Community Health Care Worker

Summary of Essential Functions 

• Promote health within the URPG patient panel by assisting individuals to adopt healthy behaviors.  
• Serve as an advocate for the health needs of individuals by assisting patients in effectively communicating with healthcare providers or social service agencies.  
• Act as liaison or advocate for patients needing assistance with financial and medication assistance paperwork  

 

Educational Requirements  

• High school diploma or equivalent.  
• Must be able to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing.   

 

Licenses, Certifications and Professional Experience 

• Previous Care Coordination, population health or community healthcare experience preferred. 
• Community Health Care Worker certification preferred.  
• Must have current class “C” driver’s license (State of Texas) and be capable of driving a manual transmission vehicle. 

 

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities 

• Ability to deal with staff, physicians, visitors, patients and the public in a tactful and pleasant manner 
• Must work harmoniously in a team setting 
• Must be organized, a self-starter and must have an eye for detail and accuracy 
• Uses independent judgment and strong critical thinking skills  
• Must have good working knowledge of computer systems with emphasis on Word, Excel, billing systems and other programs related to the position. Ability to operate basic office equipment such as telephones, computers, fax and copy machines 
• Must remain insurable under liability insurance policy, i.e. over age 21 and no moving violations. 
• Possess the manual dexterity to safely operate a motor vehicle. 

 

Physical Requirements 

• Full range of body motion including handling and lifting patients, manual and finger dexterity and eye-hand coordination. 
• Lifting and carrying items weighing up to 25 pounds. 
• Corrected vision and hearing to normal range. 
• Extended periods of sitting and/or walking depending on specific duties. 

 

Duties and Responsibilities  

• Works collaboratively with care managers to identify, assist, and create specific health improvement plans for at risk patients.  Assists in delivery of required documents to patients and/ or patient designee. 
• Creates connections between vulnerable populations and healthcare resources such as setting up meals on wheels or helping a patient complete financial assistance paperwork. 
• Facilitating healthcare and social service system navigation by educating patients where they need to go, when and what outcome is expected.  This could also mean arranging transportation to a facility or ensuring the patient has an appointment scheduled.  
• Managing care and care transitions for vulnerable populations as needed 
• Reducing social isolation among patients by advocating for equal treatment and healthcare opportunities for patients with socioeconomic difficulties.  
• Ensuring cultural competence among healthcare professionals serving the vulnerable patient by providing education to healthcare providers on the demographics of the population we serve.  
• Providing culturally appropriate health education to patients on topics related to chronic disease prevention, physical activity and nutrition 
• Building capacity to address health issues through knowledge of the community resources available to the population. 
• Provide home visits to patients as needed for those that have difficulty with ambulation or transportation.  Home visits may be deemed necessary for patients needing education, home  safety evaluation or medication set up etc.  
• Performs all other tasks/responsibilities as necessary.