Community Health Worker

The Community Health Worker is responsible for providing culturally responsive outreach and support to children, youth, and families in the community, with the goal of connecting underserved Medi-Cal members to care. The CHW serves as a trusted liaison between the community and Masada's Enhanced Care Management (ECM) program, engaging individuals where they are, at schools, community events, and in homes, to identify needs and link them to services. The CHW is a key member of the ECM team and is expected to exercise professional judgment and discretion while working under the direct supervision of a Program Manager or Clinical Supervisor.

DUTIES:

1. OUTREACH AND ENGAGEMENT: Plans and participates in community outreach events to build trust with residents and identify individuals who may benefit from services. Proactively engages families and caregivers in conversation about health and social needs, using culturally appropriate, trauma-informed approaches.

2. PROGRAM ADMISSION: Responsible for processing referrals, verifying initial Medi-Cal eligibility, preparing documentation needed for admitting clients to ECM, and entering all necessary information in EHR. Assists with same-day enrollment whenever possible. Ensures a warm handoff to a Lead Care Manager (LCM) for comprehensive intake and follow-up.

3. HEALTH NAVIGATION AND COORDINATION: Assists Lead Care Managers with helping clients navigate the healthcare system and overcome barriers to access. Assists families in scheduling medical appointments, arranging transportation or interpretation services, and connecting them to community resources that address needs (food, housing, etc.) Ensures client and family safety.

4. HEALTH PROMOTION AND EDUCATION: Delivers basic health education and promotion activities in the community to empower families, such as facilitating wellness workshops or nutrition demonstrations, distributing health promotion materials, and offering information on managing chronic conditions or mental health challenges in a culturally relevant manner.

5. ADVOCACY AND SUPPORT: Utilizes personal and professional experience to advocate for clients' needs. Helps caregivers and youth voice their concerns and preferences when interacting with healthcare providers, schools, or social service agencies. Shares relatable lived experiences when appropriate, to foster a sense of trust and hope. Ensures that clients feel heard and respected and assists in resolving barriers by coordinating with service providers or with a social service agency for urgent resources. Regularly collaborates with Masada staff and other members of the clinical team to reinforce a unified, family-centered approach to care.

6. STRENGTH-BASED ENGAGEMENT: Builds on each family's strengths and resilience. Maintains a non-judgmental, empathetic, and strength-based approach in all interactions, honoring the cultural values and lived experiences of the members. Encourages and coaches members in self-management of their health and well-being. Provides tools and information for clients to set goals and develop the skills to achieve them. 7. RESOURCE LINKAGE: Continuously researches and maintains information on community resources (education, social services, support groups, etc.). Provides resources and referrals to families as appropriate, and assists with the linkage process.

8. DATA ENTRY AND RECORD MAINTENANCE: Responsible for entering ECM Member Information File (MIF) data into the EHR. Ensures the integrity of the client records through accurate data entry, uploading, storing, and managing client information in the EHR. Monitors the accuracy of the client record, updates information as needed, and requests information/documentation from the ECM team as needed.

9. MEETINGS AND COMMUNICATION: Attends all required staff meetings, case conferences, care team meetings, and trainings as scheduled. Participates actively in ECM team meetings and Care Plan meetings. Communicates critical issues or urgent member needs to their supervisor and team promptly. Meets regularly with the supervisor for individual and group supervision.

10. DOCUMENTATION AND PRODUCTIVITY: Meets all documentation and productivity requirements set by the program and agency. Maintains accurate, timely records of all outreach activities, client interactions, services provided, and outcomes in the agency's electronic health record (EHR) or data tracking systems.

11. TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT: Completes all required training and certifications for the CHW role. Participates in Masada provided support for continuing education in areas such as core CHW skills, outreach methods, trauma-informed care, and any specialty relevant to the population.

12. CONFIDENTIALITY: Maintains strict confidentiality of all client information and records in accordance with HIPAA and agency policies. Ensures that all outreach activities and communications (including text messages, calls, etc.) respect client privacy and consent.

13. PROFESSIONAL BOUNDARIES AND ETHICS: Upholds professional boundaries at all times while building rapport with clients. Adheres to ethical guidelines and Masada's code of conduct, exemplifying integrity, respect, and accountability. Seeks guidance when confronted with ethical dilemmas or situations outside of their expertise.

14. TRAVEL: Travels independently to various locations in the field to deliver services. Must be able to navigate different environments (including multi-story buildings without elevators, outdoor event settings, etc.) in the course of work.

15. OTHER: Performs other related duties as assigned by the supervisor or agency leadership. Flexibility in taking on new tasks is expected as program needs evolve.

1. Education: High school diploma or GED required.

2. Lived Experience: Lived experience that connects to the communities/populations served is required per DHCS guidelines.

3. Language and Cultural Skills: Candidates from the communities we serve, including those who have experience working in or with the African American community or who are bilingual in Spanish, are encouraged to apply.

4. Communication & Interpersonal Skills: Excellent communication, listening, and interpersonal skills. Ability to establish trust and rapport with diverse individuals, including youth, parents/caregivers, and community partners.

5. Organizational Skills: Strong organizational and time-management skills.

6. Team Collaboration: Ability to work collaboratively on a multidisciplinary team.

7. Technology Skills: Basic computer literacy is required. Must be able to learn and use electronic health record (EHR) systems and communicate via email. Proficiency with standard office applications (e.g. Word, Excel) and comfort with smartphones or tablets for mobile documentation is expected.

8. Driver's License & Travel: Valid California driver's license and a good driving record are required. Must have access to a personal automobile with current auto insurance, or other reliable transportation.

9. Flexibility: Willingness to work flexible hours, including occasional evenings or weekends, to attend community events or meet family availability.

10. Passion and Commitment: A genuine commitment to improving community health and advancing health equity.