Community Health Worker (CHW), Foster Care

Jordan Valley Health•Springfield, MO

About The Position

Jordan Valley Health (JVH) is a mission-driven organization that provides primary medical, dental, vision, and behavioral healthcare to underserved communities. The Community Health Worker (CHW) advances the health center’s mission by improving access to care, addressing social determinants of health, reducing barriers, and helping patients navigate healthcare and social services. The CHW serves as a liaison among patients, the health center, and community resources, and determines and issues Sliding Fee Scale (SFS) discounts and Medicaid Presumptive Eligibility (PE), while assisting patients with Medicaid applications in accordance with applicable requirements. The Foster Care CHW provides specialized support and care coordination for pediatric and young adult patients involved in the foster care system. The role identifies patient needs, barriers, and strengths; helps patients and caregivers engage with healthcare and community services; and supports continuity of care through collaboration with families, case workers, healthcare teams, schools, and community agencies. Support may take place in homes, schools, community settings, or by phone. The position also maintains accurate documentation, meets program goals and productivity measures, and complies with applicable privacy, safety, and regulatory requirements.

Requirements

Ability to pass additional background screenings for work with youth and senior services.
Authorization or certification to determine Medicaid Presumptive Eligibility, or ability to obtain it within the required timeframe.
One year of experience in a healthcare setting.
BLS certification and First Aid certificate.

Nice To Haves

Associate degree.
Valid driver’s license.
Previous experience in an FQHC, community clinic, or safety-net healthcare setting.
EPIC or other electronic health record experience.
Knowledge of HRSA requirements, Sliding Fee Scale guidelines, and Medicaid programs.
Community Health Worker certification.
Bilingual or multilingual skills.
Experience addressing social determinants of health.

Responsibilities

Identify needs, barriers, and strengths of patients involved in foster care and develop client-centered goals and individualized support plans.
Obtain required paperwork signed by case workers and keep patient records current.
Provide one-on-one support to patients working toward self-management of physical, behavioral, and social health needs, primarily in home, school, or community settings.
Provide referrals, referral follow-up, and care coordination with community partners, including FosterAdopt Connect and agencies serving children and families involved in foster care.
Help patients and caregivers access community resources, healthcare, transportation, education support, and other identified services.
Promote individual, family, and community capacity through education, empowerment, collaboration, and support.
Build professional relationships with foster families, case workers, healthcare providers, schools, community organizations, and local health and social service providers.
Attend community events and participate in outreach, enrollment, and community engagement activities as needed.
Provide culturally competent, patient-centered education and support to individuals and families.
Help patients navigate healthcare services, insurance coverage, and community resources.
Identify and address social determinants of health that may affect access to care, including through PRAPARE.
Advocate for timely access to medical, dental, behavioral health, and enabling services.
Follow up on healthcare-team appointments and instructions through home visits, community meetings, or phone communication.
Screen patients for Sliding Fee Scale eligibility under HRSA and organizational policies; determine and issue discounts based on income and household size; explain eligibility and renewal processes; and maintain complete, accurate, audit-ready supporting documentation.
Assist patients with Medicaid applications, renewals, changes, and required documentation; determine and issue Medicaid Presumptive Eligibility in accordance with state and federal guidelines; explain determinations, coverage timelines, and next steps; and track applications to support continuity of coverage.
Meet agreed-upon goals, specified time frames, monthly individual productivity goals, and management-defined KPIs.
Maintain accurate and timely documentation in the electronic health record and eligibility systems.
Comply with HRSA, Medicaid, FQHC, HIPAA, and organizational requirements; protect patient confidentiality; participate in audits, quality assurance, and compliance reviews; and stay current on relevant program regulations.
Follow clinic exposure-control plans, including bloodborne and airborne pathogen protocols.
Collaborate with registration, billing, care teams, case management, and leadership; refer patients to internal programs and external resources such as housing, food assistance, transportation, and social services.
Support the health center’s enabling services model and patient-centered medical home approach, provide metrics for grant-funded initiatives when needed, and perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

Three medical and prescription drug plan options through UnitedHealthcare’s Choice Plus network, with telemedicine access through Teladoc.
Health Savings Account for employees enrolled in the High-Deductible Plan, with employer contributions and tax advantages.
Healthcare and dependent care Flexible Spending Accounts.
Dental insurance through Cigna and vision coverage through EyeMed.
Pre-tax and Roth 403(b) retirement plans with a 5% employer match starting after 30 days of employment.
Basic life and AD&D insurance at no cost, with optional additional coverage; short- and long-term disability insurance are available.
Free confidential Employee Assistance Program support, including counseling and crisis intervention.
Optional critical illness, accident, hospital care, and pet insurance through MetLife.
Pay on demand.
Nine paid holidays per year.