Community Health Worker

Everyone who works with Mercy Health is united under one purpose: to help our patients be well in mind, body and spirit. This drive, along with our history of faith, is a powerful combination. It gives us a shared calling to work toward every day. Join our exceptional team and help us continue to provide the highest quality of health care possible to our communities.

Job Description

Community Health Worker - Community Outreach Program - Lorain Hospital

This is a PRN "As Needed" Position. Primary hours are evenings & weekends.

Summary of Primary Function/General Purpose of Position

The Community Health Worker (CHW) role is an entry-level position that focuses on direct client support, outreach, and engagement to improve community health outcomes. CHWs serve as liaisons between clients and health and social service systems, providing culturally appropriate health education and addressing basic social determinants of health.

Essential Functions of the Position:

• Build trusting relationships with individuals and communities to mediate between clients and health/social service systems.
• Perform basic health screenings, such as blood pressure and glucose checks, under appropriate supervision.
• Assist clients in navigating healthcare and social service systems, including scheduling appointments and understanding insurance.
• Identify barriers such as housing, food insecurity, and transportation challenges, and connect clients to appropriate resources.
• Advocate for clients by facilitating referrals to health and social services, ensuring seamless access to support programs.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date client records to support advocacy efforts, monitor outcomes, and contribute to program evaluation.
• Conduct outreach activities, including home visits and participation in community health fairs, to engage underserved populations.
• Provide informal counseling and social support to clients, helping them develop self-management skills.
• Participate in regular training sessions to enhance knowledge and skills.

This document is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, or working conditions associated with the job. Employees may be required to perform other job related duties as required by their supervisor, subject to reasonable accommodation.

Patient Population

• Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served on his or her assigned unit.
• Demonstrates knowledge of the principles of growth and development of the life span and possesses the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status and interprets the appropriate information needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to his or her age, specific needs and to provide the care needed as described in departmental policies and procedures.
• Neonates (0-4 weeks)
• Infant (1-12 months)
• Pediatrics (1-12 years)
• Adolescents years)
• Adults years).
• Pediatrics (1-12 years)
• Geriatrics (65 years and older)
• Not applicable to this position.

Education Qualifications - Minimum

• High School Diploma or GED

Licensing/Certification - Required

• CHW certification through the Ohio Board of Nursing (required)

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum Years and Type of Experience

• Minimum of 1 year of experience in community health work.

Other Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Fluency in Spanish language (Strongly Preferred)
• Ability to work on evenings/weekends as needed to support department or program goals (Required)
• Sensitivity and experience in working within different cultures (Required)
• Ability to communicate orally and in writing in English & Spanish (Strongly Preferred)
• Proficient with computers and accuracy with data entry and Microsoft Office (Required)
• Ability to work independently or with little supervision (Required)
• Ability to separate personal from professional interactions with clients and maintain professional/ethical boundaries (Required)
• Ability to document client interactions with accuracy and in a timely manner (Required)
• Ability to learn and implement new procedures and adapt to emerging community needs (Required)
• Basic knowledge of community health principles and social services (Required)
• Valid Ohio driver's license with one year driving experience and no traffic citations (Required)

• Valid automobile insurance (Required)

• Individuals in this position are required to exercise universal precautions, use personal protective equipment and devices, and learn the policies concerning infection control.

As a Mercy Health associate, you're part of a Mission that matters. We support your well-being—personally and professionally. Our benefits are built to grow with you and meet your unique needs, every step of the way.

What we offer

• Competitive pay, incentives, referral bonuses and 403(b) with employer contributions (when eligible)
• Medical, dental, vision, prescription coverage, HSA/FSA options, life insurance, mental health resources and discounts
• Paid time off, parental and FMLA leave, short- and long-term disability, backup care for children and elders
• Tuition assistance, professional development and continuing education support

Benefits may vary based on the market and employment status.

All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, genetic information, or protected veteran status, and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. If you'd like to view a copy of the affirmative action plan or policy statement for Mercy Health – Youngstown, Ohio or Bon Secours – Franklin, Virginia; Petersburg, Virginia; and Emporia, Virginia, which are Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employers, please email If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation as part of the employment selection process, please contact The Talent Acquisition Team