Community Health Worker/Navigator

Healthlinc; La Porte (IN); On-site; USD 28,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

HealthLinc in Indiana is seeking a Community Health Navigator to assist patients with insurance enrollment, care coordination, and resource navigation within the local service area.

You will educate patients on the sliding fee discount program, assist with Medicaid/Marketplace enrollments, and connect them to community resources while upholding HIPAA and PCMH principles. Strong communication and organizational skills are required, with certifications pursued post-hire.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Certification as SHIP Counselor within 90 days.
• Certified Community Health Worker (CHW) within six months.
• Certified State Navigator required.
• Certified Chronic Care Professional (CCP) within six months.
• Experience with community resources and outreach preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist patients with insurance enrollment and navigation.
• Educate patients on the sliding fee discount program and assist with applications and documentation.
• Provide non-clinical care coordination, referrals, follow-up, and connection to services.
• Help patients navigate healthcare, behavioral health, social services, and community resources.
• Address barriers related to transportation, cost, language, literacy, and system complexity.
• Conduct outreach to promote clinic services and enrollment opportunities.
• Plan, support, and participate in community events and enrollment activities.
• Build relationships with community organizations and stakeholders.
• Document patient interactions and outcomes in the EHR; support quality improvement.
• Maintain patient confidentiality and HIPAA compliance.

Skills

Organizational skills

Time management

Written communication

Verbal communication

Leadership

Customer service

Education

High School Diploma/GED

Certified State Navigator

Certified Counselor for SHIP

Certified Community Health Worker (CHW)

Certified Chronic Care Professional (CCP)

Tools

Microsoft Office

EHR

Job description

The Community Health Navigator (CHN) is a trusted, non clinical member of the care team who supports patients and community members in accessing affordable, coordinated, and culturally responsive healthcare. This role focuses on insurance navigation and enrollment, sliding fee scale assistance, care coordination, resource navigation, outreach, and community engagement to reduce barriers to care and improve health outcomes. The Community Health Navigator functions in alignment with the nationally recognized Community Health Worker (CHW) model and core competencies, while serving as a patient facing navigator within the health center and community.JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:Patient Access & Insurance NavigationAssist patients with insurance enrollment, reenrollment, and navigation, including Medicaid, Marketplace plans, Indiana SHPI Medicare enrollment services (MSP & EH) and other coverage options.Educate patients on the health center’s sliding fee discount program, assist with applications, renewals, and documentation, and troubleshooting access issues.Care Coordination & Resource NavigationProvide non clinical care coordination, including appointment support, referrals, follow up, and connection to internal and external services.Help patients navigate healthcare, behavioral health, social services, and community resources.Address barriers related to transportation, cost, language, literacy, and system complexity.Outreach & Community EngagementConduct outreach to patients and community members to promote clinic services, preventive care, enrollment opportunities, and health education.Plan, support, and participate in community events, health fairs, enrollment events, and outreach activities across the service area.Build and maintain relationships with community organizations, partners, and stakeholders.Education & Certification Aligned ActivitiesProvide education and support consistent with Certified Community Health Worker (CCHW), chronic care management (CCM), State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), and other applicable certifications, as assigned.Maintain required certifications and participate in training and professional development.Team CollaborationWork collaboratively as part of a care team to meet patient needs.Participate in team meetings, supervision, training, and performance improvement activities.Serve as a patient advocate, elevating systemic barriers and community needs to leadership.Documentation & DataDocument patient interactions, referrals, and outcomes accurately in the electronic health record (EHR) and other required systems.Support data collection, program tracking, quality improvement, and grant reporting activities.Maintain patient confidentiality and comply with HIPAA, HRSA requirements, and organizational policies.All HealthLinc staff is committed to engage in quality improvement initiatives that align with and support Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH).Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without noticeREQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:Education/TrainingHigh School Diploma/GEDCertified State Navigator and Certified Counselor for SHIP within 90 days of employmentCertified Community Health Worker (CHW) within six months of employmentCertified Chronic Care Professional (CCP) within six months of employmentExperienceExperience with community resources and outreach activities (preferred)Experience with insurance navigation and enrollment (preferred)Skills/Job RequirementStrong organizational and time management skillsHigh level of initiative with achieving resultsLeadership skills within a team environmentExcellent written and verbal communication skillsAbility to remain flexible and adaptableReliable transportation for travel and valid driver’s licenseAbility to follow HealthLinc policies and proceduresAbility to conduct patient services and outreach activities remotely (when necessary and approved)Technology SkillsOperate a multi-line phone system and other office equipment including printers, fax machines, etc.Basic software skills (Microsoft Office, EHR, online sources, etc.)