Community Health Worker

SUMMARY:
The Community Health Worker (CHW) plays a crucial role in assisting patients and their families in navigating and accessing community services and resources while encouraging the adoption of healthy lifestyles. The CHW collaborates with healthcare providers and Case Managers to implement a cohesive approach to care management and community outreach by assisting the community in determining if they are eligible for federal and state-funded health insurance programs. The CHW interviews clients to evaluate their eligibility for federally and state-funded health insurance programs. They assess the clients' qualifications and help them complete the application forms. Additionally, they collect the necessary documentation to establish eligibility and submit the completed applications to the relevant agency. The primary focus of their activities is to promote, sustain, and enhance the health of patients and their families. Additionally, the CHW offers social support and informal counseling and advocates for the health needs of individuals and the community. The CHW collaborates closely with managed care organizations to improve patient enrollment and retention. Uphold LACHC’s mission is to embody Christ's teachings by loving and serving our neighbors through comprehensive, high-quality healthcare and striving towards the vision of healing and restoring homeless and underserved communities. Exhibit Christ-like conduct and demeanor in all job functions and responsibilities.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include:

• Enroll clients in California or federal health insurance programs as eligible:
• Screen clients by reviewing income information (pay stubs, employer statements, etc…).
• Assist the client to complete the application (If necessary).
• Request and obtain the documentation necessary to complete the application.
• Document and maintain accurate records for all client encounters including phone encounters and correspondence.
• Submit the health program application to the appropriate agency.
• Follow up with the agency to ensure the client received coverage.
• Conduct research on clients who have not received medical coverage.
• Sliding Fee Discount Eligibility and enrollment.
  • Paystubs.
  • EHR documentation and hard copies of applications on-file as current.
• Engage with patients through telephone communications, home visits, and visits to various locations where patients may be located.
• Assist patients with accessing transportation resources and offer appointment reminders in specific situations.
• Track and follow up on submitted applications to ensure clients receive healthcare coverage and maintain EHR accuracy and ensure communication to
• Research clients who have not received medical coverage (pending) or clients with denied claims because of insurance status to obtain medical coverage for them and maximize reimbursement.
• Conduct one-to-one and group outreach to explore clients eligible to complete health insurance program applications.
• Keep current on the rules and procedures of federal and state-funded programs, including commercial carriers and other public services.
• Gain and maintain eligibility guidelines and documentation requirements for state and federal health insurance programs.
• Evaluate and resolve problems related to insurance issues and advocate for the client. Educate clients on how to access community resources.
• Advocate for the patient and act as a liaison between the patient or family and community service organizations.
• Refer individuals to relevant community agencies for services as necessary.
• Remain well-informed about the available community resources that align with the needs of patients and their families.
• Collaborate closely with healthcare professionals to ensure patients receive thorough and well-coordinated care plans.
• Collaborate effectively with other clinical staff members assigned to the same patient.
• Use evidenced-based outreach strategies to locate clients and link them to care.
• Use effective communication skills such as active and reflective listening to build rapport with vulnerable and difficult to engage clients
• Accountable for maintaining regular communication with the Case Manager, if applicable, to assess the status of the patient and family, ensuring that the information and reports provided accurately reflect progress.
• Attend community town halls to stay informed
• Oversee designated caseloads of patients.
• Handle all client information confidentially and remain in HIPPA compliance
• Ensure that patient care management information is documented in the EMR and other software within 24 hours following patient interaction
• Perform clerical work as needed.
• Tasked with fostering trusting connections with patients and their families while offering general assistance and motivation.

NON-ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Other duties may be assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must satisfactorily accomplish each essential duty. The following requirements represent the knowledge, skills, and abilities required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform basic functions.

• Valid driver’s license required.
• Current personal vehicle insurance that complies with California minimum requirements.
• Must become a Certified Enrollment Counselor (Cover CA Certified) within 60 days of hire.
• Acceptable driving record.
• Fluent in English and Spanish.
• Detail-oriented.
• Demonstrated written communication.
• Ability to use word processing and spreadsheet software to complete assigned tasks. Skilled in using office machines.
• Demonstrated organizational skills with the ability to prioritize and complete multiple tasks simultaneously; demonstrated skills in working independently or in a team setting, using independent judgment, and problem-solving and troubleshooting.
• Demonstrated ability to work with clients of various socioeconomic backgrounds, disabilities, and cultures and with interpreters and clients for whom English is a second language.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate in a pleasant, non-judgmental, respectful, culturally sensitive manner under varying stress levels (this may include high noise levels, limited resources, etc.); demonstrated skills in handling complex interpersonal interactions with discretion and diplomacy.
• It is also crucial to be able and willing to offer patients emotional support, encouragement, and motivation.
• Practical communication skills, including active listening and appropriate language use, are required.
• A strong understanding of the community being served and its interconnectedness is essential.
• A minimum of 1 to 2 years of experience in a community-based setting is preferred

EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE:

A high school diploma or GED is required, as is a minimum of three years’ experience in health promotion or community work. Prior experience working with the homeless, substance using, or chronically mentally ill individuals preferred.

COMPUTER SKILLS:

Computer proficiency required, including the ability to enter data with speed and accuracy

LANGUAGE SKILLS:

Bilingual and bilingual in English and Spanish are required.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS & WORK HOURS:

Limited to contractual/collaborative duties and professional education opportunities. Standard 40-hour week (4, 10-hr days or 5, 8-hr days) with occasional Saturdays or Sundays.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS:

Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume. Ability to apply concepts of introductory algebra and geometry.

REASONING ABILITY:

Ability to apply logical or scientific thinking principles to various intellectual and practical problems. Ability to deal with nonverbal symbolism (formulas, scientific equations, graphs, musical notes, etc...) in its most difficult phases. Ability to deal with a variety of abstract and concrete variables.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:

California Driver's License; valid insurance. CPR Certification is required. Covered CA Certification

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here represent those that an employee must meet to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to walk. The employee is occasionally required to stand, use hands to finger, handle, or feel, and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include distance vision, color vision, and peripheral vision. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here represent those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate but may occasionally be high. Working conditions are normal for an office environment. Work requires extensive work using a computer. While performing the duties of this job, the employee will be exposed to carriers of contagious diseases. The employee may have to deal with angry and irrational clients who may or may not be under the influence of mind-altering substances such as cocaine, marijuana, alcohol, etc.

WORK STATUS:

Full-time, Regular, non-exempt position with Medical, Dental, Vision and 403B Retirement Plan with employer match. Equal Opportunity Employer. We will consider candidates with criminal history.

Los Angeles Christian Health Centers opened in 1995 with a handful of staff but a big vision to render hope and healing through healthcare to the thousands of homeless and low-income residents living in Los Angeles County. Today, 120 staff members serve the County’s most vulnerable populations from our two full-time health centers in Skid Row and Boyle Heights. We also provide comprehensive medical care at our 10 part-time satellite clinics hosted by our community partners throughout Downtown Los Angeles and Watts.