Community Health Worker

First Choice Community Healthcare•Los Lunas, NM

17d•Onsite

About The Position

The Community Health Worker (CHW) works under the supervision of the site-based Medical Clinical Supervisor and as a member of multidisciplinary treatment care teams. The CHW provides care coordination, connections to resources, and support to adult, child, and adolescent patients of FCCH and their families. CHWs work in multiple settings to meet patient needs and improve overall well-being. The position is based mostly inside a clinic in a controlled environment, with work in community settings and travel throughout the Albuquerque metropolitan area as needed. The schedule is regularly Monday through Friday, though weekends may be required to meet deadlines. The role involves moderate physical activity, including handling objects up to 25 pounds and standing or walking for more than four hours per day. Normal clinic safety precautions and practices are required.

Requirements

High school graduate or equivalent.
CPR certification within six months of hire.
Valid New Mexico driver’s license and reliable personal transportation.
Ability to work as a team member within a clinical environment and to work autonomously.
Records maintenance skills.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Customer service skills.
Willingness to work in community settings as needed and travel in the greater Albuquerque area.
Ability to plan, develop, and maintain filing systems.
Ability to complete routine paperwork and evaluate individual client care plans.
Ability to maintain confidentiality of records and information, including patient confidentiality.
Skill in using basic office equipment, personal computers, and related software applications, 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 ability to navigate socioeconomic barriers patients may encounter.
Knowledge of and familiarity with the compliance program; cooperation with and compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

Nice To Haves

Three years of successful experience in a community service program or community health outreach.
On-the-job training along with two years of experience.
Bilingual in English and Spanish.

Responsibilities

Establish trusting relationships with patients and families and provide general support and encouragement.
Explain the value and potential health and well-being impact of CHW support to FCCH patients.
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 explain options for those who are 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 to community resources, including housing, food, clothing, education, life skills classes, and employment support.
Help patients locate community resources, schedule social service appointments, and complete applications for benefits or programs for which they may be eligible.
Help patients access primary care, including establishing a medical home, understanding its appropriate use, and overcoming barriers to clinical care or 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 self-care.
Motivate patients to participate actively in their health and overall well-being.
Document patient encounters and contacts in the appropriate patient electronic record or elsewhere as directed, and document service plans and 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 and collaborate 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.