Community Health Worker - HIA

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Job Description Summary:

This is a full time, benefit eligible position typically working Monday - Friday 7am - 3:30pm onsite at our Heart of the City Health Center and Southside Health Center.

CHW certification is required

Travel to other Cherry Health sites may be required. Attendance at occasional health fairs outside of typical hours may be required.

Bilingual preferred.

This role would be working on our Health Insurance Assistance team.

The Community Health Worker (CHW) plays a vital role in improving the health and well-being of the population served by assisting high-risk families with accessing available resources and providing education relevant to the community program’s focus. This position supports patients in connecting to Medicaid providers, health services, and community resources, and assists in overcoming barriers to care. Level I is a pathway opportunity leading to certification, with the expectation that all CHWs will become certified by 12/31/2025 as per MDHHS guidelines. The CHW adheres to the organization’s policies, procedures, and compliance standards and represents the organization's mission in all actions and communications.

Responsibilities:

• Patient Engagement & Support:
  • Help engage, re-engage, or ensure patient-led follow-up in primary care and routine preventive care.
  • Assist patients in adhering to treatment plans and managing chronic conditions.
  • Help patients find appropriate Medicaid providers for covered services and ensure they attend appointments.
  • Connect patients to medical translation/interpretation or transportation services as needed.
  • Support telehealth appointments and educate patients on telehealth technology.
• Health Education & Promotion:
  • Provide health education to promote the patient’s overall health, addressing barriers to physical, oral, and mental health care.
  • Educate patients on preventative services, such as cancer screenings and immunizations.
  • Set health improvement goals with patients and provide screenings and assessments.
• Collaboration:
  • Act as a cultural liaison or assist a licensed healthcare provider in creating and implementing a care plan as part of the healthcare team.
  • Help patients access other relevant community resources.
• Compliance & Other Duties:
  • Adhere to the organizational policies, procedures, Code of Ethics, and all applicable licensing and accreditation standards.
  • Complete other duties as assigned.
     

Qualifications:

• Education:
  • High School Diploma or Equivalent required.
  • Associates Degree or higher preferred.
• Certification or License:
  • Certification as a CHW from an accredited program or ability to attain certification by 12/31/2025.
• Experience:
  • Previous experience in a healthcare or community setting preferred.
  • Experience in related programs or volunteer work is an advantage.
• Knowledge/Skills:
  • Ability to work with diverse populations.
  • Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
  • Effective communication and organizational skills.
  • Basic knowledge of community healthcare or public health principles.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Outlook, Word, Excel, etc.).
  • Ability to work independently with limited supervision.
     

Physical Requirements:

• Standing: Occasionally
• Sitting: Frequently
• Movement: Independently mobile, including movement between floors and across various locations.
• Manual Dexterity: Frequent use of hands for typing, grasping, and fine motor tasks.
• Vision & Hearing: Must meet visual acuity and hearing requirements necessary for the role.
• Lifting: Must be able to lift up to 10 lbs occasionally.

Equipment / Tools / Technology:

• Desktop or laptop computer
• Telephone with voicemail
• Networked copier/printer/fax machine
• Microsoft applications (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Electronic Health Record (EHR) software (NextGen)
• Ophthalmic Diagnostic Equipment (e.g., OCT, HVF, Fundus Camera)

Environmental Factors:

• Indoor Work Environment: Primarily office setting with occasional exposure to outdoor weather conditions.
• Exposure to Bodily Fluids: Occasional exposure to blood, bodily fluids, or patients wi