Community Health Worker

Beacon Health System; South Bend (IN); On-site; USD 33,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Beacon Health System in Indiana is seeking a Community Health Worker to support outreach, enrollment, and direct intervention services for individuals and families in the community. The role links clients to healthcare and social services and strengthens connections with the care coordination team.

Responsibilities include home visits, advocacy, and assisting with access to services while maintaining records and participating in team activities.

Qualifications

• Basic knowledge of family communication and community resources.
• Basic knowledge of medical terminology.
• Strong time management and organization skills.
• Ability to build and maintain relationships with clients, families and staff.
• Clear verbal and written communication for diverse populations.
• Good listening and feedback skills with calm, sound judgment.
• Ability to stay composed in stressful situations.
• Proficient in data entry, word processing and spreadsheets.

Responsibilities

• Interview and enroll patients and families, educating them on care.
• Identify and enroll underserved families for preventive and episodic services.
• Reach out into the community to engage underserved populations.
• Assist clients in accessing healthcare services and social supports.
• Visit clients at home to provide support and guidance.
• Develop and implement an individualized intervention plan with the Care Coordinator.
• Follow up on referrals to meet family needs.
• Maintain records of home visits, appointments and referrals.

Skills

Family communication skills

Medical terminology

Time management

Organization

Relationship building

Verbal and written communication

Active listening

Risk/pressure management

Basic computer skills

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

1 year healthcare or social services experience

Job description

Community Health Worker Reports to a designated Manager (Community Health Enhancement). Functions as a member of the care coordination team with a primary focus on outreach, case finding and direct intervention services with selected individuals and families. Assists clients to receive the services they need. Serves as a link between the clients and the community by helping the family access healthcare and social services, which meet their needs, in the community.

MISSION, VALUES and SERVICE GOALS

• MISSION: We deliver outstanding care, inspire health, and connect with heart.
• VALUES: Trust. Respect. Integrity. Compassion.
• SERVICE GOALS: Personally connect. Keep everyone informed. Be on their team.

Identifies and enrolls individuals who are in need of healthcare services by:

• Interviewing, identifying and enrolling patients; also encouraging them to receive appropriate education and care.
• Identifying and enrolling families who are in need of preventive, education and episodic healthcare services.
• Utilizing creative ideas, with the approval of the Manager, to reach out into the community to make contact with underserved segments of the population.
• Provide support to patients; educate clients of available community resources.
• Becoming visible and active within the community.
• Following up on suggested contacts by current clients.

Assists In The Clients Care Coordination By

• Completing an intake record and scheduling an initial assessment with the Care Coordinator.
• Visiting clients/patients in their homes to provide support, encouragement and guidance.
• Assisting clients in accessing healthcare services.
• Acting as an advocate to families.
• Working with the Care Coordinator to develop and implement an individualized intervention plan.
• Following up on referrals made to families and making referrals to other appropriate agencies to meet the needs of the family.
• Providing individualized educational and emotional support in accordance with the intervention plan.
• Helping clients/patients improve their health risk behaviors, as identified by the appropriate staff.
• Helping clients identify a personal support system.

Supports The Community Health Enhancement Department By

• Maintaining records, reports and files as required by departmental policies and procedures; also keeping accurate records of home visits, appointments and referrals.
• Following up on clients who have missed an appointment.
• Meeting with the educator, on a weekly basis, to review individualized care plans, share information and report progress.
• Meeting with the care coordination team, on a monthly basis.
• Providing basic health education for clients and their families.
• Communicating with the Manager regarding any concerns or problems.
• Participating in orientation and training sessions.

Performs other functions to maintain personal competence and contribute to the overall effectiveness of the department by:

• Completing other job-related duties and projects as assigned.

Organizational Responsibilities

Associate complies with the following organizational requirements:

• Attends and participates in department meetings and is accountable for all information shared.
• Completes mandatory education, annual competencies and department specific education within established timeframes.
• Completes annual employee health requirements within established timeframes.
• Maintains license/certification, registration in good standing throughout fiscal year.
• Direct patient care providers are required to maintain current BCLS (CPR), and other certifications as required by position/department.
• Consistently utilizes appropriate universal precautions, protective equipment, and ergonomic techniques to protect patient and self.
• Adheres to regulatory agency requirements, survey process and compliance.
• Complies with established organization and department policies.
• Available to work overtime in addition to working additional or other shifts and schedules when required.

Education And Experience

The knowledge, skills and abilities as indicated below are normally acquired through the successful completion of a high school diploma (or equivalent). Some clinical training or college-level courses are desired. A minimum of one year of experience in a healthcare or social services setting is required.

Knowledge & Skills

• Demonstrates basic knowledge of family communication skills, community agencies, services and resources available to clients and their families.
• Requires basic knowledge of medical terminology.
• Requires self-motivation, good organization and time management skills.
• Requires the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients/patients, families, staff, medical providers and the public.
• Demonstrates the communication skills (both verbal and written) necessary to interact effectively with diverse populations; also requires the skills needed to communicate in a clear and effective manner.
• Requires good listening and feedback skills, as well as the ability to accurately assess difficult situations and respond accordingly.
• Requires the ability to use good judgment and maintain one's composure in any stressful situations.
• Demonstrates proficiency in basic computer skills (i.e., data entry, word processing and spreadsheets).

Working Conditions

• Works in an office and patient care environment.
• Occasional possible exposure to communicable diseases and other conditions in a clinic or home setting.
• May be required to travel to clients' homes and other off-site locations.

Physical Demands

Requires the physical ability and stamina to perform the essential functions of the position.