Community Health Worker

CVS Health•Houston, TX

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The purpose of a Community Health Worker (CHW) at Oak Street Health is to act as the bridge between patients, community, and medical systems to remove barriers and increase wellness across all life domains. A CHW serves as a patient’s advocate or liaison, engaging in proactive in-person and phone outreach based on care needs to promote health literacy and increase access to resources for healthier lives. The role requires high levels of flexibility, problem-solving, strong communication, and an intimate knowledge of the community served. CHWs collaborate closely with Medical Social Workers to manage patient care plans, support care team decision-making, and coordinate clinical and complementary services to provide high-quality, culturally competent health care. CHWs are expected to work within their scope of practice, and no clinical license is required for this position.

Requirements

Minimum of 1 year of experience in healthcare, 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 (i.e. Windows, GSuite, Microsoft, etc.)
Access to reliable transportation and ability to travel throughout the community to various locations
US work authorization

Nice To Haves

Fluency in language that is commonly spoken in the community when necessary. Most often this will include 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 Associates or Bachelors in a related field is a plus
Experience utilizing electronic medical record systems
A problem-solving orientation and a flexible and positive attitude

Responsibilities

Establish and maintain strong interpersonal relationships with patients, community organizations, team members, and partners to coordinate patient needs
Manage patient referrals defined by the care team & collaborate with the Medical Social Worker on action plan
Facilitate communication between all identified parties involved in patients’ care as needed (e.g., family members, caregivers, medical providers, community-based organizations)
Form relationships with and build an inventory of local community organizations that may benefit our patients
Connect patients to state and local community resources related to housing, transportation, food, and activities of daily living among other social and physical barriers to health
Assist patients with completion of applications for accessing eligible benefits and resources
Promote goal setting and achievement to improve patients’ quality of life and self efficacy with patients. Goal definitions are agreed upon by the care team
Meet with patients in patient-centered and patient-preferred locations (e.g., Oak Street Health center, patient’s home, external medical provider facility, community setting)
Drive engagement with high risk individuals (e.g., completed specialty appointments, adherence to Post Discharge Visits) may include accompaniment to appointments
Complete referrals to organizations and agencies as needed
Deliver culturally appropriate health education in the areas where OSH has provided competency training to the CHW
Support care team decision making through participation in interdisciplinary team meetings
Document interactions with patients in electronic medical record in a timely manner while maintaining HIPAA standards and confidentiality of protected health information
Manage time, set priorities, work independently, and collaborate effectively with an interdisciplinary medical team
Other duties as assigned