Community Health Worker

POSITION SUMMARY

Worksclosely with medical providers, primary care teams, and social servicesagencies to provide short term care coordination and connection to resourcesand support to program clients to improve their health and general well-beingthrough education and provision of coordination of care and services. Works inboth clinical and community-based settings, including clients' homes.Travel to villages as assigned to provideimpact services.Community Health Worker(CHW) must work under close supervision and travel with a PHN II/III for theduration of work plan.Reports Directlyto PHN Program Manager.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES ANDRESPONSIBILITIES

1.Assists clientsin their homes, community, or clinic setting. Communicates to clients/patientsthe purposes of the program and the impact it may have on their wellbeing.Helps patients identify socio-economic issues that affect their overall healthand develop health/social management plans and goals.

2.Documents allclient encounters and contracts made on behalf of clients; completes andsubmits monthly reports; maintains comprehensive electronic client files, whichinclude client notes, release of information, assessments and other medicaldocuments acquired on behalf of the client. Documents activities, serviceplans, and outcomes achieved by client in an effective manner.

3.Educates clienton the proper use of the Emergency Room, and provides information foralternatives. Coaches patients in effective management of their chronic healthconditions and self-care. Assists patient in understanding care plans andinstructions. Motivates patients/clients to be active and engaged participantsin their health and overall wellbeing.

4.Assists clientsin accessing health related services, including but not limited to: obtaining amedical home, providing instruction on appropriate use of the medical home,overcoming barriers to obtaining needed medical care and /or social services.

5.Provides supportand advocacy during initial medical visit or when necessary to assure clients'medical needs and referrals required are being conveyed. Follows up with bothclients and providers regarding health/social services plans.

6.May act as a peersupport worker, where applicable, if self-disclosed as current or former consumerof mental health or substance abuse services with at least two years of mentalhealth or substance abuse recovery.

7.Facilitatescommunication and coordinate services between providers and theclients/patients. Coordinates and monitors services, including comprehensivetracking of clients' compliance in relation to care plan objectives.

8.Act as a patientadvocate and liaison between the patient/family and community service agencies,and provide feedback

9.Follow – up withpatients via phone calls, home visits and visits to other settings wherepatients can be found.

10.Travelsextensively to client homes, community locations, various agencies, and otheroutreach destinations.

11.Responsible forestablishing trusting relationships with patients and their families whileproviding general support and encouragement.

12.Maintain a highlevel of integrity and discretion in handling confidential information.

13.Performs otherjob-related duties as assigned.

MINIMUMREQUIREMENTS

Highschool diploma or GED; at least 1 year of experience directly related to theduties and responsibilities specified.Anycombination of 3 years health/social services experience and/or educationpreferred.Strong interpersonal,communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range ofconstituencies in a diverse community.Knowledgeof community agencies and resources.Workingknowledge of multi-system outreach programs related to health care delivery,clinical education, and health-related services.Ability to plan, implement, and evaluateindividual client care plans.Knowledgeof transportation and other barriers to care that may be encountered by client.Ability to communicate medical information tohealth care professionals and care coordinators over the telephone. Skill in use of personal computers and relatedsoftware applications, including e-mail.Skill in organizing resources and establishing priorities.Creative and analytical thinking.