Job Description

Everyone who works with Mercy Health is united under one purpose: to help our patients be well in mind, body and spirit. This drive, along with our history of faith, is a powerful combination. It gives us a shared calling to work toward every day. Join our exceptional team and help us continue to provide the highest quality of health care possible to our communities.

Community Health Worker

Primary Function/General Purpose of Position

The Community Health Worker focuses on direct support, outreach, and engagement to improve community health outcomes, focusing on improving health, well-being, and access to essential services. The Community Health Worker serves as a liaison between community members or patients and health and social service systems, providing culturally appropriate health education and addressing basic social drivers of health. Community Health Workers may work in a variety of settings, including serving in the community or assisting patients in physician practices based on specific market design.

Essential Job Functions

• Builds trusting relationships with individuals and communities to mediate between individuals and health/social service systems. Identifies and engages individuals and families in need through outreach activities and community events.

• Evaluates the specific needs and challenges faced by community members, including health, social, and educational needs. Identifies barriers such as housing, food insecurity, and transportation challenges, and connects individuals to appropriate resources.

• May conduct outreach activities, including home visits and participation in community health fairs and local events, to build awareness and engage underserved populations.

• Maintains accurate and up-to-date records to support advocacy efforts, monitor outcomes, and contribute to program evaluation.

• May perform or assist with health education and/or basic health screenings, such as blood pressure and glucose checks, under appropriate supervision.

• Provides support to ongoing community health programs.

This document is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, or working conditions associated with the job. Employees may be required to perform other job-related duties as required by their supervisor, subject to reasonable accommodation.

Licensing/Certification

Community Health Worker (CHW) Certification in the state of practice (preferred; required within 12 months of hire)

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent (required)

Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Public Health, Psychology, or related field (preferred)

Work Experience

1 year of recent experience in a community outreach or healthcare setting (preferred)

Training

None

Language

Bilingual based on market needs (preferred)

Patient Population

Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served on his or her assigned unit.

Demonstrates knowledge of the principles of growth and development of the life span and possesses the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status and interprets the appropriate information needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to his or her age, specific needs and to provide the care needed as described in departmental policies and procedures.

Working Conditions

Periods of high stress and fluctuating workloads may occur.

May be exposed to physical altercations and verbal abuse.

May be exposed to adverse weather conditions; cold, hot, dust, wind, etc.

May have periods of constant interruptions.

May be exposed to human blood and other potentially infectious materials.*

General office environment.

Required to car travel to off-site locations, occasionally in adverse weather conditions.

Long-distance or air travel as needed- not to exceed 10% travel.

Prolonged periods of working alone

• Individuals in this position are required to exercise universal precautions, use personal protective equipment and devices, and learn the policies concerning infection control.

Physical Requirements

Physical Demands

Frequency 0% 1-33% 34-66% 67-100%

Lifting/ Carrying (0-50 lbs.) X

Lifting/ Carrying (50-100 lbs.) X

Push/ Pull (0-50 lbs.) X

Push/ Pull (50-100 lbs.) X

Stoop, Kneel X

Crawling X

Climbing X

Balance X

Bending X

Work Position

Frequency 0% 1-33% 34-66% 67-100%

Sitting X

Walking X

Standing X

Additional Physical Requirements/Hazards

Physical Requirements

Manual dexterity (eye/hand coordination)
Repetitive arm/hand movements
Finger Dexterity
Color Vision
Acuity - far
Acuity - near

Skills

Hard/Tech/Clinical Skills:

Proficient with computers and accuracy with data entry and Microsoft Office.

Comprehensive knowledge of the field's concepts and principles.

Soft/Interpersonal Skills:

Sensitivity and experience in working within different cultures.

Ability to separate personal from professional interactions with clients and maintain professional/ethical boundaries.

Ability to learn and implement new procedures and adapt to emerging community needs.

Cultural competency and ability to work with diverse populations.

Attention to detail

Communication and Collaboration skills

Critical thinking

Teamwork

Conflict resolution

Active listening

Relationship building

As a Mercy Health associate, you're part of a Mission that matters. We support your well-being—personally and professionally. Our benefits are built to grow with you and meet your unique needs, every step of the way.

What we offer

• Competitive pay, incentives, referral bonuses and 403(b) with employer contributions (when eligible)
• Medical, dental, vision, prescription coverage, HSA/FSA options, life insurance, mental health resources and discounts
• Paid time off, parental and FMLA leave, short- and long-term disability, backup care for children and elders
• Tuition assistance, professional development and continuing education support

Benefits may vary based on the market and employment status.

All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, genetic information, or protected veteran status, and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. If you'd like to view a copy of the affirmative action plan or policy statement for Mercy Health – Youngstown, Ohio or Bon Secours – Franklin, Virginia; Petersburg, Virginia; and Emporia, Virginia, which are Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employers, please email recruitment@mercy.com. If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation as part of the employment selection process, please contact The Talent Acquisition Team at recruitment@mercy.com

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