Community Health Worker - Multi Specialty

Central Health; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 38,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Central Health in Austin, TX is seeking a Community Health Worker to join the clinical care team. You will serve as an advocate for patients during medical visits, assist with navigation, and help address social determinants of health to improve the patient experience and outcomes.

You will collaborate with primary care teams, coordinate referrals, provide transportation assistance, and support transitions of care. Strong communication and relationship-building are essential to success.

Qualifications

• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build relationships with patients and staff.
• Excellent verbal and written communication abilities.
• High level of problem-solving to improve patient care and navigation.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse groups of people.
• Familiarity with health IT tools (EHR, MS Office).

Responsibilities

• Collaborates with the patient’s care team to optimize clinical outcomes.
• Communicates with staff, patients, and providers to coordinate care and workflows.
• Acts as an advocate, providing guidance to patients and families.
• Supports continuity of care by arranging transportation and reminders for appointments.
• Tracks outcomes of referrals and treatments and reports findings.
• Provides support during initial visits and ensures patient needs are conveyed to providers.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Customer service

Verbal & written communication

Problem solving

Diversity & inclusion

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Tools

EHR

Microsoft Office

Job description

Overview

The Community Health Workers (CHWs) work alongside medical professionals in a clinical care team. As a member of the healthcare team, the CHW serves as an advocate for patients during medical appointments, will assist with healthcare navigation and address social determinants of health (SDOH) needs to improve the patient experience and improve clinical outcomes The CHW serves as a resource person for staff and models a commitment to the organization's vision/mission/values to support an unparalleled patient experience and positive clinical outcomes.

Responsibilities

Essential Functions:

• Essential Functions
• Collaborates with the patient’s care team including primary care team, specialists, home care, hospital team, and any others involved with the patient’s care to optimize clinical outcomes.
• Works as a team member, interacting with staff, patients, and providers to communicate and coordinate patient care and workflow effectively.
• Serves as an advocate, providing direction and support to the patient and family.
• Interfaces with providers and clinic team to ensure that the patient is supported to complete the provider’s treatment plan.
• Ensures continuity of care by providing transportation assistance, and appointment reminders.
• Assists with tracking outcomes of referrals and treatments.
• Provides support and advocacy during initial medical visits and to assure members' medical needs and referrals are being conveyed as needed.
• Addresses SDOH needs by providing referrals for services to community agencies as appropriate. Follow up with patients regarding health/social services plans, where needed.
• Serves as a liaison between the patient and external healthcare systems, assisting as needed.
• Enhances the patient experience by practicing AIDET during each patient interaction.
• Conducts transitions of care activities with the patient’s medical home care management team or the Central
• Health case management team as indicated to support patients with SDOH needs.
• Develops positive working relationships with external clinic systems.
• Maintains ongoing communication with community partners and attends various community events to promote education and awareness of safety net programs as assigned by Supervisor.
• Participates in daily patient care (unit) huddles.
• Participates in continuous quality improvement projects in order to better serve the patient, family and healthcare system to improve the quality of service provided.
• Attends staff meetings and education offerings both in person and via teleconference/online as required.
• Supports organizational initiatives to promote and maintain a strong positive workplace culture.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong interpersonal skills.
• High level of skill at building relationships and providing excellent customer service.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• High level of problem-solving skill to better serve patients and staff.
• Ability to work with diverse groups of people.
• Demonstrated familiarity with tools, technology, and systems typically found within most health care environments, (i.e. EHR, personal computer skills, including Microsoft Office)

Qualifications

Minimum Education:

• High School Diploma or equivalent (higher degree accepted) or equivalent

Minimum Experience:

• One (1) year of experience working within a community health setting in a health care role or a community based human service agency as a Community Health Worker (CHW), health educator, community outreach worker, or community organizer.

Required Licenses and Certifications:

• Certified Community Health Worker (CHW) or completion of an approved 160-hour competency-based Community Health Worker training program certified by DSHS within the first six (6) months of hire. Within 4 MonthsRequired