SIH-COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKER

Sparrow•Ionia, MI

12d•Onsite

About The Position

The Community Health Worker (CHW) works out of the Emergency Department and serves as a link between healthcare providers, social services, and the community. The role focuses on helping individuals access health resources and services, promoting wellness, and improving health outcomes. The CHW provides care coordination, case management, system navigation, education, advocacy, and social support to patients and community members.

Requirements

Obtain Basic Life Support (BLS) certification issued by the American Heart Association within 45 days of hire and maintain it.
Associate’s degree in social work, health/human services, community/public health, or a related field and 3 years of related experience in social work, health education, community outreach, community health, or human services; OR a bachelor’s degree in one of these fields and 1 year of related experience.
Knowledge and use of community resources, including social, health, and public agencies and services.
Experience in data collection and reporting.
Strong organizational and problem-solving skills.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Basic computer skills.
Cultural competency and sensitivity.

Nice To Haves

Community Health Worker certification is preferred.
Experience working with underserved populations with medical and social needs in a social service and/or community-based setting is preferred.
Bachelor’s in Social Work (BSW) prepared is preferred.
Training in motivational interviewing is preferred.

Responsibilities

Assist individuals in managing chronic conditions and accessing healthcare services.
Arrange chronic disease education and referrals for patients and families as needed.
Conduct comprehensive assessments to identify issues that may affect medical outcomes, including factors related to medical condition, support systems, finances, living situation, housing, behavior, cognition, function, abilities, and patient preferences.
Problem-solve with patients and family members to support adherence to preventive, remedial, and rehabilitative recommendations.
Conduct outreach to patients and community members to provide education, assessment, social support, and resources.
Implement individual and community assessments to determine health-related needs and identify risks.
Facilitate access to appropriate medical and specialty providers and care coordination support specialists.
Provide care coordination, case management, and system navigation to improve outcomes, reduce readmissions and costs, enhance the patient and family experience, and ensure access to care.
Provide culturally appropriate health education and information.
Support patients and community members in navigating the healthcare system and required applications for financial support or insurance coverage.
Advocate for individual and community health needs.
Collect data and relay information to healthcare providers to inform care across the continuum.
Facilitate access to social services and other community resources.
Collaborate with healthcare providers and community organizations on health screenings, clinics, and related activities.
Build trusting relationships with community members.
Empower individuals to adopt healthy behaviors and lifestyle changes.