IHPA Outreach and Engagement Specialist

Chestnut Health Systems•Belleville, IL

23h

About The Position

Chestnut Health Systems is seeking an Outreach and Engagement Specialist to help patients overcome barriers to accessing healthcare and community resources. The position connects patients, healthcare providers, and community organizations, helping individuals navigate the healthcare system, access digital health services, coordinate appointments, and understand care instructions. The specialist works with diverse communities, builds trusting relationships, and helps people connect with needed resources and services. Chestnut Health Systems provides integrated substance use, mental health, and primary care services in Illinois and Missouri, and conducts research and training throughout the United States. The organization combines behavioral health services with community-based primary care. The position supports patient-centered, trauma-informed, recovery-oriented, and strength-based care, and requires accurate documentation and protection of confidential information.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
At least 2 years of demonstrated experience helping others navigate the healthcare system or performing advocacy work, or a bachelor’s degree.
Ability to successfully complete required training and obtain Community Health Worker certification within 6 months of hire.
Ability to build trusting relationships and communicate effectively with patients, healthcare providers, and community organizations.
Understanding of barriers that may affect access to healthcare, including social, economic, and cultural factors.
Ability to navigate digital healthcare systems and assist others with telehealth services and technology.
Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Word, Excel, email, and electronic medical record (EMR) systems.
Ability to work independently in community settings while maintaining accurate documentation and following agency procedures.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with diverse populations and connecting individuals with healthcare or community resources.
Valid driver’s license, private automobile insurance, and ability to be insured.
Recovery experience.

Responsibilities

Serve as a connection between patients, community organizations, and healthcare providers to help reduce social, economic, and cultural barriers to healthcare access.
Build collaborative relationships with patients through in-person visits, telephone calls, video calls, text messages, and other communication methods.
Help patients access digital health services, obtain targeted supplies and resources, and understand healthcare instructions and care guidelines.
Assist patients in navigating the healthcare system and identifying services that meet their individual needs.
Use telehealth and networking systems to connect patients with primary care providers, specialists, and other healthcare professionals in real time during off-site visits.
Troubleshoot technology and equipment issues in the field to help patients access virtual healthcare services.
Help patients establish care with a primary care provider if they do not currently have one.
Maintain accurate and timely records, reports, files, and other required documentation in accordance with agency policies and procedures.
Participate in community outreach events and maintain knowledge of available local resources to help address patient needs and questions.
Participate in committees, workgroups, and meetings that support the development of Chestnut and community-based programs.
Support patient-centered, trauma-informed, recovery-oriented, and strength-based approaches to care.
Promote Chestnut’s customer service standards when interacting with patients, coworkers, healthcare providers, and community partners.
Maintain the confidentiality and security of patient, financial, and organizational information.
Perform other duties as assigned or agreed upon with the supervisor.