CHW (Community Health Worker)

Oregon Health & Science University • Portland, OR

6d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Community Health Worker (CHW) is a member of the primary care team who addresses social determinants of health in support of patients and their families achieving optimal physical, social, and emotional health. Acts as an expert team member around social determinants of health, system navigation, and community resources. Provides direct patient care as well as administrative tasks related to clinic SDH screening. Responsibilities include culturally appropriate health promotion and education, outreach, and community engagement. The Community Health Worker demonstrates strong verbal and written communication skills, is self-directed, and is skilled at developing relationships quickly. The incumbent is efficient and effective in assessing and delivering direct patient care, has an in-depth knowledge of local community resources, is innovative, thinks creatively, and demonstrates flexibility.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 2 years relevant work experience in mission-driven organization with one of those years being work experience with underserved populations with complex medical and social needs.
• Certification as Traditional Healthcare Worker (THW) required. Traditional Health Worker types include Doula, Peer Support Specialist (PSS), Peer Wellness Specialist (PWS), Personal Health Navigator (PHN) and Community Health Worker (CHW).
• Fluency in written and spoken English.
• Must be able to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Excellent telephone communication skills.
• Must possess a valid motor vehicle driver license in good standing and must be eligible to operate a motor vehicle owned by OHSU or other agency; or demonstrate the ability to access transportation to meet the requirements of the position.
• BLS/CPR certification within 6 weeks of hire.

Nice To Haves

• Preferred experience in community outreach services providing health information, advocacy, social support, and assistance engaging with the healthcare system.
• Intermediate level skills in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Understanding of Social Determinants of Health and role of SDH in healthcare.
• Ability to work independently utilizing critical thinking, problem solving, and time management skills.
• Skill in developing and maintaining professional relationships quickly.
• Ability to plan and deliver interactive health education classes and presentations for a variety of groups.
• Demonstrated understanding of trauma informed and patient centered care or willingness to learn.
• Ability to interpret and follow policies and procedures.
• Experience working in a medical service delivery system or health plan (Medicare, Medicaid).
• Experience providing direct service, community outreach, and/or advocacy.

Responsibilities

• Respond to care team referrals and patient self-referrals for care coordination, individual and family support, health promotion, and resource system navigation.
• Documents services appropriately in EHR in accordance with existing workflows to ensure continuity of care.
• Maintains accessibility via department standard means (phone, pager, email, etc).
• Maintains appropriate professional boundaries as a part of the primary care team.
• Develops and delivers culturally congruent and trauma informed health education classes, presentations, and written materials for a variety of audiences to include healthcare providers, community members, and patients.
• Develops systems and services that encourage patient engagement and increase health behavior change.
• Performs assessment of clinic community and patient population needs in coordination with appropriate clinic leadership.
• Develops and delivers outreach to identified targeted populations.
• Coordinates and collaborates with community partners to increase successful patient referrals.
• Represents and promotes program to internal and community partners.
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with care team members, patients, and community partners.
• Participates in regular team, group, and individual care conferences in order to provide CHW professional perspective and provide support for patient, as needed.
• Collaborates with clinic patient advisory groups in order to increase participation through bridging relational gaps.

Benefits

• Opportunities to learn and advance in a system of hospitals and clinics across Oregon and Southwest Washington.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED