A Community Health Worker (CHW) is a frontline public health worker who is a trusted member of and/or has a remarkable understanding of the community served. This trusting relationship with the community enables the CHW to serve as a liaison/link/intermediary between health system and the community to facilitate access to services and improve the quality and cultural competence of service delivery.
A CHW builds individual and community capacity by increasing health knowledge and self-sufficiency through a range of activities such as outreach, community education, informal counseling, social support and advocacy.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONSKnows, understands, incorporates, and demonstrates the Trinity Health Mission, Vision, and Values in behaviors, practices, and decisions.Delivers services to vulnerable and high-risk individuals, particularly those hard-to-reach and/or with social needs, in home and community-based settings.Draws upon and uses lived experiences to provide advocacy, support and referral service to individuals assigned to their caseload.Conducts and interprets individual assessments to identify non-clinical needs and mitigate any barriers to resources and services.Improves access to health and human services for individuals through in-person interactions, telephone contacts, and coordination of referrals per protocols of ministry's specific programming.Provides basic education regarding chronic health conditions and health promotion in a way that promotes understanding and self-management by the individual. Reinforces health literacy and educational messages using appropriate tools and supplies within scope of practice.Facilitates or conducts enrollment in available federal, state and local programs to increase access to health care and support services. Examples include health coverage via the insurance marketplace, Medicaid, Medicare, social security benefits, food, and housing services.Serves as a liaison between providers and patients to facilitate communication and coordination of services. Coordinates and monitors services, including comprehensive tracking of patients' adherence in relation to care plan objectives per protocol.Provides in-service education to service providers (including licensed health care professionals and health professions students) relative to healthcare customs/beliefs of the focus population and works cooperatively with other community agencies and clinical care teams to promote culturally appropriate services.Continuously expands knowledge and understanding of community services and resources; maintains frequent contact with community agencies serving vulnerable populations and participates in community meetings.Uses Social Care tools via TogetherCare (or similar protocols) for care coordination.Completes timely and accurate documentation of services provided to individuals in electronic medical record or other platform per ministry's protocol. Maintains electronic files, which include consent, release of information, and applicable assessments. Documents notes, activities, service plans, and outcomes achieved by individuals in an effective manner.Assists with data collection and interpretation relevant to understanding health and social service outcomes.Practice efficient time management and document time allocation accurately.Other duties as needed and assigned by the manager.Maintains a working knowledge of applicable Federal, State, and local laws and regulations, Trinity Health’s Organizational Integrity Program, Standards of Conduct, as well as other policies and procedures in order to ensure adherence in a manner that reflects honest, ethical, and professional behavior.MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONSMust possess a comprehensive knowledge of the local community based on personal lived experience and the ability to articulate the lived experience and perspective.High school diploma or GED. One to three (1-3) years of community involvement experience. Must meet additional state/local requirements as appropriate. Ability to earn a CHW certificate is preferred.Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos. Ability to write simple correspondence. Work requires ability to communicate orally and to hear or communicate with focus population. Bi-lingual skills to work with patients in their native language are preferred; certification as a medical interpreter/translator is a plusBasic Life Support (BLS) certification is preferred.Specialized training to become a Lifestyle Coach in the National Diabetes Prevention Program will be required upon hire.Must be comfortable working and serving in a diverse and inclusive environment, and operating in a collaborative, shared leadership environment with clinical supervision where applicable.Must possess a personal presence that is characterized by a sense of honesty, integrity, and caring with the ability to inspire and motivate others to promote the philosophy, mission, vision, goals, and values of Trinity Health.PHYSICAL AND MENTAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING CONDITIONSMust be able to set and organize own work priorities and adapt to them as they change frequently. Must be able to work concurrently on a variety of tasks/projects in an environment that may be stressful with individuals having diverse personalities and work styles. Must have access to timely and reliable transportation.Must be able to maintain healthy boundaries with individuals and practice self-care.Must be able to travel to the patient's homes as needed.Must be able to work from home as neededMust possess the ability to comply with Trinity Health policies and procedures.Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
Trinity Health is one of the largest not-for-profit, Catholic healthcare systems in the nation. Built on the foundation of our Mission and Core Values, we integrate diversity, equity, and inclusion in all that we do. Our colleagues have different lived experiences, customs, abilities, and talents. Together, we become our best selves. A diverse and inclusive workforce provides the most accessible and equitable care for those we serve. Trinity Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by law.