Community Health Worker

South Side Healthy Community Organization; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 28,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid time off

Tuition benefits

Job summary

South Side Healthy Community Organization (SSHCO) seeks a Community Health Worker to educate, navigate care, and support social determinants of health in Chicago's South Side. You will work with an interdisciplinary team to bridge community members with medical partners, delivering health education and case management.

The CHW will travel across the Chicagoland area, provide services in homes, clinics, and community events, and help identify and address barriers to care.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent is required.
• At least 1 year of experience in community health, health education, case management, administration, medical assisting, or CNA work is required.
• Willingness to travel across Chicagoland and work varied shifts.
• CHW Certification preferred; CPR certification required within 3 months of hire.

Responsibilities

• Assess needs and provide health information to improve outcomes for community members.
• Offer health education in home visits, health fairs, clinics, hospitals, ER, and events.
• Utilize the EMR to identify patient needs and social determinants of health.
• Assist community members in accessing health services, social services, and resources.
• Provide case management with follow-up and referrals as needed.
• Maintain accurate records and prepare program data and reports.
• Build relationships with community members and stakeholders to advance goals.

Skills

Bilingual in Spanish

Interpersonal skills

Punctual and reliable

Commitment to health equity

Travel across Chicagoland

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

EMR systems (Athena, Epic, Cerner)

Microsoft Office Suite (Word, SharePoint, Excel, PowerPoint)

Job description

About the Organization At the South Side Healthy Community Organization (SSHCO), we believe in transforming health and scaling new models of care to build a stronger, more vibrant, and empowered community. We are a key partner in a collaborative of 13 healthcare organizations on Chicago's South Side, all united by a single mission: to improve the health and well‑being of our community.
If you are guided by our core values of Integrity, Collaboration, Communication, Accountability, and Respect, we invite you to join us.
SSHCO provides a comprehensive suite of benefits designed to promote a well-balanced lifestyle for our employees, including medical/dental/vision insurances, a 401(k) with company match, paid time off, and tuition benefits.

Req Number CAR-26-00008

Category Care Coordination

Position Community Health Worker

Open Date 9/9/2026

Exempt/Non-Exempt Non-Exempt

Pay Range $20-23 per hour

Full-Time/Part-Time Full-Time

Work Modality Onsite with occasional traveling work

Shift Various Shifts

Description

The Community Health Worker (CHW), under the general supervision of the CHW Supervisor, provides health education, disease management education, health care and social service navigation services, and/or case management services to community members while assisting with identifying and addressing patient social determinant of health (SDOH) goals. The CHW will work within an interdisciplinary team and will serve as a bridge between the community members and medical network partners by building trusting relationships with the community members served by the assigned health center or program(s).

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job function satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential duties.

• Assess needs and provide clear and pertinent information on health topics and healthy behaviors to improve health outcomes for community members.
• Offer health education to community members in various settings (home visits, health fairs, community outreach events, clinics, hospitals, ER, phone contact, etc.)
• Utilize the EMR system to identify patient health needs and social determinants of health that may be impacting their well‑being.
• Assist community members in accessing needed health services (doctors, appointments, medications, referrals, etc.), social services, and community resources.
• Work collaboratively with community members to set goals and develop individualized plans to achieve better health.
• Provide case management for individuals and families, ensuring follow‑up until issues are resolved or appropriate referrals are made.
• Maintain accurate and detailed records of all interactions with patients and community members following established data collection procedures.
• Prepare program data and reports (case studies, program evaluations) to inform grant applications and progress reports.
• Build and maintain relationships with community members, organizations, and stakeholders to advance program goals.
• Participate in professional development opportunities, present at conferences, and assist with organizing health promotion events and activities as needed.
• Monitor and order project supplies as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Flexible work schedule required. This position requires travel throughout the Chicagoland area. The typical schedule is weekdays 8:00am - 4:30pm but shifts may vary, and occasional weekend/evening work may be required.
• Education: High school diploma or the equivalent required.
• Experience:
  • At least 1 year of experience in community health, health education, case management, administration, medical assisting, or certified nursing assistant work required.
  • 2 years of direct patient care or community/patient health experience preferred.
  • For some positions: 2 years of health education and navigation experience in a behavioral health setting.
• Licenses and Certifications:
  • Up-to-date vaccinations as defined by the CDC, including influenza and COVID-19 required. Proof required prior to the start date.
  • CHW Certification preferred.
  • • CPR Certification, if not already certified, credentialing must be obtained within 3 months of hire date. Required training will be provided.
• Computer Skills:
  • Strong proficiency with an EMR system (e.g., Athena, Epic, Cerner) preferred.
  • Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Sharepoint, Excel, and Powerpoint) preferred.
• Language Skills: Bilingual in Spanish preferred.
• Additional:
  • Familiarity and/or experience working with Chicago's West Side and/or South Side communities (residents preferred).
  • Ability to work in various settings, including home visits, community events, clinics, and hospital partner sites required.
  • Manual dexterity for various duties (e.g., typing, lifting up to 15 lbs.).
  • Ability to provide health education in individual and group settings.
  • Ability to coordinate non-clinical care under supervision.
  • Passion for working with community members and providers.
  • Strong interpersonal skills to connect and build trust with diverse populations.
  • Commitment to racial and health equity.
  • Punctual, reliable, and eager to learn.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

SSHCO is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, creed, ancestry, national origin, citizenship, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, and pregnancy-related conditions), gender identity or expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, religion, age, disability, genetic information, service in the military, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws and ordinances.

Equal employment opportunity applies to all terms and conditions of employment. Our hiring and employment practices are based solely on job-related criteria and qualifications, and we strive to ensure that all employees and applicants are treated with respect, fairness, and without bias. We promote an environment where every team member can thrive, contribute their best, and reach their full potential.

If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or throughout your employment, please contact us at [e-mail]. We are dedicated to providing the necessary support to ensure equal access and opportunities for all individuals.

This position is currently accepting applications.