Community Health Outreach Worker

The Community Health Outreach Worker provides health education, disease management education, health care and social service navigation services, and/or case management services to patients/community residents. The Community Health Outreach Worker will work within the community to establish relationships and maintain a presence amongst the community and community partners.

Essential Job Functions

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job function satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential duties.

• Provide pertinent health education and health behavior information to patient population/priority communities with the intent of assisting community members in improving health.
• Establish positive learning expectations for patients/participants and their families by assessing their needs and explaining information in a clear and concise manner.
• Work closely with patients and/or families to provide health education in various settings such as during home visits, health fairs, community events, clinic, hospital, ER, or via phone.
• Under supervision, assist patients/participants/community members in obtaining the appropriate needed health services (e.g., doctors, follow-up exams, medications, referrals, etc.) and/or social services.
• Follow-up on all issues until resolved or the proper authorities are notified.
• Perform home visits to members to provide health education and ensure continued engagement.
• Provides telephonic and in-person outreach to address member care gaps and other needs.
• Thoroughly document and record all interactions with program patients and participants in the community using the data collection procedures established by the department. This may include inputting data and information into spreadsheets, databases, electronic health record systems and others.
• Writes up work experiences/case stories/anecdotal evidence about program/intervention.
• Monitor and order project supplies including educational materials and medical devices as needed.
• Establish, develop, and maintain relationships with community residents, community organizations and stakeholders to further the work of SSHCO in the community and to promote program goals.
• Assist in conducting surveys such as community health needs assessment and informs leadership of the needs of the service communities.
• Assist in program-wide recruiting efforts by developing relationships with community-based leaders, organizations and community members and providing approved health education materials and resources to community members and organizations.
• Collect information from community members and program participants for reports and data to measure program impact. Assist with preparing reports.
• Represent SSHCO at community events and coalition/community meetings to understand community issues and build relationships with community members.
• Assist in establishing new SSHCO programs and care models as needed.
• May present program information at conferences and other professional events.
• Participate regularly in internal and external professional development opportunities.
• Perform other related duties and participate in special projects and assignments as assigned.
• Performs other duties as requested.
  
  

Qualifications

• Flexible work schedule required. The typical schedule is weekdays 8:00am - 4:30pm but shifts may vary, and occasional weekend/evening work may be required.
• Travel: This position requires regular travel throughout the Chicagoland area. A valid driver's license, reliable vehicle, and proof of insurance are required.
• Education: High school diploma or the equivalent required.
• Experience:
• 2 years of direct patient care or community/patient health experience preferred.
• Computer Skills:
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, SharePoint, Excel, PowerPoint) preferred.
• Additional:
• Familiarity and/or experience working with Chicago's West Side and/or South Side communities (residents preferred).
• Ability to work in various settings, including home visits, health fairs, community events, clinics, and hospital, emergency room departments or via phone required.
• Manual dexterity for various duties (e.g., typing, lifting up to 15 lbs.).
• Ability to provide health education in individual and group settings.
• Ability to coordinate non-clinical care under supervision.
• Passion for working with community members and providers.
• Strong interpersonal skills to connect and build trust with diverse populations.
• Commitment to racial and health equity.
• Punctual, reliable, and eager to learn.