The Community Health Worker (CHW) will be responsible for helping patients and their families navigate and access community services, other resources, and adopt healthy behaviors. The position will be funded by a grant received from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the implementation of the program structure includes providing patients with a screening for basic human needs. The CHW will then contact patients who are determined to have unmet needs and connect them with appropriate resources, develop a relationship with those patients, and follow-up as necessary. The work of the CHW will promote, maintain, and improve the health of patients and their family. The CHW will provide social support and informal counseling, advocate for individuals and community health needs, and provide services such as first aid, and blood pressure screening.
CORPORATE PHILOSOPHY STATEMENT:
It is the obligation of each employee of Mercy Medical Center to abide by and promote the mission and core values of the Spirit of Mercy.
CORPORATE POLICY STATEMENT:
It is the obligation of each employee of Mercy Medical Center to comply with Mercy’s mission, values, standards of conduct, policies, procedures, and related practices.
HIPAA SECURITY COMPLIANCE:
Security Access: High “Incumbent has access to restricted or confidential patient information and must comply with the terms of the Mercy Medical Center Security Policies as it applies to their job role.”
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Responsible for establishing trusting relationships with patients and their families while providing general support and encouragement.
Providing ongoing follow-up, basic motivational interviewing and goal setting with patients/families.
Conduct intake interviews with patients, including enrolling and/or referring patients into appropriate community resource programs.
Follow-up with patients via phone calls, home visits, and visits to other settings where patients can be found.
Assist patients with completing applications and registration forms.
Conduct eligibility determination, enrollment, and follow-up with uninsured patients.
Help patients set personal goals, and attend appointments.
Provide referrals for services to community agencies as appropriate.
Help patients connect with transportation resources and give appointment reminders in special circumstances.
Exhibit excellent working relations with patients, visitors and staff, effectively communicating Mercy’s Mission.
Work closely with medical provider to help ensure that patients have comprehensive and coordinated care. Follow-up with patients should be continuous from initial identification through closure.
Work cooperatively with other clinical personnel assigned to the same patient.
Be knowledgeable about community resources appropriate to needs of patients/families.
Be responsible for providing consistent communication to the care management staff to evaluate patient/family status, ensuring that provided information, and reports clearly describe progress.
Act as a patient advocate and liaison between the patient/family and community service agencies (i.e. schools, Department of Human Services, Health Care for Homeless, hospitals, support groups, etc).
Record patient care management in DataShop (training provided) and other software no later than 24 hours after patient contact.
Attend regular staff meetings, trainings and other meetings as requested.
Manage assigned caseload of patients.
Document time records and submit expense reports and required for compliance with RWJF Grant.
Volunteer hours per addendum.
MARGINAL FUNCTIONS:
Other duties as assigned.
MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:
High School Diploma or GED required.
Successful completion of a Community Health Worker formal training program or experience is preferred.
Experience working in a multi-cultural setting.
Experience working in a community-based setting for at least 1 to 2 years preferred.
Knowledge of some medical terminology preferred.
Basic computer skills.
Ability to initiate and maintain positive working relationships with public health staff and other organizations.
Understand the community served – community connectedness.
Good communication skills, such as listening well, and using language appropriately.
Ability and willingness to provide emotional support, encouragement and motivation to patients.
Our Commitment
Rooted in our Mission and Core Values, we honor the dignity of every person and recognize the unique perspectives, experiences, and talents each colleague brings. By finding common ground and embracing our differences, we grow stronger together and deliver more compassionate, person-centered care. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.