Community Health Worker

CVS Health•Independence, MO

20d•$19 - $35

About The Position

A Community Health Worker (CHW) at Oak Street Health serves as a bridge between patients, their communities, and medical systems to remove barriers and improve wellness. The CHW advocates for patients and conducts proactive in-person and phone outreach based on their care needs, supporting health literacy and access to resources. The role requires flexibility, problem-solving, strong communication, and knowledge of the community served. CHWs work closely with Medical Social Workers to manage patient care plans, support care-team decisions, and coordinate clinical and complementary services. The position works within the CHW’s scope of practice and does not require a clinical license. CHWs spend about half their time outside the center in patient-centered locations, such as patients’ homes, medical facilities, and community settings. Reliable transportation and the ability to travel throughout the community are required. The position is full-time, with 40 anticipated weekly hours.

Requirements

At least 1 year of experience in healthcare, a community-based, case management, or social service environment.
Strong oral and written communication skills.
Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining a positive attitude.
Dedication to serving the community and building meaningful relationships.
Proficient computer skills, including Windows, GSuite, or Microsoft applications.
Access to reliable transportation and ability to travel throughout the community to various locations.
US work authorization.

Nice To Haves

Fluency in a language commonly spoken in the community; this is most often bilingual English/Spanish.
Experience working on multidisciplinary teams with organizations, agencies, patients, and community members.
Knowledge of community resources and resource navigation.
Community Health Worker certification, or an associate or bachelor’s degree in a related field.
Experience using electronic medical record systems.
Problem-solving orientation and a flexible, positive attitude.

Responsibilities

Establish and maintain relationships with patients, community organizations, team members, and partners to coordinate patient needs.
Manage care-team referrals and collaborate with the Medical Social Worker on action plans.
Facilitate communication among parties involved in patients’ care, including family members, caregivers, medical providers, and community-based organizations.
Build relationships with local community organizations and maintain an inventory of organizations that may benefit patients.
Connect patients with state and local resources related to housing, transportation, food, activities of daily living, and other social or physical barriers to health.
Assist patients with applications for eligible benefits and resources.
Promote patient goal setting and achievement to improve quality of life and self-efficacy, using goals agreed upon by the care team.
Meet patients in patient-centered and patient-preferred locations, including health centers, homes, medical facilities, and community settings.
Support engagement with high-risk individuals, including completion of specialty appointments and post-discharge visits; this may include accompanying patients to appointments.
Complete referrals to organizations and agencies as needed.
Deliver culturally appropriate health education in areas where Oak Street Health has provided competency training.
Participate in interdisciplinary team meetings to support care-team decision-making.
Document patient interactions in the electronic medical record promptly while maintaining HIPAA standards and confidentiality of protected health information.
Manage time and priorities, work independently, and collaborate effectively with an interdisciplinary medical team.
Perform other duties as assigned.