Community Health Worker Apprentice

Cleveland Clinic; Lorain (OH); Hybrid; USD 21,000 - 207,000; Full time

Job summary

Cleveland Clinic invites applicants for a Community Health Worker Apprentice to gain hands-on experience under a CHW preceptor. You will support patient care, community outreach, and help connect patients with vital resources across Northeast Ohio.

The program blends Zoom-based learning with Tri-C Metro Campus onsite labs, with a defined schedule and onsite labs in Lorain, Fairview, and the El Centro OB/GYN site. Apprenticeship pays $18.50/hour, with travel and flexible learning arrangements.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent is required.
• Knowledge of community health work and cultural dynamics.
• Strong time management, de-escalation, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to build trust with staff, patients, families, and professionals.
• Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Learn core functions such as patient care and community outreach.
• Connect patients with essential resources and services.
• Build relationships with patients and community organizations to improve access.
• Navigate the healthcare system and advocate for patients.
• Provide informal counseling and advocate for patients and families.
• Participate in outreach to educate the community on health matters.

Skills

Time management

De-escalation

Problem solving

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Interviewing techniques

Relationship building

Education

High school diploma

Cultural awareness

Tools

Epic

Job description

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., between January 11 - February 8, 2027, including approximately 20% local travel within Northeast Ohio.

To be considered for this position, candidates must reside in Northeast Ohio. You will attend Tri-C and work concurrently. Classes are held on Tuesday and Thursday from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The format is hybrid (Zoom + Metro Campus onsite labs).

• Location: Virtual via Zoom and Tri-C Metro Campus for onsite labs
• Apprenticeship location: Langston Hughes

Beginning February 9, the hours are:

• 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

Onsite labs:

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

Placement Locations:

• Lorain
• Fairview
• Cleveland Clinic El Centro Outpatient Center - OB/GYN

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.

Pay Range

Minimum hourly: $15.00

Maximum hourly: $150.00

The pay range displayed on this job posting reflects the anticipated range for new hires. A successful candidate’s actual compensation will be determined after taking factors into consideration such as the candidate’s work history, experience, skill set and education. The pay range displayed does not include any applicable pay practices (e.g., shift differentials, overtime, etc.). The pay range does not include the value of Cleveland Clinic’s benefits package (e.g., healthcare, dental and vision benefits, retirement savings account contributions, etc.).