Community Health Worker (Personal Services)

General Summary
Under the direction of the Supervisor, Community Health & Wellness, the Community Health Worker (CHW) serves as a liaison/link between health/social services and the community to facilitate access to services and improve the quality and cultural competence of service delivery. This position serves to assist in building both individual and community capacity by engaging in activities such as outreach, community education, informal counseling, social support, and advocacy. The CHW works closely with Access and Engagement teams as well as other multidisciplinary teams with the intent purpose to improve access to services and availability of services and assist in obtaining resources and removing barriers to treatment for individuals served.

Essential Functions
Provides in-office, in-home, or community-based visits to high-risk individuals who are increased risk of health and safety issues for identification of needs and to provide direction of care for desired outcomes.Provides direct support to LifeWays Access Services to assist with office support tasks included but not limited to compiling welcome packets, making reminder calls, completing questionnaires, and scheduling appointments.Provides assistance to consumers and their support systems to access community resources.Facilitates communication and empowerment of consumers in interactions with health care and/or social service systems to achieve appropriate care coordination.Conducts Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) screening, assessment and follow up, linking individuals to appropriate resources.Maintains updated list of community resources and utilizes Care Hub to connect individuals to resources related to SDOH, substance-related treatment, support groups, and others.Utilizes MI Bridges to apply for and answer individuals questions regarding food assistance and Medicaid applications.Contacts individuals regularly to assess ongoing needs and progress towards resource connectivity and/or established health and wellness goals.Provides support to individuals as needed or requested by consumer and/or primary case holders, to support and link behavioral health, substance use, and physical health needs.Responds to care alerts as assigned.Provides resources to remove barriers to recovery while providing hope, motivation, and encouragement.Provides support and resources to individuals seeking recovery from substance use disorders. Maintains support until first service appointment is attended.Promotes LifeWays wellness program and assists with registration, reminder calls, and attendance as requested.Assesses vitals and documents appropriately in the electronic health record (EHR).In conjunction with the LifeWays wellness coach, conducts Health and Wellness groups included but not limited to Stress Less and Exercise With Us.Assists with the set up and activation of CEHR Patient Portal(s) for increased communication and
coordination of consumer services. Manages a multitude of tasks simultaneously while maintaining
focus and effectiveness and high productivity to maximize overall productivity.Participates in all activities to monitor and assist consumers with population health measures.Participates in community education activities as needed and assigned.Advocates for individuals to reduce barriers to care and to promote whole health and wellness.Demonstrates customer service skills and ability to work effectively with people of a diverse ethnic, socio/economic background and medical condition with a non-judgmental, respectful, and friendly demeanor.Attends community meetings and events as requested, or indicated.Attends community service meetings with individuals, as requested.Manages a multitude of tasks simultaneously while maintaining focus and effectiveness and high productivity to maximize overall productivity.Applies independent judgment to routine problems to arrive at appropriate solutions.Handles sensitive and confidential information and communicate professionally with a diverse customer population.Maintains regular and predictable attendance.

NOTE: The lists of essential and additional functions are not exhaustive. They may be supplemented as necessary from time to time.
Job Specifications (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities)
LifeWays embraces an employment environment that will be knowledgeable about and actively supports a recovery-based, person-centered and culturally competent practices. Lived experiences with mental illness, intellectual and developmental disabilities, and/or substance use disorders are valued.
Disclaimer
The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job. The job description will be reviewed periodically as duties and responsibilities change with business necessity.