Community Health Worker

Community Action Partnerships of Western Nebraska (CAPWN) is a non-profit community-based health and human services organization that serves low-income, disadvantaged and those unable to meet their needs through other sources. The agency was established in 1965 and provides services to over 9,000 individuals, children and families in three main areas:

OUR PROMISE: Community Action changes people’s lives, embodies the spirit of hope, improves communities, and makes America a better place to live. We care about the entire community, and we are dedicated to helping people help themselves and each other. 

VISION

Communities where everyone has an opportunity for a successful life.

MISSION

The Mission Statement of the Community Action Partnership of Western Nebraska is to provide quality services and promote learning opportunities to improve nurture the health and well-being of Western Nebraska communities.

KEY BELIEFS

COMPETITIVE BENEFITS PACKAGE:

● Health ● Dental ● Vision ● Health Savings Account (HSA) ● Flex Plan ● 401k ● Basic and Voluntary Life Insurance ● Eleven Paid Holidays ● PTO ● Extended Illness (EIB) ● Employee Assistance Program ● Aflac ● Community Discounts ● Potential for Incentive Pay ●

Fulltime 40 hours

8:00AM-5:00PM

Monday through Friday

Job Title: Community Health Worker

Reports To:  QI & Population Health Manager

Areas of Responsibility: The Community Health Worker (CHW) is responsible for helping patients and their families navigate and access health and community resources and work toward adopting healthier behaviors. The CHW works as a member of the healthcare team(s) through an integrated approach to care management and community outreach, facilitating communication between patient and care teams and providing culturally appropriate health education and self-management support. The CHW plays a critical role in disease prevention, health promotion, and fostering resilient, healthier communities. 

Major Duties:

1. Play an active role in patient services using the provider-led, team-based Patient Centered Medical Home Care Model.
2. Responsible for establishing trusting relationships with patients and their families while providing general support and encouragement.
3. Provide culturally appropriate health education, information and outreach in community-based settings, such as homes, schools, shelters, local businesses and community centers. 
4. Facilitate positive communication between the clients and providers; aiding in understanding for best health outcomes. 
5. Conduct outreach through phone calls and home visits to connect clients with healthcare and other community resources. 
6. Collect data and maintain accurate records of community health issues.
7. Utilize motivational interviewing to clients identify individualized goals and priorities and/or barriers to optimal health.
8. Coach patients effectively regarding their chronic health conditions and self-care needs.
9. Work collaboratively with multidisciplinary team members to facilitate communication and coordinate services between providers.
10. Help clients in identifying and utilizing community resources, including scheduling, and accompanying them to appointments, and assisting with completion of applications for programs for which they may be eligible.
11. Assist clients with arrangements for travel to and from appointments. 
12. Assist patients in understanding care plans and instructions; help patients develop health management plans.
13. Assisting clients with insurance navigation for treatment and medications. 
14. Provide education in individual or group sessions, screening, brief interventions and facilitate referrals to other community-based resources.
15. Document activities, care plans, and outcomes in an effective manner consistent with organization’s policies and procedures.
16. Organize and participate in community events to raise health awareness.
17. Continuously expand knowledge and understanding of community resources, services and programs provided.
18. Identify and apply appropriate role definition and skilled boundaries.
19. Maintain operational systems that ensure HIPAA compliance, safety standards, and regulatory requirements are always met.
20. Maintain confidentiality of records and communications following CAPWN policy and HIPAA privacy and security policies and procedures. 
21. Attend staff training sessions and meetings as required.
22. Promote programs in a positive manner in the community.
23. As a CAPWN team member, dedicate your energy to providing high quality, value-added customer service and care to our clients. Embrace the CAPWN Standards of Behavior, practicing integrity, strong communication and respect for leaders and peers. Engage with the team and commit to improving and nurturing the health and well-being of the individuals in the communities we serve.
24. Other duties as assigned.

Working Conditions:

• Work is in varied settings, including homes, schools, clinics, community centers, and sometimes in field outreach. 
• May involve local travel and collaboration with healthcare providers, social service agencies, and community organizations 50% in a clinic setting; 50% in a home visit or community setting outside the clinic. 
• Some infrequent out-of-town travel may be required.
• Must be flexible to work irregular hours if needed.
• Noise level is standard home/office environment. 

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to bend, stoop, squat, crouch, push and pull file drawers.
• Fine manipulation of hands for repetitive action.
• Must regularly talk, hear and have close vision ability.
• Occasionally lifting and carrying up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to manage competing priorities, tight schedules, and high patient volume without losing composure or quality

Minimum Qualifications:

Grade: 6 

1. High school diploma or equivalent.
2. Previous experience in community health, outreach or case management preferred.
3. Experience working with diverse populations is preferred.
4. Knowledge of community resources and services or ability to grasp in a short period of time. 
5. Basic computer skills (Outlook, Excel, and PowerPoint helpful)
6. Experience in office procedures or data entry including Electronic Medical Records. 
7. Ability to initiate and maintain positive working relationships with team members and community resources.
8. Motivational Interviewing skills preferred. 
9. Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English and Spanish preferred.
10. Organizational and time management skills required.
11. Ability to obtain CPR certification within the first 30 days.
12. Verifiable good driving record and reliable transportation with verifiable auto insurance.

 Grade: 7

1. Meet the minimum qualifications in grade 6 above AND
2. One years experience in public health/social services (IE: CNA/Medical Assistant, case management) preferably in health care setting or community-based organization 

Grade: 8 

1. Meet the minimum qualifications in grade 6 above AND
2. Two+ years experience as a CHW, in public health or similar position OR
3. Associate’s degree in human services 

Grade: 9 

1. Meet the minimum qualifications in grade 6 above AND
2. Bachelor’s degree in social work (LSW) or similar field of study OR
3. Two+ years’ experience as a CHW or similar position and completion of CHW professional certification program, which typically includes training and an examination and meets state and national competency levels (must provide certificate).