RHC Community Health Worker - Full Time, Dayshift M-F

Hocking Valley Community Hospital•Logan, OH

4d•$18 - $22

About The Position

The Community Health Worker (CHW) serves as a link between patients, healthcare providers, and community resources to improve health outcomes and access to care throughout the Hocking Valley region. As part of the Rural Health Clinic interdisciplinary team, the CHW helps patients overcome barriers to healthcare, navigate the healthcare system, access community resources, and manage health conditions. The role focuses on identifying and addressing social determinants of health, such as transportation, food insecurity, housing instability, financial barriers, medication access, and insurance coverage. The position supports HVCH’s mission to provide accessible, compassionate, patient-centered healthcare and strengthen the health of rural communities. The CHW coordinates patient navigation and follow-up, screens for social needs, connects patients with assistance programs, and supports chronic disease management and preventive health initiatives. The role also involves community outreach, patient advocacy and education, documentation in the electronic health record, and participation in quality improvement, population health, grant, and reporting initiatives. The CHW works closely with clinic and hospital staff, community organizations, and social service providers. Community travel may be required as assigned.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
Strong organizational and time-management abilities.
Compassionate, patient-centered approach and ability to establish trust and rapport with patients.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively with an interdisciplinary healthcare team.
Basic computer skills and familiarity with electronic medical records.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries.
Problem-solving skills and resourcefulness.
Ability to sit, stand, walk, and communicate effectively throughout the workday.
Valid Ohio driver’s license and reliable transportation if community-based visits are required.

Nice To Haves

Associate degree in healthcare, social services, human services, or a related field.
Ohio Community Health Worker certification, or willingness to obtain certification within an established timeframe.
Experience working with underserved or rural populations.
Previous experience in healthcare, social services, community outreach, case management, or patient navigation.
Knowledge of community resources and social service programs in Hocking County and surrounding counties.
Experience working with diverse populations and individuals experiencing socioeconomic barriers.

Responsibilities

Help patients navigate the healthcare system and access appropriate services.
Assist patients with scheduling primary care, specialty, diagnostic, and follow-up appointments.
Follow up with patients after hospital discharge, emergency department visits, and clinic appointments as directed.
Help patients understand care plans and connect with appropriate healthcare services.
Identify patients at risk of missed appointments, delayed care, or avoidable emergency department use.
Communicate patient needs and barriers to providers, nurses, and care coordination staff.
Support transitions of care among the hospital, primary care, specialty services, and community providers.
Screen patients for social needs and barriers affecting health.
Connect patients with local, county, state, and federal assistance programs; help them navigate applications; and maintain an updated directory of community resources and referral contacts.
Address needs related to food, housing, utilities, transportation, insurance, financial assistance, medication access, employment, behavioral health, and substance use services.
Support clinic initiatives for chronic conditions, including diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and cardiovascular disease.
Encourage preventive screenings and routine wellness visits, and conduct outreach to patients overdue for appointments, lab testing, or recommended screenings.
Reinforce provider-directed education and self-management plans and promote healthy lifestyle choices.
Build relationships with community organizations, social service agencies, schools, churches, and other local partners.
Participate in community health fairs, wellness events, and health education activities; help identify unmet community healthcare needs and support community health improvement initiatives.
Promote awareness of Rural Health Clinic services and hospital programs, and serve as a resource and advocate for individuals and families facing healthcare barriers.
Build trusting relationships through compassionate, culturally sensitive communication; provide education within the CHW scope of practice and encourage patient participation in healthcare decisions.
Maintain patient confidentiality and comply with HIPAA and hospital policies.
Document patient interactions, referrals, outreach, and follow-up in the electronic health record as appropriate.
Maintain records of referrals and patient outcomes, track connections to community resources, and monitor patient engagement and follow-up completion.
Participate in quality improvement and population health initiatives and assist with reporting for grants, community health programs, and reimbursement initiatives.
Travel within the community for outreach activities as assigned.