Community Health Worker

Overview

Description: Summary:
This position is responsible for providing supportive social services to GDCHC patients and their families, including referrals and follow-ups as required in accordance with GDCHC’s standard of care. In addition, this position supports GDCHC providers by assisting with substance abuse treatment identified. This position requires compliance with CIFC and GDCHC’s written standards, including its Compliance Program and all organizational policies and procedures ("Written Standards").

Such compliance will be considered as part of the employee’s regular performance evaluation. Failure to comply with CIFC and/or GDCHC’s Written Standards, including failure to report conduct or events potentially violating legal or compliance requirements, will be met with disciplinary action up to possible termination, in accordance with the CIFC Compliance Policy & Plan and the CIFC Employee Manual.

• Provides appropriate linkages, referrals, coordination, and follow-up for patients to services and supports, both internally and externally.
• Facilitates healthcare and social service system navigation.
• Performs screenings for social determinants of health.
• Provides informal counseling to discuss issues related to basic needs and lack of community resources. Writes progress notes based on meetings.
• Informs, guides and assists patients with basic needs and community resources.
• Determines eligibility and enrolls individuals into health insurance plans.
• Educates health system providers and stakeholders about community resources.
• Serves as a point person in receiving and assigning referrals for services, in collaboration with the Department Chief(s). Includes referrals from community and GDCHC departments (IM, Pediatric, WH, Dental, etc.).
• Collects clinical data and records prior to intake, including records from other facilities, and gathers the package of ratings to be completed by patients and appropriate collateral.
• Communicates with other providers regarding referral outcomes by creating provider letters, discharge letters, and summaries in cooperation with providers.
• Participates in Clinical Team Meetings and communicates with providers involved in patients’ care to facilitate communication and coordination.
• Attends provider team meetings to promote collaboration of service and treatment providers.
• Attends and participates in individual and/or peer supervision as directed.
• Serves as the point person for tracking Treatment Plan updates in collaboration with providers and Department Chief(s).

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Current (annual) TB screening is required of all employees.

• Education and/or
  
  Experience:
  
  Minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent; bachelor’s degree preferred. Must be from the community that is being served or have familiarity with the community. At least 1 year of related work experience; community health experience and/or community resource knowledge strongly preferred. Ability to work independently and as part of a team. Ability to interact professionally, effectively and courteously with staff and patients.
  
  Experience with navigating local medical and social support systems preferred. Experience communicating effectively verbally and in writing with people of differing cultural and socio-economic backgrounds. Experience working with computer systems, including proficiency in MS Office Suite. Must have reliable personal transportation. Bilingual in Spanish or Portuguese preferred.

• Knowledge and Abilities: Knowledge of standard office policies and procedures. Skills in organizing time and managing multiple demands. Skills in communicating with patients, visitors, and staff. Ability to supervise others, work independently, and use good judgment in prioritization. Ability to complete difficult/complex tasks. Ability to write clearly and concisely. Ability to follow oral and written instructions. Ability to maintain strict confidentiality.
  
  Ability to engage with other health care providers, insurance companies, and referrals as necessary.

• Physical Demands: The work environment requires sitting for long periods, talking, hearing, writing, using a keyboard, and visual acuity to read small print and view a computer monitor. Ability to lift boxes up to 30 lbs. Some evening and weekend work may be required.

Note:

This description does not constitute a guarantee of employment and is subject to change at the company's discretion.