Rural Community Health Worker

The Community Health Worker connects patients and community members with healthcare, social services and other resources that address health-related social needs. This role builds trusted community relationships, provides navigation support and maintains accurate documentation to improve access, continuity and outcomes in assigned rural communities.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

- Identify, assess and maintain an up-to-date map of healthcare, social service and community resources within assigned communities.

- Screen patients and community members for health-related social needs and identify barriers to care, including access, transportation, insurance and other support needs.

- Provide patient navigation and follow-up support to help individuals access healthcare services, community programs and social support resources.

- Educate patients and community members about health insurance options and assist with enrollment activities within the scope of the role.

- Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with community-based organizations, service providers and other referral partners.

- Document patient and community encounters, referrals, interventions and outcomes accurately and timely in eClinicalWorks and other designated databases.

- Support required data tracking and documentation needed for program reporting and applicable billing activities.

- Participate in community events, outreach activities and engagement initiatives as a representative of Sun River Health.

- Complete required Community Health Worker training and maintain applicable certifications throughout employment.

- Participate in team meetings, case discussions, grant-related activities and quality improvement initiatives as assigned.

- Maintain patient confidentiality and comply with organizational policies, grant requirements and applicable regulations.

- Perform other duties as assigned to support rural health and community engagement initiatives.

EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

- High school diploma or equivalent required.

- Community Health Worker certification is not required at hire; successful completion and ongoing maintenance of required CHW training or certification is a condition of continued employment.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

- Prior experience in community outreach, case management, care coordination, patient navigation or a related service role preferred.

- Demonstrated knowledge of or strong ties to the communities served preferred.

- Bilingual skills preferred based on community needs.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND COMPETENCIES:

- Ability to build trust and work effectively with patients, families, community members and partner organizations.

- Strong communication, active listening, organization, documentation and follow-up skills.

- Ability to identify barriers, connect individuals with appropriate resources and maintain professional boundaries.

- Comfort using electronic health records, databases, Microsoft Office and other standard business technology.

- Ability to work independently in community settings and collaboratively as part of an interdisciplinary team.

TRAVEL AND SCHEDULE REQUIREMENTS:

- Ability to travel locally to community sites and events as required.

- Ability to work a flexible schedule when outreach events or program needs require evening or weekend coverage.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay rate: $21.00 - $25.00 per hour