Community Health Worker

For more than 55 years, Family Health Centers of San Diego’s (FHCSD) mission has been to provide caring, affordable, high-quality health care and supportive services to everyone, with a special commitment to uninsured, low-income and medically underserved persons.

FHCSD is one of the top 10 largest federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) in the country. We operate more than 90 sites across San Diego County, including 29 primary care clinics, 23 behavioral health facilities, 10 physical rehabilitation clinics, nine dental clinics, five vision clinics, four outpatient substance use treatment programs, three mobile medical units, two mobile counseling centers, two urgent care centers, and a pharmacy.

Our staff provides care to over 227,000 patients each year, of whom 91% are low-income and 29% are uninsured. FHCSD provides care to all. Services include, but are not limited to adult care, chronic disease management, pediatrics, comprehensive women’s care including obstetrics, dental, vision, case management, physical rehabilitation, speech therapy for children, vaccinations, infectious diseases, behavioral health, substance use counseling and a host of specialty services including cardiology, podiatry, endocrinology, dermatology, among others.  FHCSD also offers supportive services to those who are unsheltered and in need of intensive case management.   

The breadth of our clinic locations, services and programs has grown over the last five decades, making us the largest community clinic provider of health care to the uninsured in the county and one of the top 10 largest community clinic organizations in the nation. We are also the largest health care safety-net provider, largest school-based health care provider and the largest mental health provider in the San Diego region.

Job Roles

• Collaborate with multidisciplinary care team in coordinating a wide array of navigation, health care, case management, educational support and patient engagement functions in recruiting, supporting and connecting individuals to services at FHCSD.

• Facilitate enrollment of patients in FHCSD services.  Schedule appointments and conduct intake per department guidelines and productivity goals.

• Facilitate care transitions between providers, community partners, and specialty care providers through use of the Electronic Health Record to ensure relevant correspondence is attached for each patient.

• Provide support for patients, focusing on reducing poor health outcomes through improving continuity of care.

• Provide support, empowerment, education, and case management services for those that may be chronically ill, including co-morbid substance use and/or mental illness through direct interaction or within a group setting environment.

• Educate potential patients about FHCSD services to include relationship building in connecting to a wide array of services.

• Conduct periodic assessments of patients’ substance use, physical activity, dietary, or other habits harmful to health and wellbeing.

• Serve as liaison between the multidisciplinary care team and the community to include developing relationships with various stakeholders as part of the patient's care plan.  Resolve any barriers related to necessary resources.

• Participate regularly in program meetings.

• Function collaboratively with partners of FHCSD.

• Identify linguistic, cultural and transportation needs of clients with linkage to resources as appropriate.

• Track, monitor and actively manage assigned cases to ensure coordination of care, retention of patients, and to ensure a high level of utilization is maintained.

• Attend ongoing training to include certification courses when applicable.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent required.
• Bachelor’s Degree in health care or social services field or Community Health Worker certification preferred.
• OR equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the skills, knowledge and ability to perform the essential job duties.
• Ability and means to travel as needed in a timely manner within San Diego County, to locations that may have limited access to public transportation; proof of liability and property damage insurance on vehicle used is required. DRIVER REQUIREMENTS: Age 21; Licensed for a minimum of 3 years; No violations and/or accidents within 3 years; No vehicle related suspensions/reinstatements; No DUI, reckless or felony Driving within 7 years

• Experience/Specialized Skills (Including Language)

• Lived experience that aligns with and provides a connection between the CHW and the community being served (justice involved) required.
• 2 – 3 years of experience working with health care systems, substance use treatment programs, or community-based organizations OR CHW Certificate required.
• Knowledge of adult health coaching and engagement techniques, best practices and tools.
• Ability to engage clients in meeting their health care needs through inclusion of patient connectedness with FHCSD services through care coordination and case management strategies.
• Ability to exercise discretion, and maintain confidential information.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment in seeking solutions and health care service connections.
• Ability to work effectively with clients from diverse social, cultural and economic groups.
• Possess critical thinking skills in finding solutions to problems/addressing barriers.
• Strong interpersonal and customer service skills with the ability to interact empathetically with persons who possess diverse levels of socio-economic and education backgrounds.
• Intermediate verbal and written communication skills to include the ability to communicate effectively with those who speak English as a second language.
• Bilingual English/Spanish or other language preferred.
• Knowledge of the community resources, health and social services systems in San Diego County, and a willingness to work within these settings when appropriate.
• Ability to work in a variety of environments to include various criminal justice system settings, encampments, community organizations, outpatient treatment facilities, etc.
• Ability to work well in a team-based environment or independently.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain good working relationships with employees, coworkers, and community partners.
• Basic skills in computer applications and software to include MS Office and Electronic Medical Records.

We are excited to share that the salary range for this position is:

$24.00 - $29.26

Information on our extensive benefits package can be found here: FHCSD Wellness – Employee Hub (gobenefits.net)

FHCSD provides Equal Employment Opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, transfer, leave of absence, compensation, and training.