Rural Community Health Worker

Job description

The Community Health Worker connects patients and community members with healthcare, social services and other resources that address health-related social needs. This role builds trusted community relationships, provides navigation support and maintains accurate documentation to improve access, continuity and outcomes in assigned rural communities.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
• Identify, assess and maintain an up-to-date map of healthcare, social service and community resources within assigned communities.
• Screen patients and community members for health-related social needs and identify barriers to care, including access, transportation, insurance and other support needs.
• Provide patient navigation and follow-up support to help individuals access healthcare services, community programs and social support resources.
• Educate patients and community members about health insurance options and assist with enrollment activities within the scope of the role.
• Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with community-based organizations, service providers and other referral partners.
• Document patient and community encounters, referrals, interventions and outcomes accurately and timely in eClinicalWorks and other designated databases.
• Support required data tracking and documentation needed for program reporting and applicable billing activities.
• Participate in community events, outreach activities and engagement initiatives as a representative of Sun River Health.
• Complete required Community Health Worker training and maintain applicable certifications throughout employment.
• Participate in team meetings, case discussions, grant-related activities and quality improvement initiatives as assigned.
• Maintain patient confidentiality and comply with organizational policies, grant requirements and applicable regulations.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support rural health and community engagement initiatives.

EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:
• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Community Health Worker certification is not required at hire; successful completion and ongoing maintenance of required CHW training or certification is a condition of continued employment.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:
• Prior experience in community outreach, case management, care coordination, patient navigation or a related service role preferred.
• Demonstrated knowledge of or strong ties to the communities served preferred.
• Bilingual skills preferred based on community needs.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND COMPETENCIES:
• Ability to build trust and work effectively with patients, families, community members and partner organizations.
• Strong communication, active listening, organization, documentation and follow-up skills.
• Ability to identify barriers, connect individuals with appropriate resources and maintain professional boundaries.
• Comfort using electronic health records, databases, Microsoft Office and other standard business technology.
• Ability to work independently in community settings and collaboratively as part of an interdisciplinary team.

TRAVEL AND SCHEDULE REQUIREMENTS:
• Ability to travel locally to community sites and events as required.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule when outreach events or program needs require evening or weekend coverage.

Job Type: Full-time
Pay rate: $21.00 - $25.00 per hour
Relation to Mission
The mission of Sun River Health is to increase access to comprehensive primary and preventive health care and to improve the health status of our community, especially for the underserved and vulnerable.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Sun River Health provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals without regard to race, creed, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, marital status, sexual preference, or non-disqualifying physical or mental handicap or disability in each aspect of the human resources function.
Americans with Disabilities Act
Applicants as well as employees who are or become disabled must be able to perform the essential job functions either unaided or with reasonable accommodation. The organization shall determine reasonable accommodation on a case-by-case basis in accordance with applicable law.
Job Responsibilities
The following statements reflect the general duties, responsibilities and competencies considered necessary to perform the essential functions of the job and should not be considered as a detailed description of all the work requirements of the position. Sun River Health may change the specific job duties with or without prior notice based on the needs of the organization.