to determine Medicaid Presumptive Eligibility, or ability to obtain it within the required timeframe.
At least 1 year of experience in a healthcare setting.
BLS Certification and First Aid Certificate.

Nice To Haves

Associate degree.
Valid driver’s license.
Previous experience in an FQHC, community clinic, or safety-net healthcare setting.
EPIC or other electronic health record experience.
Knowledge of HRSA requirements, Sliding Fee Scale guidelines, and Medicaid programs.
Community Health Worker certification.
Bilingual or multilingual skills.
Experience addressing social determinants of health.

Responsibilities

Work with foster care patients to identify needs, barriers, and strengths, and develop client-centered goals and individualized support plans.
Obtain required paperwork signed by caseworkers and ensure patient records are current.
Provide one-on-one support to patients working toward self-management of physical, behavioral, and social health needs, primarily in home, school, or community settings.
Provide referrals, follow up on referrals, and coordinate with community partners, including FosterAdopt Connect and agencies serving children and families involved in foster care.
Help patients and caregivers access community resources, healthcare services, transportation, education support, and other identified services.
Promote individual, family, and community capacity through education, empowerment, collaboration, and support.
Build professional relationships with foster families, case workers, healthcare providers, schools, and community organizations.
Attend community events and participate in outreach, enrollment, and community engagement activities as needed.
Provide patient-centered, culturally competent education and support to individuals and families.
Help patients navigate healthcare services, insurance coverage, and community resources.
Identify and address social determinants of health that may affect access to care, including through PRAPARE.
Advocate for timely access to medical, dental, behavioral health, and enabling services.
Follow up on healthcare appointments and care-team instructions through home visits, community meetings, or phone communication.
Screen patients for Sliding Fee Scale eligibility and accurately determine and issue discounts based on income and household size.
Explain Sliding Fee Scale eligibility, program requirements, and renewal processes to patients.
Ensure documentation supporting Sliding Fee Scale determinations is complete, accurate, and audit ready.
Assist with Medicaid applications, renewals, and changes, including gathering required documentation.
Determine and issue Medicaid Presumptive Eligibility in accordance with state and federal guidelines; explain determinations, coverage timelines, and next steps to patients.
Track and follow up on applications to support continuity of care and coverage.
Meet agreed-upon objectives, monthly productivity goals, and management-determined KPIs within specified time frames.
Maintain accurate, timely documentation in the electronic health record and eligibility systems.
Comply with HRSA, Medicaid, FQHC, HIPAA, and organizational requirements; protect patient confidentiality.
Participate in internal audits, quality assurance activities, and compliance reviews, and stay current on relevant Medicaid, Presumptive Eligibility, and Sliding Fee Scale regulations.
Follow clinic exposure-control plans, including bloodborne and airborne pathogen protocols.
Maintain a respectful, professional, responsible, and courteous environment for patients, families, visitors, and employees.
Provide metrics as needed for grant-funded initiatives.
Collaborate with registration, billing, care teams, case management, and leadership to support patient access.
Refer patients to internal programs and external resources, including housing, food assistance, transportation, and social services.
Support the health center’s enabling services model and patient-centered medical home approach.
Perform other duties as assigned to support foster care program initiatives and patient care needs.

Benefits

Medical and prescription drug coverage with three plan options through UnitedHealthcare’s Choice Plus network, including access to Teladoc telemedicine services.
Health Savings Account for employees enrolled in the High-Deductible Plan, with employer contributions and tax advantages.
Healthcare and dependent care Flexible Spending Accounts.
Dental insurance through Cigna’s DPPO network.
Vision coverage through EyeMed’s Insight network.
Pre-tax and Roth 403(b) retirement plans with a 5% employer match starting after 30 days of employment.
Basic life and AD&D insurance at no cost, with additional coverage available for purchase.
Short-term and long-term disability insurance available.
Free confidential Employee Assistance Program, including counseling and crisis intervention.
Optional critical illness, accident, hospital care, and pet insurance through MetLife.
Pay on demand.
Nine paid holidays per year.