Community Health Worker

Genesis HealthCare System; Oak Park (IL); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Genesis HealthCare System is seeking a community-focused professional to support patients through outreach and resource navigation. You will help close care gaps, coordinate transitions from hospital to outpatient care, and assist with appointment scheduling.

The role emphasizes compassionate, patient-centered service, with documentation in the EHR and strict HIPAA compliance. A CHW certification is expected within 12 months of hire, and strong communication skills are essential.

Qualifications

• High school diploma/GED.
• CHW certification required within 12 months of hire.
• Knowledge of the culture and resources of the community.
• Must have a strong sense of compassion.
• Ability to multitask, organize/prioritize, function with minimal supervision.
• Solid interpersonal communication skills (written, verbal, telephone).
• Proficient with basic office software.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate access to resources and community services based on health needs and benefits.
• Identify and close care gaps through outreach via phone, electronically, or face-to-face.
• Assist in coordinating care from hospital to outpatient settings and address barriers to care.
• Provide scheduling information and directions for appointments.
• Maintain accurate, timely documentation in the EHR and ensure HIPAA compliance.

Skills

Compassion

Interpersonal communication

Multitasking

Organization

Self-directed

Computer literacy

Education

High school diploma/GED

CHW certification

Tools

Basic office software

Job description

GENESIS HEALTHCARE SYSTEM

In order to fill our Mission of serving our community by helping each person achieve optimal health and well-being by providing compassionate, exceptional, and affordable healthcare services, all employees of Genesis HealthCare System must be committed to living the Genesis Mission and Genesis values of Compassion, Excellence, Integrity, Team, and Innovation. All employees must regard themselves as an ‘owner’ of Genesis and keep our patients at the center of everything we do - always.__

Position Details:

Work Shift:

Day Shift (United States of America)

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

40

Department:

Physician Services

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

1. Performs effective resourcing:
   • a. Facilitate access to resources and improves the cultural competence of services provided as it relates to transportation, food, finances, housing, utilities, and medication assistance.
   • b. Reviews plan benefits and identifies appropriate programs and services based on health needs and benefits.
2. Provides care gap closure:
   • a. Performs outreach via phone, electronically, or face-to-face to identify gaps in care and assist with closing of these gaps.
   • b. Travel to hospital and offices required. Site/home visits may also be required.
   • c. Identify patient service needs related to health concerns.
   • d. Identify relevant and available community resources based on patient needs.
3. Aid in care coordination:
   • a. Participates as a member of the multi-disciplinary team and assists with the coordination of care and the transition of care from the hospital to the outpatient setting.
   • b. Identify and address barriers to care, including social determinants of health.
   • c. Help to identify patient support systems and incorporate into their healthcare goals.
   • d. Works with patients to develop healthcare goals and identify potential barriers to achieving established goals.
   • e. Work collaboratively with the interdisciplinary team to ensure an integrated team approach.
   • f. Collaborate with patients to create solutions to overcome barriers to achieving healthcare goals.
   • g. Refer patients to appropriate programs and services.
   • h. Able to identify urgent patient needs/situations and escalates to the next level when necessary.
4. Assist in accurate scheduling:
   • a. Provides patients necessary information regarding preparation for appointments.
   • b. Gives accurate clinic/hospital directions and provides answers to general hospital/clinic questions.
5. Adheres to detailed documentation and compliance:
   • a. Maintains accurate, timely, and thorough documentation of patient interactions in the electronic health record.
   • b. Ensures compliance with HIPAA regulations and other applicable policies and standards.

QUALIFICATIONS

1. High school diploma/GED.
2. Completion of CHW certification is required within twelve (12) months of hire.
3. Knowledge of the culture and values of the community.
4. Familiarity with the resources available in the community.
5. Must have a strong sense of compassion.
6. Ability to multitask, organize/prioritize, function with minimal supervision, and deal with difficult situations.
7. Solid interpersonal communication skills to include written, verbal, and telephone etiquette.
8. Excellent computer operation skills and sound working knowledge of basic office software.
9. Demonstrates ability to complete projects within a productive timeframe.
10. Ability to be self-directed and able to work well with others.

PATIENT CENTERED CARE & BEHAVIORAL EXPECTATIONS

1. 1. Living the Genesis Mission, Vision and Values
   • Performs work in a manner that is quality focused.
   • Treats patients, co-workers, visitors and volunteers with courtesy, compassion, empathy and respect.
   • Results oriented and focused on achievement of objectives.
   • Acknowledges and responds to the diversity of people and the situation.
   • Encourages peers (others) to be owners of change.
   • Always makes the effort to anticipate and exceed customer needs and expectations.
   • Possesses the ability to engage others with patience and understanding.
   • Acts in a manner that creates positive first and lasting impressions.
   • Demonstrates the ability to own issues until they are resolved.
2. 2. Patient Centered Care (patients/families, physicians, co-workers, all other internal/external customers)
   • Introduces self and role…connects with everyone.
   • Communicates effectively (i.e. advising others of actions, pertinent information, time durations, etc.) and asks for feedback.
   • Asks for and anticipates needs and concerns of others.
   • Maintains a positive work environment for staff and a healing environment for patients (i.e. safe, clean, quiet, etc.)
   • Maintains the dignity and privacy of each person; manages confidential/sensitive information appropriately.
   • Responds to requests in an appropriate and timely manner.
   • Exits patient/customer encounters courteously, asking if there are additional needs that can be addressed.
3. 3. Promotes Patient and Employee Safety
   • Demonstrates safe Patient Handling (i.e. transfers, transport, care administration, nutrition, medication, etc.).
   • Demonstrates safe Materials Handling (i.e. appropriate use and disposal of chemicals, infectious wastes, etc.).
   • Demonstrates appropriate knowledge of Infectious Disease precautions and use of proper protective equipment.
   • Demonstrates Slips/Trips and Falls Awareness.
   • Actively contributes to maintaining a safe, clean and quiet environment.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential function of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1. Works in an office environment and may be required to complete home home/site visits.
2. Answers telephone calls, uses personal computer and other business machines extensively, which requires the ability to apply finger dexterity. Individual bends, reaches, pushes and pulls file drawers to file records and reports.
3. Able to regularly lift or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift or move up to 50 pounds.
4. Vision abilities required include up close vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.

This description reflects in general terms the type and level of work performed. It is not intended to be all-inclusive, nor portray the specific duties of any one incumbent.

Thank you for your interest in employment at Genesis. Genesis is committed to being an equal opportunity employer. Selection of applicants for employment is based only on qualifications and the requirements of a specific job.