Community Health Worker

Job description

Centerstone is among the nation’s leading nonprofit behavioral health systems with thousands of employees dedicated to delivering care that changes people’s lives. A dynamic, well-established organization, we offer rewarding opportunities to serve all ages in a variety of settings. Come talk to us about joining the Centerstone team! JOB DESCRIPTION: SUMMARY OF POSITION The Community Health Worker (CHW) is responsible for improving the health and well-being of individuals and families within the community by bridging gaps between healthcare providers and community members. The CHW will work to address social determinants of health, promote health education, and assist patients in navigating the healthcare system, ensuring access to necessary resources and services. As a member of an interdisciplinary team, the CHW will collaborate with healthcare providers, social services, and community organizations to empower individuals to make informed health decisions. The Community Health Worker will primarily work in the community, conducting outreach, and participating in events. Occasional evening and weekend work will be required to accommodate community schedules. ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES Community Outreach & Engagement: Conduct outreach to individuals and families within the community, identifying those in need of health services and resources. Build and maintain strong relationships with community leaders, local organizations, and other stakeholders to promote health initiatives. Assist with organizing and participating in health education workshops, screenings, and wellness events. Health Education & Promotion: Provide culturally relevant health education on topics such as chronic disease management, preventive care, mental health, nutrition, and healthy lifestyles. Assist patients in understanding their health conditions, treatment plans, and available resources. Care Coordination & Navigation: Help patients navigate healthcare systems, schedule appointments, and follow up on care plans. Assist patients in overcoming barriers to care such as transportation, language, insurance, and financial challenges. Ensure patients are connected with necessary community resources, including housing, food, transportation, and social services. Develop, coordinate, and maintain CHS Food Pantry with record keeping of distribution and inventory systems. Support for Vulnerable Populations: Work closely with individuals from underserved populations, ensuring access to quality care and addressing health disparities. Provide emotional support and encouragement to patients, helping them stay engaged in their care and improve health outcomes. Documentation & Reporting: Maintain accurate records of patient interactions, services provided, and outcomes in compliance with organizational and regulatory standards. Prepare reports on community health needs, program outcomes, and patient progress. Collaboration & Teamwork: Collaborate with healthcare providers, social workers, nursing, and case managers, and office professionals to ensure comprehensive care for patients. Participate in team meetings and care planning sessions to contribute to individualized patient care strategies. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES Effectively communicate via written, verbal, in person and virtual methods. Knowledge of community resources and services related to health and wellness. Ability to communicate effectively with individuals from diverse cultural, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds via written, verbal, in person, and virtual methods. Strong interpersonal skills with a compassionate and patient-centered approach to care. Ability to work independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team. Time Management and ability to multitask. Organization and process improvement skills. Bilingual (Spanish/English or other languages) is a plus. Ability to travel within the service area for outreach and patient visits. QUALIFICATIONS Education Level High school diploma or equivalent required; certification or degree in a related field (e.g., public health, social work, nursing) preferred. Years of Experience Minimum 1 year previous experience in a healthcare, social services, or community outreach role, preferably in an FQHC or similar setting. Certification/Licensure Certification as a Community Health Worker (CHW) preferred, or the willingness to obtain certification. Valid Indiana Driver’s License PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS Standing – 20% Sitting – 80% Squatting – Occasional Kneeling – Occasional Bending – Occasional Driving – Occasional Lifting – Occasional DISCLAIMER The duties and responsibilities described in this document are not a comprehensive list and additional tasks may be assigned to the employee from time to time, or the scope of the job may change as necessitated by business demands. Time Type: Full time Pay Range: $15.75--$22.00 Delivering care that changes people's lives starts with our employees. Below are just some of the great benefits Centerstone employees enjoy: Medical, dental, and vision health coverage Flexible Spending and Health Savings Accounts 403b retirement plan with company match Paid time off and ten paid holidays AD&D Insurance, Life Insurance, and Long Term Disability (company paid) Employee Resource Groups Continuing education opportunities Employee Assistance Program Centerstone is an equal opportunity employer. Employment at Centerstone is based solely on a person's merit and qualifications directly related to professional competence. We treat all clients and colleagues with dignity and respect. At Centerstone, we use our values as a guide for what we do. Respect, Expertise, Integrity and Empowerment are at the heart of every interaction at Centerstone, and particularly rooted in our Culture. Our approach to culture is to create an environment that encourages, supports and celebrates the voices and experiences of our employees. We are committed to a culture of empowerment, respect, integrity and expertise that powers our innovation and connects us to each other, our clients and the communities we serve. Centerstone is also committed to a strong culture of quality and safety, celebrating role-models who champion best practices for quality, clinical risk, and patient safety.