Job Description

Purpose : The Community Health Worker (CHW) is responsible for encouraging patient and provider shared decision-making, promoting healthy patient behaviors that reduce risk, improving medication adherence, furthering patient self-management skills and linking the clinical care provided by the Health Center with community-based social supports. The CHW effectively educates, motivates and support patients pursuing behavior and lifestyle modifications that improve health status and quality of life. This position focuses on HIV testing, early intervention, primary and secondary HIV prevention, and connections to care.

PART I: ESSENTIAL POSITION FUNCTION AND DUTIES

1. Acts as a liaison between patient and care team, utilizing knowledge of lived experience to assess patient need and reduce barriers.

2. Work cooperatively with other staff in coordinating patient care and pursuing team-based approaches to service delivery.

3. Meet regularly with the care team to plan care and discuss cases, and exchanges appropriate information with team members in an informal manner as part of the daily routine of the clinic.

4. Mentor and coach patients, making connections to community supports to encourage successful recovery.

5. Identifies and provides linkages for services in community partner agencies to support patients/families’ social needs.

6. Assist in identifying and engaging patients which would benefit from CHW support.

7. Establish trusting relationships with patients and their families while providing support, appropriate accountability and encouragement.

8. Conduct comprehensive screening/assessment activities including health status, health risks and social needs factors.

9. Engage patients/families in the development/maintenance and activation of a comprehensive treatment and self-management plan.

10. Provide ongoing follow-up, motivational interviewing and goal setting with patients/families.

11. Provides pre and post test counseling for HIV testing and case management for people with HIV.

12. Performs other duties as assigned.

PART II: CLINIC WIDE RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Customer Relations:

a. Treats guests, patients, physicians, and other employees with care, courtesy, and respect.

b. Responds quickly and appropriately to customer requests.

c. Looks for and suggests ways to better meet customer needs.

d. Answers clinic communications systems promptly and with courtesy and respect.

2. Teamwork:

a. Works cooperatively within own department and other areas.

b. Willingly accepts additional responsibility – tries to make others job easier.

c. Responds quickly to request for assistance.

d. Required to work closely with patients and associates.

e. Interacts with other departments on problem issues.

f. Accepts feedback from patients, visitors, clinic employees, providers and general public.

3. Continuous Improvement:

a. Continuously looks for and suggests ways to improve.

b. Effectively completes assignment to achieve the greatest benefits at acceptable cost.

c. Implements improvements as appropriate.

d. Demonstrates interest in own growth and development by:

i. Periodically evaluating own performance.

ii. Demonstrating an awareness of personal abilities and limitations.

iii. Independently seeking means to make improvements.

iv. Attends and participates in in-services and continuing education programs

e. Attends departmental meetings.

4. Communications:

a. Keeps appropriate people informed.

b. Speaks and writes clearly, concisely, and appropriately.

c. Listens carefully.

d. Communicates tactfully.

e. Understands that all confidentiality and privacy considerations are respected and fostered at work and off duty.

5. Self –Management:

a. Presents a positive image of Western Wayne Family Health Center at all times.

b. Carries out assignments with little need for direction.

c. Timeliness.

d. Maintains confidentiality.

e. Provides proper notification of absence and tardiness.

f. Works weekends and alternate shifts when necessary

PART III: EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE

1. High School Diploma

2. Three (2) years experience in customer service

3. Experience in a medical clinic/office/facility preferred

4. MiCHWA certification as community health worker preferred but not required.

5. Experience working with people with LGBTQ people or people with HIV preferred.

PART IV: KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

1. Proficiency using electronic medical records and software used in healthcare environments

2. Excellent telephone and customer service skills

3. Skilled with working in a complex work environment

4. Ability to maintain confidentiality at all times and maintain organizationally appropriate relationships

5. Knowledge of organization policies and procedures.

6. Knowledge of software including EMR.

7. Skilled in exercising initiative, appropriate judgment, problem-solving and decision making.

8. Skilled in developing and maintaining effective relationships with internal and external customers maintaining the highest

level of confidentiality and integrity.

9. Must possess the ability to read and interpret documents; to write routine reports and correspondence; to speak effectively before individuals and small groups; and to interact respectfully with diverse cultural and socio-economic populations.

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