Community Health Worker (CHW), School Based

Jordan Valley Health•Lebanon, MO

5d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Community Health Worker (CHW) plays a critical role in advancing the mission of the Federally Qualified Health Center by improving access to care, addressing social determinants of health, reducing barriers, and supporting patients navigating healthcare and social services. This position serves as a trusted liaison between patients, the health center, and community resources. The CHW is responsible for determining and issuing Sliding Fee Scale (SFS) discounts, assisting patients with Medicaid applications, and determining and issuing Presumptive Eligibility (PE) for Medicaid in compliance with Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), state Medicaid, and organizational requirements. The CHW is responsible for connecting patients to community resources. School-Based Community Health Workers (CHWs) serve throughout the Jordan Valley service area to promote health equity and improve access to care within partner schools. CHWs build trusted relationships with students, families, and community members who access health center services or need assistance navigating available resources. Through these relationships, CHWs act as a liaison between patients and healthcare, social, and community services. They help individuals overcome barriers to care, connect with needed resources, improve quality of life, and address the impacts of social determinants of health. By providing advocacy, education, and support, School-Based CHWs contribute to healthier students, stronger families, and more equitable health outcomes across the communities they serve.

Requirements

Ability to pass additional background screenings for work with youth and senior services.
Authorization or certification to determine Presumptive Eligibility for Medicaid, or ability to obtain within the required timeframe.
1 year experience in healthcare setting
BLS certification and First Aid certificate required within 90 days of hire.

Nice To Haves

Associate degree preferred
Community Health Worker certification preferred
Valid Driver’s License
Previous experience in an FQHC, community clinic, or safety-net healthcare setting.
EPIC, 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

Works directly with the partnering school district to identify needs and set student/patient-centered health and wellness goals.
Build relationships and interact professionally with partnering school district staff, (nurses, secretaries, teachers, etc.), community partnerships, healthcare providers, and social service providers.
Work in a school-based setting and community setting to identify individuals with needs.
Responsible for pre-working school-based consent forms and entering information into patients’ charts.
Responsible for coordinating and attending school-based events and child centered clinic events planned by Jordan Valley and the partnering school district.
Schedule and execute school-based appointments such as telehealth appointments, dental exams, well child exams, and vision exams.
Follow up with patient after appointments or instructions from the healthcare team by making school visits, home visits, meeting the participant in a community setting, and/or phone communication.
Provide referrals and follow-up on referrals following a school-based medical, dental, behavioral, therapy, or vision appointment.
Works directly with a patient’s treatment team and participates in care coordination and/or case management.
Assist patients/students and community members in navigating health and social service systems
Works in a manner that builds individual and community capacity by empowering and educating members of the community.
Provides basic health screenings (i.e Well Child Checks).
Provides culturally appropriate health education and information to advance patient’s health literacy related to their conditions.
Provide patient-centered, culturally competent education and support to individuals and families.
Assist patients in navigating healthcare services, insurance coverage, and community resources.
Identify and address social determinants of health that may impact access to care, i.e. PRAPARE.
Advocate for patients to ensure timely access to medical, dental, behavioral health, and enabling services.
Follow up on appointments or instructions from the healthcare team by making home visits, meeting the participant in a community setting, and/or phone communication.
Build relationships and interact professionally with local community partnerships, health, and social service providers.
Screen patients for Sliding Fee Scale eligibility in accordance with HRSA and organizational policies.
Accurately determine and issue Sliding Fee Scale discounts based on income and household size.
Educate patients on the Sliding Fee Scale program, eligibility requirements, and renewal processes.
Ensure all documentation supporting SFS determinations is complete, accurate, and audit ready.
Assist patients with Medicaid applications, renewals, and changes, including gathering required documentation.
Determine and issue Presumptive Eligibility for Medicaid in compliance with state and federal guidelines.
Clearly explain eligibility determinations, coverage timelines, and next steps to patients.
Track and follow up on applications to ensure continuity of care and coverage.
Promote effective working relations and work as part of a team to facilitate the organization’s ability to meet its goals and objectives.
Attain all agreed-upon goals and objectives within specified time frames, contributing to the organization’s overall mission.
Consistently meet monthly individual productivity goals and key performance indicators (KPIs) as determined by Management.
Maintain accurate, timely documentation in the electronic health record (EHR) and eligibility systems.
Ensure compliance with HRSA, Medicaid, and FQHC regulatory requirements.
Protect patient confidentiality and comply with HIPAA and organizational privacy policies.
Participate in internal audits, quality assurance activities, and compliance reviews as required.
Stay current on changes to Medicaid, Presumptive Eligibility, and Sliding Fee Scale regulations.
Responsibly follow the Clinic Exposure Control Plans, including protocols for Bloodborne and Airborne Pathogens.
Demonstrate respect and regard for the dignity of all patients, families, visitors, and fellow employees to maintain a professional, responsible, and courteous environment.
Provide metrics if needed to meet various GRANT funded initiatives
Collaborate with registration, billing, care teams, case management, and leadership to support patient access.
Refer patients to internal programs and external community resources, including housing, food assistance, transportation, and social services.
Participate in outreach events, enrollment activities, and community engagement efforts as needed.
Support the health center’s enabling services model and patient-centered medical home (PCMH) approach
All other duties as assigned

Benefits

Medical and Prescription Drug Coverage: Three comprehensive plan options (Buy-up, Base, and High Deductible) through UnitedHealthcare's Choice Plus network, covering various deductibles and out-of-pocket limits. Includes access to telemedicine services via Teladoc.
Health Savings Account (HSA): Available for employees in the High Deductible Plan with employer contributions and tax advantages.
Flexible Spending Account (FSA): Options for both healthcare and dependent care FSAs, allowing pre-tax contributions for qualified expenses.
Dental and Vision Coverage: Dental insurance through Cigna’s DPPO network and vision coverage through EyeMed’s Insight network.
Retirement Plan: Pre-tax and Roth 403(b) retirement plans with a 5% employer match starting after 30 days of employment.
Life and Disability Insurance: Basic Life and AD&D insurance provided at no cost, with the option to purchase additional coverage. Long-term and short-term disability insurance are also available.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Free confidential support for personal and professional challenges, including counseling and crisis intervention.
Additional Voluntary Benefits: Options for critical illness, accident, hospital care, and pet insurance through MetLife.
Pay on Demand Available.
Nine paid holidays per year.