Rural Community Health Navigator

IU Health; Muncie (IN); On-site; USD 36,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

IU Health in Indiana is seeking a Community Health Worker to provide outreach, education, advocacy, and navigation services to patients and families in the Ball Memorial Hospital service area. You will screen for social determinants of health, connect patients with community resources, support care coordination, and assist with prenatal, postpartum, primary and specialty care.

A High School Diploma or GED is required, and CHW certification must be obtained within a year; 0-3 years of relevant

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED is required.
• Must obtain a Community Health Worker certification within 1 year of hire.
• Requires 0-3 years of relevant experience.
• Ongoing continuing education may be required to maintain certification.
• Requires basic computer skills.
• Requires knowledge of medical, community, and social resources.

Responsibilities

• Provide outreach, engagement, education, advocacy, and navigation services to patients and families.
• Assess barriers to care and conduct Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) screenings to identify needs related to housing, food security, transportation, childcare, insurance, financial assistance, utilities, and other social support services.
• Connect patients with healthcare services, community resources, and social service programs, and facilitate referrals to ensure successful linkage to care.
• Support care coordination activities, including appointment scheduling, follow-up outreach, provider communication, and navigation of healthcare systems.
• Assist patients in accessing prenatal, postpartum, primary care, specialty care, behavioral health, preventive services, and chronic disease management programs.
• Identify eligible patients and facilitate enrollment in Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) programs and provide education regarding equipment use and self-management strategies.
• Educate patients and families on maternal health, infant care, chronic disease management, preventive health, healthy lifestyle behaviors, and recommended care plans.
• Provide ongoing encouragement, emotional support, and coaching to promote engagement, self-sufficiency, and adherence to care goals.
• Conduct community outreach and occasional home visits to assess needs, reinforce education, and support patient engagement.
• Collaborate with physicians, nurses, social workers, care managers, community organizations, and other interdisciplinary team members to coordinate services and improve outcomes.
• Participate in care team meetings, community partnerships, health promotion activities, and health equity initiatives.
• Maintain accurate documentation of patient encounters, assessments, referrals, services provided, and outcomes in accordance with organizational policies.
• Utilize culturally responsive, trauma-informed, and patient-centered approaches in all interactions.

Skills

Communication skills

Cultural competence

Trauma-informed approach

Education

High School Diploma/GED

Community Health Worker certification within 1 year

Job description

IU Health in Indiana is seeking a Community Health Worker to provide outreach, education, advocacy, and navigation services to patients and families in the Ball Memorial Hospital service area. You will screen for social determinants of health, connect patients with community resources, support care coordination, and assist with prenatal, postpartum, primary and specialty care.

A High School Diploma or GED is required, and CHW certification must be obtained within a year; 0-3 years of relevant