Community Health Worker - Health Home Program, San Bernardino (Remote)

Position Summary/Position

Under the general supervision of the Manager, Behavioral Health Integration Services and Supports and direct supervision of the Manager, Point of Care Teams, RN, the Community Health Worker - Health Home Program (CHW) will be responsible for supporting Members in improving their whole health, through outreach and engagement activities, which are primarily field based.  The CHW works closely and collaboratively with the Health Home Team (HHT), as well as with the designated HCO medical teams, to ensure high quality and seamless care for Members.

Major Functions (Duties and Responsibilities)

1. Responsible for assisting Members in navigating the healthcare system by finding and following up by phone and in person with hard-to-reach Members, helping Members successfully participate in their medical and/or behavioral health care by overcoming barriers to care, and sharing information on barriers with IEHP and Providers to improve the HHT.
2. Model the highest ethical behavior in relationships with co-workers, supervisors, Members, Providers, and colleagues in the community.
3. Responsible for engaging with Members, both in-person and on the phone, in a manner that utilizes evidence-based approaches (such as Motivational Interviewing) that promotes collaboration between the Member and his or her medical/behavioral team, as well as to increase the Member’s sense of control over their whole health.
4. Delivering information about health and wellness in ways that the community can easily understand and providing information on IEHP Member benefits and services.
5. Providing advocacy on behalf of IEHP Members in the home, the community, and in provider organizations.
6. Responsible for building and maintaining a positive working relationship with Providers, including, but not limited to, communication via in-person, over the phone, and through digital means such as email and fax.
7. Responsible for assisting the HHT and Providers to understand the culture, norms, beliefs and preferences of the Members and their community by representing the voice of the community, helping to create messages and materials that fit community culture, and delivering these messages in a way that fits the culture of Members.
8. Responsible for promoting a collaborative and effective working environment within the HHT by engaging in evidenced-based communication strategies (such as Motivational Interviewing) when discussing responsibility/sharing of tasks, effectively resolving conflicts as they arise, and collaborating on Member case discussions. 
9. Collaborates on Member care issues with other HHT members and consults with Nurse Care Manager and/or the Behavioral Health Care Manager before taking any action that is clinical in nature.
10. Model commitment to continuous quality improvement by engaging in quality improvement initiatives and projects, such as identifying and addressing HEDIS gaps, and by identifying, developing, and testing new practices for improving the outcomes of the HHT.
11. Ensures documentations is accurate, useful and in compliance with regulatory requirements and accreditation standards.
12. Participates in all appropriate staff meetings or other activities as needed.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Experience Qualifications

Two (2) years of experience as a CHW, Promotora, or Health Navigator, or 2 years of experience working in community outreach, customer service, or within a medical office, or a Behavioral Health or Substance Use Disorder program required.

Education Qualifications

High school diploma or GED required.

Professional Certification

Has successfully completed an approved Community Health Worker program or will complete within 6 months of hire.

Drivers License Required

Knowledge Requirement

Knowledge of the community the CHW will be working in, especially non-professional resources, and their reputation in the community. Understanding of and sensitivity to mental health conditions and addictive disorders. Awareness of the impact of unmitigated bias and judgement on health; commitment to addressing both. Understanding of, and a commitment to, high preforming team practices.

Skills Requirement

Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.

Highly skilled interpersonally, with excellent teamwork and relationship skills.  Highly skilled in interpersonal communication, including resolving conflict. A high degree of skillful decision making and judgement, in an autonomous position, including knowing when to consult with the team, supervisors, and experts.

Abilities Requirement

Able to sufficiently engage members in a variety of settings, including on the phone, at Member’s homes, in hospitals and other settings. Ability to develop relationships with community members and leaders, including in the faith-based community. Able to develop effective relationships with team members, despite working primarily in the field.

Commitment to Team Culture

The IEHP Team environment requires a Team Member to participate in the IEHP Team Culture. A Team Member demonstrates support of the Culture by developing professional and effective working relationships that include elements of respect and cooperation with Team Members, Members and associates outside of our organization.

Working Conditions

Minimal physical activity; may include standing and repetitive motion.