Community Health Worker (Clinton)

About the position

The Community Health Worker (CHW) supports the joint efforts of the Louisiana Primary Care Association (LPCA) and the Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) to reach and engage their at-risk population as it relates to Social Determinants of Health (SDOH). The CHW participates in the overall outreach strategy to engage community members to seek primary care services, complete wellness-related care, and reduce inappropriate Emergency Department utilization through individualized outreach attempts (both in-person and by phone, video, text, or letter). The goal of outreach attempts will be to understand and resolve barriers to care, individually assess health risks and social needs, connect to resources, and engage individuals in health services.

Responsibilities

• Increase access to health services by identifying populations in need using various outreach methods
• Perform assessment based upon the initial reason provided for patient outreach (e.g., no care with primary care provider during the current year, health risk assessment completion, inappropriate emergency department use, recent hospitalization, a gap in routine care, and social need, etc.) and provide or connect to resources relevant to the identified needs.
• Coach and motivate patients to engage in primary care to effectively manage their chronic disease, engage in preventive care as appropriate, and avoid inappropriate care settings (e.g., emergency department use for non-emergent concerns).
• Actively collaborate with other members of primary care teams to communicate patient needs, special patient arrangements, and areas of further support.
• Perform Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) screenings and address issues identified to eliminate barriers to care as appropriate.
• Provide outreach and engagement services remotely, on-site at Health Centers, or through other community-based settings, including emergency departments or other access points.

Requirements

• Must have certification of completion of Community Health Worker Training Program through Delgado Community College
• Minimum of one year experience (two years preferred) in direct patient/client service exercising one or more Community Health Worker (CHW) core roles (providing culturally appropriate health education, care coordination, coaching, and social support, individual and community assessment, conducting outreach, etc.)
• Knowledge of public and private health insurance and other public assistance program options, community resources, community outreach, health communication, and/or health education.
• Knowledge of community-based healthcare systems with sufficiently detailed understanding to assist patients in navigating healthcare.
• Knowledge of the health risks, needs, and social determinants of health of underserved populations.

Nice-to-haves

• Completion of Louisiana's Community Health Worker Training Program (CHWTP) and certification process or a substantially similar training/certification program, preferred. (May be completed after hire)
• Word processing, spreadsheets, database software, and electronic communication technology.

Benefits

• Health, dental, vision and voluntary supplemental policies
• Up to 5% match in 403b retirement plan
• Paid vacation and sick time