Community Health Worker

First Choice Community Healthcare INC•Los Lunas, NM

18d•Onsite

About The Position

Under the supervision of the site-based Medical Clinical Supervisor and as a member of multidisciplinary treatment care teams, the Community Health Worker provides care coordination, resource connections, and support to patients of FCCH and their families, including adults, children, and adolescents. The role works in multiple settings to meet patient needs and improve overall well-being. The Community Health Worker builds supportive relationships, helps patients address social and economic factors affecting health, connects them with community resources, supports access to health care and insurance services, coordinates care with providers, and coaches patients in managing chronic conditions and self-care. The position documents encounters and service outcomes, maintains patient files, submits monthly reports, collaborates with staff and providers, and travels to community locations as needed. Patients served may be of all ages.

Requirements

High school graduate or equivalent.
Successful experience in a community service program or community health outreach; three years preferred, or on-the-job training with two years of experience.
CPR certification within six months of hire.
Valid New Mexico driver’s license and reliable personal transportation; travel in the greater Albuquerque area may be required.
Ability to work as a team member in a clinical environment and autonomously.
Records maintenance skills and the ability to plan, develop, and maintain filing systems.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills and customer service skills.
Ability to complete routine paperwork and evaluate individual client care plans.
Ability to maintain confidentiality of records and patient information.
Skill in using basic office equipment, personal computers, and related software, including electronic medical records, practice management systems, and email.
Ability to follow routine verbal or written instructions and maintain quality, safety, and infection control standards.
Knowledge of community agencies and resources and the ability to navigate socioeconomic barriers patients may encounter.
Knowledge of and familiarity with the compliance program, and willingness to comply with applicable laws and regulations.
Willingness to work in community settings as needed.

Nice To Haves

Three years of successful experience in a community service program or community health outreach.
Bilingual in English and Spanish.

Responsibilities

Establish trusting relationships with patients and families and provide general support and encouragement.
Explain the value of Community Health Worker support and its potential impact on patients’ health and well-being.
Help patients identify socioeconomic issues affecting their health and develop health and social management plans and goals.
Help patients understand their health insurance services, plans, and instructions, or their options if uninsured.
Communicate with Managed Care Organizations about interventions provided to members seeking FCCH services.
Facilitate communication and coordinate services between providers and patients.
Connect patients with community resources, including housing, food, clothing, education, life skills classes, and employment support.
Help patients locate community resources, schedule appointments with social services agencies, and complete applications for potentially eligible benefits and programs.
Assist patients in accessing primary care, including establishing a medical home, understanding its appropriate use, and overcoming barriers to clinical care and social services.
Provide support and advocacy during initial medical visits or when needed to ensure patients’ needs are understood and communicated.
Coordinate and monitor services, including tracking patient compliance with care plan objectives.
Coach patients in managing chronic health conditions and practicing self-care.
Motivate patients to participate actively in their health and overall well-being.
Document patient encounters and contacts in the appropriate electronic patient record or elsewhere as directed.
Document service plans and patient outcomes.
Complete and submit monthly reports and maintain comprehensive patient files, including notes, releases of information, assessments, and other client documents.
Work effectively with people from diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds.
Collaborate effectively with the team and establish positive, supportive relationships with staff and providers.
Continuously expand knowledge of community resources and services.
Travel as needed to community locations, agencies, and other outreach destinations.
Perform other job-related duties as assigned.