Community Health Worker

Interested in a career with both meaning and growth? Whether your abilities are in direct patient care or one of the many other areas of healthcare administration and support, everyone at Parkland works together to fulfill our mission: the health and well-being of individuals and communities entrusted to our care. By joining Parkland, you become part of a diverse healthcare legacy that’s served our community for more than 125 years. Put your skills to work with us, seek opportunities to learn and join a talented team where patient care is more than a job. It’s our passion.

PRIMARY PURPOSE: The Community Health Worker (CHW) is responsible for assisting in delivery of services that address the social determinants of health, and bridging gap between communities, individuals and providers. Conducts community outreach and education.

MINIMUM SPECIFICATIONS:

 Education:

•  High school diploma or GED.
• Bachelor's degree is preferred.
• Must complete a PCAT program within Parkland after 24 months of hire date for Community Health Institute (CHI) only. 

Experience:

•  - Must have one (1) year experience working in a multi-cultural community setting.

Certification/Registration/Licensure:

• Must be certified by the Texas Department of State Health Services Community Health Worker (CHW) within 12 months of hire.
• Must have a current HeartSaver CPR course completion card within 90 days of hire and/or placement in job from one of the following:
• American Heart Association 
• American Red Cross 
• Military Training Network 

Skills or Special Abilities:

• Oral fluency in Spanish is preferred 
• Knowledge of medical terminology is preferred. 
• Must display respect for patients, staff, and community members. 
• Must be able to work well in a team environment. 
• Must demonstrate patient centered/patient valued behaviors. 
• Must be able to demonstrate receptiveness and empathy for community needs. 
• Must have strong interpersonal skills and be able to communicate effectively with a diverse population of patients, family, hospital staff and community agencies both orally and in writing. 
• Must be able to demonstrate critical thinking skills, and effective listening. 
• Must be a quick learner. Display flexibility and problem-solving skills. 
• Must be able to utilize independent judgement with minimum supervision. 
• Must be able to demonstrate a working knowledge of community agencies and services available for the special needs of assigned patients. 
• Must demonstrate an understanding of social risks / needs and support patients within a healthcare environment, as applicable. 
• Must have the ability to manage multiple tasks at once, and be able to demonstrate excellent organization and prioritization skills. 
• Must be able to willingly accept verbal and/or written direction from senior staff. 
• Must maintain current continuing education and meet all job specific training requirements. 

Responsibilities:

1. Collaborates with key areas within the hospital system, as well as coordinates with multiple external agencies to best serve the needs of the patient by acting as a patient advocate and liaison between the patient, care givers, healthcare team and community service agencies.

2. The CHW will serve as an extension of the health care team, and will be responsible for helping patients and their families to navigate Parkland services and access community resources to improve population health outcomes and increase patient self-sufficiency. As a priority activity the CHW will work to promote, maintain and improve the health and wellbeing of patients, as well as the community by providing public health education, follow-up, outreach, basic health services, screenings and home visits.

3. May be required to perform basic health services such as glucose screenings, blood pressure checks, and body mass index (BMI) as a means to facilitate closing gaps in care by educating patients about preventive monitoring and working with clinical teams to schedule screening/diagnostic testing, and other tests as assigned.

4. Identify and assist vulnerable individuals and/or individuals with complex and unmet health needs in underserved populations who are not yet connected to the health care system, such as people living in geographically isolated locations, or individuals with language barriers by implementing care strategies to prevent health care crises, ensure consistent follow up occurs, and maintain compliance with care plans, etc.

5. Provide referrals to medical and community resources, assists with patient access to community and governmental based service agencies including help with completing applications and registration forms, as well as overcoming financial / transportation barriers to obtaining recommended care, domestic violence, housing, food insecurity, unemployment, etc. Conducts eligibility determination, enrollment and follow-up with uninsured patients.

6. Educate and encourage individuals and communities with adopting healthy behaviors; providing information on available resources; promoting preventative care and screenings, etc. Help patients set personal goals, and attend appointments as well as assists with patient care activities to include basic hygiene care, , assisting with range of motion exercises, lifting, and ambulating.

7. Engaged in ways to monitor condition of patient environment and equipment as well as learning to correct problems with the recommendations and guidance of supervisor. Implements sanitation, infection control, safety, supplies and equipment usage in daily tasks.

8. Collect data and document service delivery in the Epic system for tracking and reporting to system leadership and governing local, state, and federal agencies as required and appropriate.

9. Engage in ongoing education and professional growth, with the guidance and in collaboration with the supervisor, by attending in-service sessions, department meetings, workshops, and reading magazines or journals to keep abreast of current trends in the field. Integrates knowledge gained into current work practice, with support of supervisor.

10. Performs other duties as assigned.

 Job Accountabilities:

1. Identifies ways to improve work processes and improve customer satisfaction. Makes recommendations to supervisor, implements, and monitors results as appropriate in support of the overall goals of the department and Parkland.

2. Stays abreast of the latest developments, advancements, and trends in the field by attending seminars/workshops, reading professional journals, actively participating in professional organizations, and/or maintaining certification or licensure. Integrates knowledge gained into current work practices.

3. Maintains knowledge of applicable rules, regulations, policies, laws and guidelines that impact the area. Develops effective internal controls designed to promote adherence with applicable laws, accreditation agency requirements, and federal, state, and private health plans. Seeks advice and guidance as needed to ensure proper understanding.

Parkland Health and Hospital System prohibits discrimination based on age (40 or over), race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, disability, national origin, marital status, political belief, or veteran status. As part of our commitment to our patients and employees’ wellness, Parkland Health is a tobacco and smoke-free campus.