Community Health Worker - Health & Benefits Access

Community HealthWorks•Sacramento, CA

2d•$25 - $31•Hybrid

About The Position

Community HealthWorks (CoHeWo) advances health equity by helping individuals and families access the health coverage, care, and community services they need to thrive. We work at the intersection of healthcare and community support, partnering with managed care plans, health systems, community-based organizations, and government agencies to remove barriers to care. Community Health Workers are central to this work. They serve as trusted connectors who help people understand complex systems, identify their needs and goals, and take practical next steps toward greater health and well-being. The Community Health Worker – Health & Benefits Access helps individuals and families understand and access health coverage, primary care, public benefits, and community resources. Support may begin through CoHeWo’s main service line, a walk-in visit or scheduled appointment at a CoHeWo office or service site, community outreach, or a referral from a partner or another CoHeWo team. Services are provided at CoHeWo offices and service sites and at assigned community and partner locations, which may include clinics, schools, career centers, community-based organizations, and other locations where people seek assistance. The CHW listens to what the person needs, explains available options in understandable language, assists with applications and next steps, and follows up when additional support is needed. A client may work with the same CHW over several interactions, but services are provided through a team-based approach. Clear documentation allows another team member to assist when needed without requiring the client to start over. This is a non-clinical, non-supervisory role. Services may include Medi-Cal, Covered California, CalFresh, WIC, primary and specialty care, CalAIM programs, and other health and community resources.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Ability to build respectful relationships with people from varied backgrounds and life circumstances.
Clear communication, organization, confidentiality, attention to detail, and consistent follow-through.
Ability to listen, identify an appropriate next step, and explain detailed information accurately and understandably.
Comfort assisting people by phone and in person, including through walk-in visits and scheduled appointments.
Comfort learning and using telephone systems, electronic documentation systems, email, and Microsoft Office tools.
Ability to work independently while remaining accountable and connected to a team.
Valid California driver’s license, current auto insurance, reliable transportation, and ability to travel throughout Sacramento County and surrounding areas.
Completion of a criminal background check.
Compliance with immunization, health-screening, safety, certification, and partner-site requirements applicable to the assignment.
Maintenance of required training, certifications, and renewals associated with the role.

Nice To Haves

Relevant experience may come from paid work, volunteering, education, caregiving, community involvement, or lived experience you choose to share.
Healthcare, social services, community outreach, interpreting, customer service, telephone navigation, benefits enrollment, or another client-focused role.
Knowledge of Medi-Cal, Covered California, CalFresh, WIC, managed-care plans, CalAIM, or local health and community resources.
Experience helping people understand applications, eligibility requirements, required documents, or changes in coverage and benefits.
Experience serving immigrant communities, mixed-status households, or people who prefer information in a language other than English.
Community Health Worker, health-coverage enrollment, peer-support, or related training or certification.
Post-secondary education in social services, psychology, public health, or a related field.

Responsibilities

Respond to calls and service requests received through CoHeWo’s main service line.
Assist clients through walk-in visits and scheduled appointments at CoHeWo offices and service sites.
Listen to the client’s needs, explain available options, and identify an appropriate next step.
Conduct intake and needs assessments related to health coverage, healthcare access, public benefits, and community resources.
Provide continued support when a need cannot be addressed during one call or appointment.
Connect clients with healthcare providers, community services, and other CoHeWo programs when appropriate.
Return calls, follow up on referrals and outstanding needs, and communicate when circumstances or timelines change.
Support applications, renewals, eligibility updates, and coverage retention for programs such as Medi-Cal, Covered California, CalFresh, and WIC.
Help clients understand and gather the information and documents required to access services.
Assist clients with reporting household, income, contact-information, and other changes that may affect eligibility, enrollment, or financial assistance.
Help clients navigate transitions between Medi-Cal and Covered California and reduce avoidable gaps in coverage.
Explain applicable changes to eligibility, documentation, enrollment, premiums, or financial assistance using current approved guidance.
Provide culturally responsive support to individuals and families who may have questions or concerns related to immigration-related eligibility and documentation requirements.
Recognize when a question is outside the CHW’s role and involve an appropriate supervisor, subject-matter expert, agency, or qualified legal resource.
Provide services at assigned CoHeWo offices, clinics, schools, career centers, community-based organizations, and other partner locations.
Participate in community outreach, enrollment, and health-education activities at assigned locations.
Coordinate with CoHeWo teams, health plans, providers, government agencies, and community partners.
Draw on the program and subject-matter expertise of colleagues to help clients receive connected support.
Participate in integrated or place-based coordination as CoHeWo’s service model continues to develop.
Maintain timely and accurate client records, service notes, referrals, follow-up tasks, and outcomes in Salesforce or other approved systems.
Document the client’s needs, assistance provided, outstanding items, and next steps so another team member can provide informed support when needed.
Protect client privacy and comply with HIPAA, confidentiality requirements, program standards, and organizational policies.
Participate in supervision, team meetings, training, consultation, and data-quality activities.