Community Health Worker
Description
Company: Oak Street Health - 2420 State Street East St. Louis, IL 62205
Title: Community Health Worker
Role Description
The purpose of a Community Health Worker (CHW) at Oak Street Health is to act as the bridge between our patients, community, and medical systems in order to remove barriers and increase wellness across all life domains. A CHW is a patient's advocate or liaison, accompanying patients through proactive in-person and phone outreach based on their care needs to promote health literacy and increase access to resources needed to live healthier lives. High levels of flexibility, problem solving, strong communication, and an intimate knowledge of the community served are required to be successful. CHWs work closely with MSWs to manage patient care plans, support care team decision making, and coordinate clinical and complementary services needed to provide high quality health care and improve the quality and cultural competence of service delivery. CHWs are expected to work within their scope of practice. There is no expected clinical license for this position.
Check out this pamphlet for a sneak peek into the life of an Oak Street CHW!
Core Responsibilities Include:
Establish and maintain strong interpersonal relationships with patients, community organizations, team members, and partners to coordinate patient needs
Manage patient referrals defined by the care team & collaborate with the Medical Social Worker on action plan
Facilitate communication between all identified parties involved in patients' care as needed (e.g., family members, caregivers, medical providers, community-based organizations)
Form relationships with and build an inventory of local community organizations that may benefit our patients
Connect patients to state and local community resources related to housing, transportation, food, and activities of daily living among other social and physical barriers to health.
Assist patients with completion of applications for accessing eligible benefits and resources
Promote goal setting and achievement to improve patients' quality of life and self efficacy with patients. Goal definitions are agreed upon by the care team
Meet with patients in patient-centered and patient-preferred locations (e.g., Oak Street Health center, patient's home, external medical provider facility, community setting)
Community Health Workers should plan to spend about half of their time outside of the center in patient-centered locations; this means having access to a reliable means of transportation to do so is required
Drive engagement with high risk individuals (e.g., completed specialty appointments, adherence to Post Discharge Visits) may include accompaniment to appointments
Complete referrals to organizations and agencies as needed
Deliver culturally appropriate health education in the areas where OSH has provided competency training to the CHW
Support care team decision making through participation in interdisciplinary team meetings
Document interactions with patients in electronic medical record in a timely manner while maintaining HIPAA standards and confidentiality of protected health information
Manage time, set priorities, work independently, and collaborate effectively with an interdisciplinary medical team
Other duties as assigned
What we're looking for
We're looking for motivated individuals with:
Required:
Minimum of 1 year of experience in healthcare, community-based, case management, or social service environment
Strong oral and written communication skills
Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining a positive attitude
Dedication to serving the community and building meaningful relationships
Proficient computer skills (i.e. Windows, GSuite, Microsoft, etc.)
Access to reliable transportation and ability to travel throughout the community to various locations
US work authorization
Strongly Preferred:
Fluency in language that is commonly spoken in the community when necessary. Most often this will include Bilingual English/Spanish
Experience working on multidisciplinary teams with organizations, agencies, patients, and community members
Knowledge of community resources and resource navigation
Preferred:
Community Health Worker certification or Associates or Bachelors in a related field is a plus
Experience utilizing electronic medical record systems
Other Skills
A problem-solving orientation and a flexible and positive attitude
Someone who embodies being 'Oaky'
What does being 'Oaky' look like?
Radiating positive energy
Assuming good intentions
Creating an unmatched patient experience
Driving clinical excellence
Taking ownership and delivering results
Being relentlessly determined
Why Oak Street Health?
Oak Street Health is on a mission to 'Rebuild healthcare as it should be'', providing personalized primary care for older adults on Medicare, with the goal of keeping patients healthy and living life to the fullest. Our innovative care model is centered right in our patient's communities, and focused on the quality of care over volume of services. We're an organization on the move! With over 150 locations and an ambitious growth trajectory, Oak Street Health is attracting and cultivating team members who embody 'Oaky' values and passion for our mission.
Oak Street Health Benefits:
Mission-focused career impacting change and measurably improving health outcomes for medicare patients
Paid vacation, sick time, and investment/retirement 401K match options
Health insurance, vision, and dental benefits
Opportunities for leadership development and continuing education stipends
New centers and flexible work environments
Opportunities for high levels of responsibility and rapid advancement
Oak Street Health is an equal opportunity employer. We embrace diversity and encourage all interested readers to apply.
Learn more at www.oakstreethealth.com/diversity-equity-and-inclusion-at-oak-street-health