Healthy Start Community Health Worker

Cleveland Clinic•Vero Beach, FL

10d•Onsite

About The Position

The Healthy Start Community Health Worker links diverse and underserved populations, particularly pregnant patients, with health and social service systems. Working primarily in the community, the Community Health Worker collaborates with medical providers, primary care teams, and other agencies to improve patient care and outcomes. The role builds trusting relationships and serves as a liaison between patients, families, community organizations, and health and social services to facilitate access and improve the quality and cultural competence of service delivery. Through outreach, community education, informal counseling, social support, and advocacy, the Community Health Worker helps individuals and communities increase health knowledge and self-sufficiency. This caregiver works days from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Evening and weekend work may be required. The position is based at Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital in Vero Beach, Florida, and includes work in patients’ homes and the community.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
A valid driver’s license may be needed for some assignments.
Excellent written, verbal, and telephone communication skills.
Knowledge of community resources appropriate to clients’ and families’ needs.

Nice To Haves

Medical Assistant training or certification.
Fluency in Spanish, orally and in writing.
Creole language skills.
Knowledge of medical terminology.
One year of work experience in a medical office setting.
Knowledge of electronic medical records (EMR).

Responsibilities

Establish trusting relationships with patients and families, providing support, encouragement, and feedback.
Coach patients in managing chronic health conditions and practicing self-care.
Explain program purposes and services to the user population and describe their potential impact.
Help patients understand care plans and instructions.
Visit patients at home to assess their needs and living conditions and meet with family members or caretakers.
Document activities, service plans, and outcomes in accordance with applicable policies and procedures.
Advocate for patients and serve as a liaison between patients or families and community service agencies, including schools, hospitals, and support groups.
Help patients use resources, schedule appointments, and complete applications for programs for which they may be eligible.
Help patients access health-related services, obtain a medical home, use services appropriately, and overcome barriers to medical care and social services.
Facilitate communication and coordinate services among providers.
Motivate patients to participate actively in their health.
Work with staff, clients, doctors, agencies, and others from diverse backgrounds to reduce cultural and socioeconomic barriers between clients and institutions.
Build and maintain positive working relationships with clients, providers, nurse case managers, agency representatives, supervisors, and office staff.
Maintain and expand knowledge of community resources, services, program practices, human relations, volunteer resources, department operations, policies, procedures, and resources for handling unusual situations.
Complete mandatory education and training to maintain organizational and department-specific competencies and requirements.
Follow standard precautions and use personal protective equipment as required.