Community Health Worker

Advocate Health; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Advocate Health in Chicago is seeking a Community Health Worker to provide direct health education and prevention services to diverse communities, collect and protect client records, and act as a liaison between clients and healthcare teams.

The role includes conducting home visits and community events, guiding self-management, connecting people to housing, food, prenatal classes, parenting and social services, and supporting care plans with empathy and cultural sensitivity.

Qualifications

• Completion of required certifications within the first year of employment.
• High School Diploma or GED required.
• 1–2 years of relevant experience.
• Knowledge of social determinants of health and health literacy.

Responsibilities

• Provides direct services such as health education and prevention programs.
• Collects and maintains client records with confidentiality.
• Acts as liaison between clients and healthcare providers.
• Conducts follow-ups to ensure client needs are met.
• Conducts home visits and community events.
• Educates on self-management and appropriate ER use; guides to alternatives.
• Assists clients in understanding care plans.
• Facilitates access to community resources including housing, food, and social services.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Skills

Community resources

Interpersonal skills

Time management

Cultural competency

Care coordination

Patient education

Driving

EMR (Epic)

Education

High School Diploma / GED

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Tools

EPIC EMR

Job description

Major Responsibilities:

• Provides direct services to clients, such as health education and prevention programs.
• Collects andmaintainsclient records, ensuring confidentiality.
• Acts as a liaison between clients and healthcare providers.
• Conduct follow-ups with clients to ensure their needs arebeing met.
• Conducts effective home visits and/or community events.
• Educates community members on self-management of health conditions and supports patients in developing healthier habits and proper use of the emergency room and providing information for alternatives.
• Assistcommunity members in understanding care plans and instructions.
• Facilitates access to community resources, including but not limited to locating housing, food, clothing, prenatal classes, parenting, and providers to teach life skills, and relevant mental health services.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Licensure, Registration, and/or Certification Required:

• Completion of any required certifications or continuing education in community health within the first year of employment.

Education Required:

• High School Diploma or GEDrequired

Experience Required:

• 1 – 2 years

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required:

• In-depth knowledge of community resources and health services.
• Ability to assess client needs and provideappropriate interventions.
• Experience working with diverse populations.
• Ability to engage medical providers, primary care teams, community-based organizations, referralnavigatorsand social services agencies. Adaptability based on changing needs of the organization.
• Possesses knowledge of the community and population for related programs. Ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community and work asa strong teammember.
• Must have strong interpersonal skills andgood communicationand literacy skills (in person, telephonically and written) anddemonstratethe ability to develop rapport as an active member of the care management team.
• Validdriver’s licenserequired, excellent driving recordand havereliable transportation.
• Time will be spent tracking and contacting community members and community referral agencies, meeting face-to-face with clients in their home environment, hospital, clinic, school, etc. Frequent changes are expected daily; therefore, flexibility and adaptability are essential. Evening and weekend work may periodically berequired.
• Self-directed with excellent time management anddetailorientation.
• Adaptability based on changing needs of the organization.
• Knowledgeableofsocial drivers of health, community health, and health literacy principles.
• Ability to navigate Epic or another Electronic Medical Record (EMR).
• Ability to navigate social care networks and platforms.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

• This position requires travel, therefore, will be exposed to weather and road conditions.
• Operates all equipment necessary to perform the job.
• Work in a variety of environments; an office environment, a community member’s home environment and/or hospital/school/community agency or settings.
• Exposure to a medical setting and household conditions as well as communicable diseases could occur.
• There is occasional lifting of 10 – 20 pounds necessary to complete a task.

PreferredJobRequirements:

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree preferred

This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties.