Community Health Worker II/Full-time/Mercy Hospital STL

Job description

Find your calling at Mercy!
A community health worker is a front-line public health worker who is a trusted member of and/or has an unusually close understanding of the community served. This trusting relationship enables the worker to serve as a liaison/link between health/social services and the community to facilitate access to services and improve the quality and cultural competence of service delivery. Performs duties and responsibilities in a manner consistent with our mission, values, and Mercy Service Standards.
Position Details:
Community Health Worker II
Overview
The Community Health Worker II (CHW II) provides onsite support to patients across hospital and clinic settings, serving as a key member of an integrated healthcare team. This role focuses on identifying and addressing health-related social needs (HRSNs), improving access to healthcare services, and connecting patients with community resources that support overall well-being.
The Community Health Worker II acts as an advocate, educator, and resource navigator, helping patients overcome barriers to care and achieve improved health outcomes through individualized support and follow-up.
Key Responsibilities
Navigate the Health and Human Services System
• Work one-on-one with patients who screen positive for health-related social needs.
• Provide real-time support, including walk-in assistance, by addressing social needs, answering questions, and connecting patients to appropriate services and resources.
• Educate and assist patients with applying for healthcare coverage and gathering required documentation.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to support patient needs.
• Educate patients regarding Healthcare Marketplace options and enrollment.
• Assist patients in applying for financial assistance and medication assistance programs.
• Facilitate access to healthcare services and coordinate referrals as needed.
• Conduct follow-up to ensure patients have successfully accessed services, attended appointments, and resolved barriers to care.

Connect Patients to Community Resources
• Ensure health-related social needs screenings are completed and documented.
• Connect patients with community resources through established referral processes.
• Develop and maintain relationships with community-based organizations and service providers.
• Promote awareness of available resources to support patient success.

Documentation and Reporting
• Document patient interactions, referrals, and interventions accurately within the electronic medical record (EMR).
• Maintain required records and track patient encounters according to organizational guidelines.
• Prepare reports and documentation as requested.

Professional Development
• Participate in Community Health Worker training programs and continuing education opportunities.
• Maintain required certifications and actively engage in professional growth activities.

Caseload Management
• Manage an assigned patient caseload and prioritize patient needs effectively.
• Conduct outreach and follow-up via telephone, MyMercy messages, and other approved communication tools.
• Monitor patient progress and identify opportunities for additional support.

Additional Duties
• Perform other responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications
Minimum Requirements
Education
• High School Diploma or equivalent required.

Experience
• 1-3 years of Community Health Worker experience or equivalent experience required.

Certification/Registration
• Community Health Worker Training Certification (provided by Mercy) within 6-12 months of hire.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required.

Skills & Knowledge
• Strong interpersonal, relationship-building, and collaboration skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication abilities.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities.
• Compassion for underserved and vulnerable populations.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and electronic medical record (EMR) systems.
• Reliable transportation required.

Preferred Qualifications
Skills & Knowledge
• Bilingual or multilingual language skills relevant to the community served.
• Experience navigating healthcare, social service, or community resource systems.

Why Join Us?
As a Community Health Worker II, you will play a vital role in improving access to care and helping patients navigate the healthcare system. Through compassionate advocacy, resource coordination, and patient support, you will make a meaningful impact on the health and well-being of the communities we serve.
Why Mercy?
From day one, Mercy offers outstanding benefits - including medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid time off, tuition support, and matched retirement plans for team members working 32+ hours per pay period.
Join a caring, collaborative team where your voice matters. At Mercy, you'll help shape the future of healthcare through innovation, technology, and compassion. As we grow, you'll grow with us.