Community Health Worker

Grande Ronde Hospital•La Grande, OR

About The Position

The Community Health Worker (CHW) supports patient care by coordinating communication between patients, providers, clinic staff, and community resources. The role identifies and addresses barriers to care, helps patients navigate healthcare and social services, and ensures accurate tracking, documentation, and follow-up to support timely access to services and improved care coordination. The CHW serves as a communication bridge through in-office, phone, and home-visit interactions. The role connects patients and families with community resources, assists with referrals, transportation, paperwork, and appointment navigation, and documents patient interactions, referrals, and outcomes. The CHW works with clinic staff and community agencies, supports patient engagement and informed decision-making, and maintains knowledge of patient-centered care programs, registries, and reporting requirements. The position requires a high school diploma or GED; a bachelor’s degree is preferred. CHW certification is required within one year of hire, and a current American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS) card is required within six months of hire. One year of relevant experience and a current Oregon driver’s license are required. The physical demands include occasional lifting and carrying of materials up to 25 pounds; sitting for up to eight hours per day; and frequent standing, walking, bending, squatting, reaching, and stretching. The role also involves frequent computer use and standard office equipment, including extensive typing, document handling, and data entry. Duties must be performed with or without reasonable accommodation. Compensation is $21.75–$29.98, depending on experience (DOE). Benefits include health, vision, and dental insurance; flexible spending and health savings account options; a 401(k) with Roth options, a 3% employer match, and a 2% base non-elective employer contribution; eligible company-paid life insurance and long-term disability; optional supplemental life insurance; paid time off; an Employee Assistance Program; cafeteria and over-the-counter pharmacy discounts; and access to the Rehab Therapy Fitness Center for the employee and dependents. Employees are expected to support Grande Ronde Hospital’s mission, vision, and values; comply with applicable laws and regulations and organizational policies and conduct standards; and communicate effectively and work well with people from varied backgrounds. The organization’s mission is to ensure access to high-quality, cost-effective care in a safe, customer-friendly environment. Its stated values are creativity, compassion, collaboration, and credibility.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
CHW certification required within one year of hire.
One year of experience in community outreach, health education, social services, healthcare, or a related field.
Current American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS) card within six months of hire.
Current Oregon driver’s license.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to identify problems and find effective solutions.
Strong organizational and documentation skills.
Ability to work independently and collaborate effectively within a multidisciplinary care team.
Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Office and electronic health record or tracking systems.
Ability to meet the stated physical demands and perform primary duties with or without reasonable accommodation.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree.

Responsibilities

Serve as a communication bridge among patients, providers, and the clinic care team through in-office, phone, and home-visit interactions.
Identify patient needs and connect individuals and families with appropriate community resources and support services.
Assist patients with care coordination, including referrals, transportation, paperwork, and appointment navigation.
Track and document patient interactions, referrals, and outcomes in designated systems for reporting and follow-up.
Maintain working knowledge of patient-centered care programs, registries, and reporting requirements.
Support patient engagement by fostering trust, advocacy, and informed decision-making.
Collaborate with clinic staff and community agencies to address healthcare and social service needs proactively.
Participate in meetings, continuing education, and required training to maintain CHW certification and competency.
Uphold patient confidentiality, safety standards, and compliance with organizational policies and regulations.
Represent the organization professionally with compassion, cultural awareness, and excellent customer service.
Support the organization’s mission, vision, and values and comply with applicable laws, regulations, policies, and conduct standards.

Benefits

Health insurance
Vision insurance
Dental insurance
Flexible spending account and health savings account options
401(k) plan with Roth options
3% employer 401(k) match and 2% base non-elective employer contribution
Eligibility for company-paid life insurance and long-term disability, subject to applicable waiting periods
Optional supplemental employee, spouse, and child life insurance
Paid time off
Employee Assistance Program
Discounts on cafeteria meals and over-the-counter pharmacy items
Access to the Rehab Therapy Fitness Center for the employee and dependents