Community Health Worker

3M HEALTHCARE; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid vacation and sick time

Health, vision, and dental insurance

401(k) retirement match

Education stipends and leadership dev

Job summary

Oak Street Health is seeking a Community Health Worker in Chicago to bridge patients with community resources and medical systems. You will conduct outreach, promote health literacy, and support access to services. Expect travel to patient-centered locations and collaboration with interdisciplinary teams.

The role emphasizes culturally appropriate health education, HIPAA-compliant documentation, and patient-centered care planning in diverse urban communities.

Qualifications

• Minimum one year in healthcare, community or social services.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities with a positive attitude.
• Dedication to serving the community and building relationships.
• Experience with electronic medical records is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Establish and maintain relationships with patients, community organizations and team members.
• Coordinate patient referrals with the care team and social worker.
• Facilitate communication among patients, families, providers and community partners.
• Build inventory of local community resources for patients.
• Connect patients to housing, transportation, food and daily living resources.

Skills

Communication skills

Spanish language (preferred)

Time management

Community engagement

Interdisciplinary teamwork

HIPAA knowledge

Education

CHW certification or related degree

Associate's or Bachelor's degree in a related field

Tools

Windows

GSuite

Microsoft Office

Job description

Community Health Worker – Role Summary

The Community Health Worker (CHW) at Oak Street Health bridges patients, community, and medical systems by removing barriers and increasing wellness. The CHW advocates for patients, conducts proactive outreach, promotes health literacy, and facilitates access to resources.

Core Responsibilities

• Establish and maintain strong interpersonal relationships with patients, community organizations, team members, and partners to coordinate patient needs.
• Manage patient referrals defined by the care team and collaborate with the Medical Social Worker on action plans.
• Facilitate communication between all identified parties involved in patient care as needed (family members, caregivers, medical providers, community-based organizations).
• Build an inventory of local community organizations that may benefit patients.
• Connect patients to state and local community resources related to housing, transportation, food, and activities of daily living to address social and physical barriers to health.
• Assist patients with completion of applications for accessing eligible benefits and resources.
• Promote goal setting and achievement to improve patients' quality of life and self‑efficacy, with goals agreed upon by the care team.
• Meet with patients in patient‑centered and patient‑preferred locations (Oak Street Health center, patient’s home, external medical provider facility, community setting).
• Spend roughly half of the time outside the center at patient‑centered locations; reliable transportation is required.
• Drive engagement with high‑risk individuals, including accompaniment to specialty appointments and post‑discharge visits.
• Complete referrals to organizations and agencies as needed.
• Deliver culturally appropriate health education in areas where OSH has provided competency training.
• Support care team decision making through participation in interdisciplinary team meetings.
• Document interactions with patients in the electronic medical record in a timely manner while maintaining HIPAA standards.
• Manage time, set priorities, work independently, and collaborate effectively with an interdisciplinary medical team.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Experience

• Minimum of one year of experience in healthcare, community‑based, case management, or social service environment.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining a positive attitude.
• Dedication to serving the community and building meaningful relationships.
• Proficient computer skills (e.g., Windows, GSuite, Microsoft).
• Access to reliable transportation and ability to travel throughout the community.
• US work authorization.
• Fluency in a community language (commonly Spanish) is strongly preferred.
• Experience working on multidisciplinary teams with organizations, agencies, patients, and community members.
• Knowledge of community resources and resource navigation.
• Preferred: Community Health Worker certification or an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in a related field.
• Experience utilizing electronic medical record systems.

Benefits

• Mission‑focused career impacting Medicare patients.
• Paid vacation, sick time, and 401(k) match options.
• Health, vision, and dental insurance.
• Opportunities for leadership development and continuing education stipends.
• New centers and flexible work environments.
• High levels of responsibility and rapid advancement opportunities.

Oak Street Health is an equal‑opportunity employer. We embrace diversity and encourage all interested readers to apply. Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with all federal, state, and local laws.