Community Health Worker Apprentice

ccf; Elyria (OH); On-site; USD 25,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hourly wage $18.50

Job summary

Cleveland Clinic Health System in Lorain, OH, invites applications for the Community Health Worker Apprentice program. This 25-week apprenticeship runs Feb 9–June 15, 2027, with daily hours 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and 20–40% local travel across Northeast Ohio, including home visits and community sites.

You will train under a CHW preceptor, build partnerships, promote health equity, and help patients navigate care and services, gaining hands-on experience in patient care and community outreach.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent is required.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills are essential.
• Ability to manage time and adapt to changing schedules.

Responsibilities

• Assist patients and families, connecting them with resources and services.
• Build community partnerships to improve health outcomes.
• Support navigation of the healthcare system and access to care.

Skills

communication

time management

interpersonal skills

de-escalation

cultural competency

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

At Cleveland Clinic Health System, we believe in a better future for healthcare. And each of us is responsible for honoring our commitment to excellence, pushing the boundaries and transforming the patient experience, every day.

We all have the power to help, heal and change lives - beginning with our own. That’s the power of the Cleveland Clinic Health System team, and The Power of Every One.

Job Title

Community Health Worker Apprentice

Location

Lorain

Facility

Lorain Family Health Surgery Center

Department

Center for Community Health-Executive Administration

Job Code

D99611

Shift

Days

Schedule

8:30am-5:00pm

Job Summary

Job Details

Program Duration: February 9 – June 15, 2027 (25-week program)

Join the Cleveland Clinic team, where you will work alongside passionate caregivers and provide patient-first healthcare. Cleveland Clinic is recognized as one of the top hospitals in the nation. At Cleveland Clinic, you will receive endless support and appreciation and build a rewarding career with one of the most respected healthcare organizations in the world.

The Community Health Worker Apprentice is a key role focused on developing the essential skills needed to serve as a liaison between patients, the healthcare system and community-based organizations. Working under the mentorship and guidance of an experienced CHW preceptor, the apprentice will gain hands‑on experience and training across a variety of functions aimed at improving health outcomes for diverse and underserved populations. In this role, you will help build strong community partnerships, promote health equity and support access to vital health and community services.

A caregiver in this role works from 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., with 20%-40% local travel throughout Northeast Ohio, including home visits, food banks, and other community locations. Mileage will be reimbursed.

To be considered for this position, candidates must reside in Northeast Ohio.

This apprenticeship will be based out of Langston and will work at one of the Main Campus locations.

Foundational Skills Training

• Dates: January 2027
• Time: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
• Location: Health Education Campus

Initial Work Schedule -- Before Classes Begin

• Work Hours: 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Work and Class Schedule -- During Class Period

• Monday: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
• Tuesday: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
• Wednesday: 8:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
• Thursday: 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
• Friday: Off

Tri-C Class Schedule:

• Format: Virtual instruction
• Days: Tuesdays and Thursdays
• Time: 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Onsite Labs -- Tri-C Metro Campus:

• May 20: 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
• June 8: 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Number of Apprentices: 2, with the potential for 2 additional apprentices

Placement Locations

• Lorain
• Fairview

A caregiver who excels in this role will:

• Learn and demonstrate core functions such as patient care, community outreach, and connecting patients with essential resources.
• Work closely with patients and community organizations, creating an environment of trust and open communication.
• Develop relationships that improve healthcare access and outcomes.
• Gain an understanding of the cultural dynamics of the communities served.
• Support and help ensure that community healthcare services are accessible, appropriate, and respectful of the community’s needs.
• Help patients navigate the healthcare system and ensure they receive the support they need.
• Gain experience providing informal counseling and advocacy.
• Participate in outreach efforts to educate the community on health matters and promote self-sufficiency, improving the overall health knowledge of individuals and the community.
• Develop an understanding of the importance of partnerships between medical providers, community organizations, and CHWs to create a comprehensive support system for patients.
• Serve as an intermediary between these groups to enhance coordination and care delivery.

Minimum qualifications for the ideal future caregiver include:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Knowledge and expertise gained through personal identity, culture or background to support the needs of patients and families.
• Effective time management practices (able to organize time, prioritize projects efficiently and effectively) de-escalation skills; problem solving skills and managing change and conflict
• Ability to develop trust and effective work relationships with staff members, individuals, families and external and internal professionals
• Strong information gathering/interviewing techniques
• Excellent interpersonal skills with special emphasis on oral and written communication skills

Preferred qualifications for the ideal future caregiver include:

• Bilingual in Spanish
• Community service experience
• Past work experience in a medical office setting
• Informal community health worker experience
• Epic experience
• Healthcare experience

The apprenticeship flat rate is $18.50 per hour.

Physical Requirements:

• May need to move around intermittently during the day, including sitting, standing, stooping, bending and ambulating. May need to remain still for extended periods, including sitting and standing.
• Evening and weekend work may be required.
• May need to lift boxes or carry objects.
• Possess dexterity to operate a PC and other office equipment.

Personal Protective Equipment:

• Follow Standard Precautions using personal protective equipment as required.

The policy of Cleveland Clinic Health System and its system hospitals (Cleveland Clinic Health System) is to provide equal opportunity to all of our caregivers and applicants for employment in our drug free environment. All offers of employment are followed by testing for controlled substances.

Cleveland Clinic Health System administers an influenza prevention program. You will be required to comply with this program, which will include obtaining an influenza vaccination on an annual basis or obtaining an approved exemption.

Decisions concerning employment, transfers and promotions are made upon the basis of the best qualified candidate without regard to color, race, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, ancestry, status as a disabled or Vietnam era veteran or any other characteristic protected by law. Information provided on this application may be shared with any Cleveland Clinic Health System facility.

If applying for a Florida position, please see the following website for more information on the background screening requirements required by the Agency of Health Care Administration: https://info.flclearinghouse.com/

Please review the Equal Employment Opportunity poster.

Cleveland Clinic is pleased to be an equal employment opportunity employer.