Community Health Worker

A Community Health Worker (CHW) is known in and trusted by their community. They serve as a liaison or link between healthcare and social services and the community to facilitate access and improve health outcomes. The roles and activities of community health workers (CHWs) are tailored to meet the unique needs of the communities they serve. A CHW's role depends on their education, training, lived experience, and experience working with specific populations.

Southeastern Healthcare of NC is hiring experienced Community Health Workers to work in the above-listed communities in North Carolina. These CHWs will connect those in need with social services and health support.

The core function of CHWs will be outreach and advocacy in their communities, raising awareness and engagement with various services.

CHWs may perform the following roles:
• Establish connections between at-risk groups and healthcare providers
• Assist patients in navigating healthcare and social service frameworks
• Coordinate care and transitions for at-risk populations
• Mitigate social isolation for patients
• Assess eligibility and enroll individuals in health insurance programs
• Promote cultural competence among healthcare professionals working with at-risk communities
• Inform healthcare providers and stakeholders about community health requirements
• Deliver culturally relevant health education on chronic disease prevention, physical activity, and nutrition
• Advocate for marginalized individuals or communities to access services and resources for health concerns
• Gather data and communicate insights to stakeholders to shape programs and policies
• Offer informal counseling, health screenings, and referrals
• Enhance community capacity to tackle health challenges
• Address social determinants of health

The specific roles of CHWs may depend on services provided by the program, such as
• Advocacy
• Outreach and enrollment
• Navigation
• Education
• Health services
• Social-emotional support

The CHW work is performed under the supervision of the Team Lead, Coordinator, or Program Manager. It is evaluated primarily by attaining the programmatic goals outlined in the job description, some of which will be developed as needed.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Outreach
• Proactively locate those in the community in need of services related to health and social services, including assistance with transportation, housing, food, and personal care safety
• Build relationships in the communities served, connecting with faith organizations, social service agencies, and organizations
• Conduct needs assessments with community members to identify needs
• Provide support, information, and education to individuals in the community
• Establish positive, supportive relationships with clients, providers, agencies, supervisors, case managers, etc.
• Motivate clients to be active, engaged participants in their health and services
Education
• Provide state/local approved information on health issues and services
• Distribute messaging and communication targeted to historically marginalized communities, specifically addressing access to services needed
Social Determinants of Health
• Facilitate access to financial assistance, food, transportation, medication, child and elderly care and other social support
• Input client data and manage client referrals through the NCCARE360 online platform using a computer or tablet (training will be provided)
• Helped clients utilize resources, including scheduling appointments and completing applications for programs for which they may be eligible
• Assist clients in establishing primary care health relationships with appropriate providers
Organization Collaboration
• Work collaboratively with Southeastern Healthcare teams.
• Provide required documentation and reports, detailed time sheets and mileage records, activities, service plans, and results effectively while strictly adhering to existing company policies.

EDUCATION AND SPECIALIZED REQUIREMENTS
· The preferred candidate will be fully vaccinated against the Coronavirus (COVID-19)
· High-school diploma or equivalent required. Undergraduate or Associate’s degree preferred
· Intermediate reading and writing English language skills required
· Positions available for bilingual (English, Spanish fluency) candidates
· Effectively communicate in writing to document patient information and progress
· Basic computer literacy is required. Experience with using a tablet or iPad is helpful
· Knowledge of modern office practices, procedures, equipment, and various computer products and programs, including Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)
· Valid NC Driver’s License & Reliable Transportation.
· Having a current driver’s license and a reliable vehicle is required for the position, as outreach into the community is a central part of the position

EXPERIENCE
· Minimum 2 years of work or volunteer experience in human services or healthcare with demonstrated knowledge of and ability to work with and within the targeted community
· Have an intense desire to help others and improve the health of the community
· Related work experience in advocacy, education, community outreach, etc.
· Knowledge of local communities, population demographics, assets, and needs
· Ability to work independently, multi-task, possess good decision-making abilities, problem-solving and organizational skills, interpersonal skills, critical thinking, and analytical abilities
· Strong verbal and written communication skills
· Ability to follow instructions and incorporate feedback
· Demonstrated organizational and time management skills
· Knowledge of local regulations and community resources preferred
· Ability to work well with diverse staff, stigmatized communities, and clientele, including cultural, language, sexual identity, gender, and other types of diversity

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here represent those that a CHW must meet to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to communicate and exchange information by phone, email, and in person. The CHW is required to remain stationary for extended periods. Frequently, the employee may be required to read and write reports electronically. The job may occasionally require lifting up to 30 pounds to transport presentation materials or items to their client’s homes. Having a current driver’s license and a reliable vehicle is required for the position, as outreach into the community is a central part of the position.