BEHAVIORAL HEALTH-COMMUNITY HEALTHCARE WORKER- RURAL COMMUNITES

BH Community Health Worker (Rural Communites)

Reports to: Director of Behavioral Health

Department: Behavioral Health

Classification: Non-Exempt

Job Summary

The CHW provides a range of client-centered services that link clients with health care, psychosocial support, and other services. CHWs link community members to the resources they need such as health screening information, healthcare providers, assistance with publicly funded health insurance, financial assistance, mental health and substance abuse treatment, along with transportation services.

This position enhances the quality of the Care Coordination team’s ability to provide proactive patient management, increased patient and provider satisfaction, and continuity of patient care.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Provides outreach to individuals in a variety of settings including, but not limited to, health fairs, clinic outreach, and patient lists for targeted outreach.
2. Delivers culturally appropriate and accessible health education and information, often by using education tools within the EHR.
3. Helps clients utilize resources, including scheduling appointments and assisting with completion of applications for programs for which they may be eligible.
4. Administers evidence-based screening tools in an effort to identify individuals who need mental health and/or substance abuse services.
5. Navigates through the healthcare system by providing assistance with enrollment, appointments, referrals, and transportation to and from appointments; promoting continuity of behavioral health services; arranging for bilingual providers or translators; and assisting with culturally appropriate education, as needed.
6. Assists the care team with coordination of care by tracking and supporting patients when they obtain services outside the practice.
7. Works with provider care teams by utilizing internal and external data sources to identify and contact patients through various practice protocols and initiatives.
8. Provides support to patients, their families, support staff, and physicians in addressing mental health and substance abuse concerns.
9. Provides patients with basic mental health psychoeducation regarding symptoms, treatment options, and coping mechanisms in order to reduce stigmas.
10. Builds relationships within the community to promote mental health wellness among community members and leaders.
11. Educates patients and families to assist them with making informed personal healthcare decisions.
12. Assists the care team and patient in the implementation and ongoing evaluation of patient self-management goals utilizing motivational interviewing skills.
13. Understands and follows policies and procedures and produces and submits reports in a timely manner.
14. Maintains excellent communication within the behavioral health staff. Documents actions in the patient’s medical record as appropriate.
15. Collaborates with clinical staff and social workers as needed in the development and execution of the plan of care and achievement of goals.
16. Serves as a patient advocate. Acts as a liaison between the patient care team, behavioral healthcare facility, and community agencies among all Franklin Primary Health Center clinics.
17. Assists clients by providing education to build trust so that clients attend scheduled appointments and do not become socially isolated from the resources available to them within the community.
18. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

Successful completion of a Community Health Worker formal training program, such as from a college or other educational institution, is preferred. Minimum Bachelor’s degree in Health Education, Health Promotion, Psychology, Social Work, or an equivalent combination of training, education, and work experience relative to the position.

Strong written and verbal communication skills are required. Must possess the ability to work with minimal supervision and manage multiple priorities. Must demonstrate the ability to delegate duties effectively and possess strong organizational and analytical skills. A valid Alabama Driver’s License is required. Familiarity with social service agencies and Medicare and Medicaid regulations is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of organizational policies, regulations, and procedures necessary to carry out the duties of the CHW as defined by a formal training curriculum. Must possess skills in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with patients, medical staff, and the public.

Skills in preparing and maintaining records, writing reports, and responding to correspondence are required. Must possess the ability to maintain quality control standards; interpret, adapt, and apply guidelines and procedures; communicate clearly; and maintain confidentiality.

Customer Satisfaction

Must provide the very best customer satisfaction to patients, visitors, and co-workers at all times in a professional and courteous manner.

Health and Safety

Must adhere to applicable safety policies and procedures, complete required Safety and Hazardous Communication training, exercise universal precautions, and comply with applicable safety standards and procedures.

Privacy and Confidentiality

Must adhere to Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Privacy Rule policies and procedures and maintain the privacy, confidentiality, and security of patient information in accordance with Franklin Primary Health Center policies and applicable requirements.

Physical/Mental Demands

Requires working under stressful conditions or irregular hours and may involve some exposure to communicable diseases. Must occasionally lift and carry items up to 30 pounds and possess the ability to distinguish letters and symbols.

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