Community Health Worker
About The Position
The Community Health Worker (CHW) serves as a trusted liaison between members, the healthcare system, and community resources. Under the direction of the Manager/Director, the CHW conducts outreach and, within the established scope of practice, home and community visits to engage members, build sustainable relationships, and help reduce barriers to care. The CHW works closely with the Case Management team to help members access appropriate healthcare services, address social determinants of health, navigate community resources, and follow through with recommended care. Through culturally responsive education, advocacy, and care navigation, the CHW supports member engagement, effective use of healthcare resources, and an improved member experience. This is a full-time, in-office position in Baltimore, Maryland. The position is non-exempt and reports to the Director, Outreach. The role involves a moderate-noise work environment and handling highly sensitive information. Functional demands are light with a moderate energy level, including lifting and carrying up to 25 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The CHW does not perform clinical assessments, independently develop clinical care plans, or make clinical decisions. Clinical questions or concerns are referred to an appropriate licensed healthcare professional. The role has no direct reports.
Requirements
- High school diploma or GED.
- Meaningful experience with community organizations, verified by personal and professional references with personal knowledge of this experience.
- Possess and maintain a driver’s license and a motor vehicle administration driving record free of accidents, moving violations, or points.
- Ability to comprehend and follow the policies and procedures for the role.
- Ability to read, write, and speak or communicate in English to successfully perform the essential duties.
- Ability to demonstrate ethical behavior in support of the organization’s mission, values, and compliance with federal, state, and regulatory laws.
- Ability to inspire trust and demonstrate honesty and integrity in daily activities.
- Professionalism, courtesy, and excellent customer service when interacting with patients, guests, and coworkers.
- Ability to work effectively with people from culturally diverse backgrounds.
- Ability to maintain patient confidentiality.
- Ability to hear and communicate orally.
Responsibilities
- Support departmental goals and comply with organizational policies, procedures, quality standards, safety requirements, and applicable governmental and accreditation regulations.
- Conduct member outreach by telephone and, as assigned, through home or community visits in collaboration with the Case Management team and within the CHW scope of practice.
- Build trusting, culturally responsive relationships with members to promote engagement with healthcare and community services.
- Provide health education and advocacy through individual interactions, group education, workshops, and community-based activities to promote preventive health practices and address barriers to care.
- Collaborate with Case Managers to engage members with frequent emergency department visits, hospitalizations, or other utilization patterns that may benefit from care management support.
- Assist members in navigating healthcare and community resources, including primary care, specialty care, behavioral health, transportation, food, housing, and social service programs.
- Help members overcome barriers to care by assisting with appointment scheduling, transportation coordination, follow-up after healthcare visits, and identified social determinants of health needs.
- Reinforce members’ care plans and encourage adherence to recommended services and follow-up; refer clinical questions or concerns to an appropriate licensed healthcare professional.
- Participate in community outreach events, health fairs, and other activities that promote member engagement and community wellness.
- Accurately and promptly document outreach, member interactions, referrals, and activities in the electronic medical record and other required systems.
- Participate in required training, team meetings, case conferences, and educational opportunities, and apply new knowledge to daily work.
- Maintain professional boundaries and member confidentiality, and perform duties within the defined CHW scope of practice.
- Perform other duties as assigned and comply with all policies and standards.
- Use organizational resources effectively and efficiently.
- Refer to competency validation documents for populations served, where applicable.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
