Community Health Worker II (Merced Suites / Atwater) en GVHC

Under the supervision of the Community Health Outreach Manager, and Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist or Registered Nurse, the Community Health Worker (CHW) II is responsible for assisting patients navigate and access services within the community to address social determinants of health.  Act as a bridge between the community and healthcare system to access preventive health services for disease prevention, disease progression, disability, and other health conditions.  Promote health and well-being by providing culturally appropriate health education, such as assist patients in self-management of chronic disease conditions, and medication adherence.

This position will work at our Merced Suites and Atwater Admin Sites.

Full-time schedule, with required flexibility to work Monday – Sunday, 5:00am – 9:00pm, as they represent GVHC clinic outreach efforts and community events.
Compensation: $23.02 - $24.17 an hour

Compensation: $23.02 - $24.17 an hour

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide patients with culturally appropriate health information on health topics including but not limited to nutrition, chronic disease management, preventive care, and others, and assist patients in self-management of chronic disease conditions to prevent disease progression and co-morbidities.
• Perform basic health screenings, including, but not limited to blood pressure, and health risk assessments.
• Assist patients navigate the healthcare system by scheduling appointments, linkages to internal services and programs, coordinating with providers, and facilitating access to other necessary services.
• Assess patient’s health needs and provide linkage to high quality healthcare, including addressing social determinants that impacts their health.
• Facilitate meetings on health care topics and provide education at clinic sites, and build partnerships with local organizations.
• Provide individual counseling, motivational interviewing, and support to help individuals manage their chronic conditions and health lifestyle.
• Model commitment to high quality healthcare by engaging in quality improvement initiatives and projects, such as identifying and addressing care gaps, and by identifying, developing, and testing best practices for an improved outcome.
• Ensures documentations are accurate and in compliance with regulatory requirements and accreditation standards. Assist in the collection and facilitation of information or data needed by programs, including but not limited to participant tracking and appointment scheduling.
• Follows department expectations regarding productivity and programmatic requirements.
• Participates in mandatory staff meeting, work groups, trainings and update meetings related to the program to build and maintain current knowledge base of awareness and prevention in the specific area of health addressed by the project.
• Additional duties as assigned.
• Positively influence patient experience by demonstrating GVHC values such as Collaboration, Advocacy, Innovation, Integrity and Respect (CAIIR).

Physical Demands          

The employee must occasionally lift 40 pounds and/or move up to 100 pounds (on wheels). Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus. Must be able to hear staff on the phone and those who are served in-person, and speak clearly in order to communicate information to clients and staff.  Must have vision with or without lenses adequate to read memos, a computer screen, personnel forms and clinical and administrative documents.  Must have high manual dexterity.  Must be able to reach above the shoulder level to work, must be able to bend, squat and sit, stand, stoop, crouching, reaching, kneeling, and twisting/turning.

Work Environment        

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  The noise level in the work environment is usually average, but can be loud during outreach activities.

Education/Experience Requirements    

Minimum Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of community resources in the patient’s service area, related to patient health needs.
• Working knowledge of and experience with computers.
• Work independently with minimal supervision.
• Communicate fluently in spoken and written English and other alternate language commonly spoken by GVHC patients. Pass alternate language assessment on an annual basis.   
• Written communication skills in English adequate to draft reports, memos, business correspondence, etc.
• Effectively organize and present information in group settings, both formal and informal.
• Pleasant and effective communication skills; strong interpersonal/communication skills.
• Work effectively both independently and collaboratively; self-starter.
• Travel to other locations as requested.
• Flexibility in working hours, which may include weekends and evenings.
• Valid California driver’s license, vehicle insurance, acceptable driving record and reliable transportation.

Education/Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum two (2) years’ experience working in community education, or health care setting.
• Bachelor’s degree in Public Health, Health Science, or related field, preferred.
• Successful completion of a Community Health Worker formal training program such as from college or other education institution within six months of hire into position.
• Completion of Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP), or Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support (DSMES), or Chronic Disease Management training within six months of hire date into position.
• Medical terminology and/or background preferred.