The Community Health Worker (CHW) plays a key role in advancing population health, patient experience, and health equity initiatives by serving as a trusted connector between the health system and the communities it serves. This role focuses on community outreach, health education, care navigation, and engagement activities that address social drivers of health, improve access to care, and enhance patient and community experiences. The CHW works collaboratively with patients, families, interdisciplinary care teams, and community partners to promote preventive care, chronic disease management, care continuity, and culturally responsive services. The position emphasizes patient-centered, trauma-informed, and nonjudgmental approaches to care. Other information:Experience Required: - Experience in community outreach, population health, patient navigation, social services, public health, or healthcare settings preferred. - Experience working with diverse or underserved populations strongly preferred. Education Required: - High school diploma or equivalent required. - Associate or bachelor’s degree in public health, health education, social work, behavioral science, or a related field preferred. Licensure/ Certifications: - Community Health Worker certification required or must be obtained within a specified timeframe (e.g., six months of hire). Skills and Competencies: - Strong written and verbal communication skills. - Ability to build trust and rapport with individuals from diverse backgrounds. - Basic computer proficiency, including electronic health records and Microsoft Office applications. - Knowledge of or willingness to learn principles related to population health, social drivers of health, patient experience, and health equity. - Strong organizational, documentation, and time-management skills. Physical Requirements and Work Environment: - Overall strength requirement: Light - Strength – Light Push – Occasionally Pull – Occasionally - Carry – Occasionally Lift – Occasionally Sit – Frequently Stand – Frequently Walk – Frequently Responsibilities:General Duties and Responsibilities:Provide emotional, social, and practical support to individuals and families to improve health outcomes and care experiences. Conduct outreach and engagement activities within clinical and community settings to promote health education, preventive services, and resource awareness. Support patients in navigating healthcare systems and accessing community-based resources, including primary care, specialty care, behavioral health, social services, and wellness programs. Conduct screenings or assessments related to social drivers of health and patient needs, as appropriate. Develop, implement, and monitor individualized support or care navigation plans in collaboration with patients and care teams. Build rapport and trust with patients using motivational interviewing, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive communication techniques. Serve as a liaison between patients, families, health system staff, and community organizations. Organize, support, or co-lead community health education programs, outreach events, and population health initiatives. Document patient interactions and activities accurately and timely in the electronic health record and other required systems. Participate in quality improvement initiatives focused on population health outcomes, patient experience, and health equity. Collaborate with clinical staff, social workers, care coordinators, navigators, nurses, and administrators to integrate community-based insights into care delivery. Promote health awareness and engagement through community outreach, education, and partnership development. Comply with departmental policies, procedures, safety standards, infection control, and quality assurance programs. Follow organizational compliance programs and all applicable federal, state, and local regulations. Maintain professional development, certifications, and affiliations as required. Essential Duties and Responsibilities: - Engage individuals and communities to support access to preventive care, chronic disease management, and wellness services. - Assist patients with care coordination, appointment scheduling, follow-up, and understanding care plans. - Identify and address barriers to care, including transportation, health literacy, access to nutrition, housing, insurance, and other social needs. - Provide culturally appropriate health education on topics aligned with organizational population health priorities. - Support patient experience initiatives by gathering community or patient feedback and contributing insights to improvement efforts. - Strengthen connections between the health system and community-based organizations to support coordinated, equitable care. - Support special projects or initiatives related to health equity, disparities reduction, and community engagement. Non-Essential Duties and Responsibilities: - Participate in community advisory councils, coalitions, or workgroups as assigned. Assist with data collection, reporting, or evaluation for community health or patient experience initiatives.