Under the general supervision of the Health Education Associate Director, Health Center Manager and oversight from the Director of Health Education and Prevention Programs, the Community Health Worker (CWH) works to encourage healthy lifestyles and wellness by educating individuals and the community about behaviors that can prevent disease and other health problems. The CHW provides education in both individual and group setting from within CDCR Health Centers. The CHW interacts with a multi-cultural population of diverse socioeconomic backgrounds, levels of education and ages.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Community Health Worker is responsible for performing the following duties:

• Clarifies professional/medical instructions to patients and provides supportive educational counseling to reinforce provider instructions.
• Serves as an interpreter between provider and patient as needed.
• Conducts education at the appropriate level in a variety of areas including but not limited to preventative care, prenatal care, reproductive health, nutrition, chronic diseases, oral health and pediatrics.
• Assesses the needs of the targeted audience and helps develop goals and objectives to meet their needs.
• Utilizes a variety of resources to provide education including Department curricula, written educational materials, brochures, posters, models and videos.
• Works with state and federal public health programs by providing education, case management and billing following program guidelines.
• Utilizes data analytics systems to capture potential patients for education services and for case management purposes.
• Conducts maternity tours at the contracted hospitals for prenatal patients.
• Provides patient advocacy including assistance with community referrals, disability & paid family leave forms, WIC, medication assistance and other advocacy services aiding as a liaison to connect patients to resources
• Documents encounters using electronic health records, HED data base and other applicable forms.
• Works with current Department grants providing support to meet requirements.
• Conducts group presentations and health screenings within the health center and community settings.
• Promotes services via in-person, broadcast & social media as requested.
• Provides support with in-house staff trainings and development of Department programs.
• Will be required to both capture and provide information that is of a sexual health nature which will involve family planning.
• May assist patients with mental illness, substance abuse problems and or/emotional disturbance.
• Perform other duties as assigned including participation in all safety programs which may include assignment to an emergency response team.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES

• Basic knowledge of health related topics and general health guidelines.
• Have the ability to comprehend, translate, and document routine oral and written medical instructions.
• Ability to work individually as well as in group settings with minimal supervision.
• Work with people of different cultural, ethnic, and social-economic backgrounds, particularly underserved populations and have a desire to help others improve their health.
• Must have dedication to team work and the ability to deliver exceptional patient service.
• Must have strong communication skills.
• Possesses excellent computer skills and have basic knowledge of computer programs (Word, Excel, Publisher, etc.).
• Interacts in a professional manner and works collaboratively with Clinicas’ staff and patients.
• Should have a strong desire to improve the health and well-being of target populations.
• Be a self-motivated, independent, innovative thinker and a resourceful problem solver.
• Must have a flexible work schedule and be available to work weekends and evenings as requested.
• Complete and maintain program certifications as assigned by supervisor.