Community Health Worker

 For more than 50 years, First Choice Community Healthcare has provided access to high quality primary medical, dental, and behavioral healthcare to the underserved populations of the Mid-Rio Grande Valley of central New Mexico. Today, we operate seven (7) Community Health Centers and one (1) school-based clinic. We are currently recruiting for a Community Health Worker to join our team and assist in fulfilling our organizations mission, which is to improve the health, life skills and wellbeing of all members of the communities we serve. Our health centers maintain an open-door policy, providing treatment regardless of an individual’s income or insurance coverage. As a non-profit organization, First Choice is a vital community resource in Central New Mexico. Not only does our organization provide the highest quality, comprehensive medical services, but we also address our patients’ emotional, social, and cultural needs.     

In addition to serving a community-centered organization we offer an excellent benefits package to include: 

Benefits Offered

• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account
• Employee Assistance Program
• Life and AD&D Insurance
• Voluntary Life Insurance
• Identity Theft
• Retirement Savings -403(b)
• 10-20 days per service year (based on length of service)
• Sick Leave 64 hours per year (unused rolls over each year into Long Term Sick Leave)
• Long Term Sick Leave 40 hours per year 
• 10 Paid holidays per year
• 40 hours of Educational Leave per year for full time employees
• $700 per year for tuition reimbursement

A. Position Summary

Under the supervision of the site-based Medical Clinical Supervisor and as a member of various multidisciplinary treatment care teams, the Community Health Worker provides c care coordination, connection to resources and support to adults, children or adolescents and their families who are patients of FCCH. CHWs work in multiple settings to fulfill the needs of the patients while working to improve the overall well-being of the patients.

B. Essential Duties and Responsibilities

1. Establishes trusting relationships with patients and their families while providing general support and encouragement;
2. Communicates to FCCH patients the value of having a CHW supporting them and the impact such support may have on their health and wellbeing;
3. Helps patients identify socio-economic issues that affect their overall health and develop health/social management plans and goals;
4. Assists patients in understanding the services, plans and instructions of the health insurance program in which they are enrolled, or their options if uninsured;
5. Communicates with Managed Care Organizations about interventions provided to their members seeking FCCH services;
6. Facilitates communication and coordinates services between providers and patients.
7. Connects patients to community resources including, but not limited to, locating support services for housing, food, clothing, education, life skills classes and employment;
8. Helps patients learn where to find community resources, schedule appointments with social services agencies and complete applications for benefits /programs for which they may be eligible; 
9. Assists patients in accessing primary care services including, but not limited to, establishing a medical home, providing instruction on appropriate use of the medical home, and overcoming barriers to obtaining needed clinical care and/or social services;
10. Provides support and advocacy during the patient’s initial medical visit and/or when necessary to assure patient’s needs are understood and communicated;
11. Coordinates and monitors services, including comprehensive tracking of patients' compliance in relation to care plan objectives;
12. Coaches patients in effective management of their chronic health conditions and self-care;
13. Motivates patients to be active and engaged participants in their health and overall well-being;
14. Documents all encounters and contacts made on behalf of patients in an effective manner in the appropriate patient electronic record, or elsewhere, as directed. 
15. Documents service plans and outcomes achieved by patients;
16. Completes and submits monthly reports; maintains comprehensive patient files; which include notes, releases of information, assessments and other documents acquired on behalf of the client;
17. Works effectively with people from diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds.
18. Works collaboratively and effectively within a team and establishes positive, supportive relationships with staff and providers;
19. Continuously expands knowledge and understanding of community resources and services;
20. Travels, as needed, to community locations, various agencies, and other outreach destinations;
21. Performs other job-related duties as assigned;

C. Minimum Education and Experience

1. High school graduate or equivalent;
2. Three years of successful experience in a community service program or community health outreach preferred; or
3. On-the-job training along with two years of experience;
4. Bi-lingual in English and Spanish preferred;

D. LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS REQUIRED

1. CPR certification within six months date of hire;
2. Must have valid NM driver’s license and reliable personal transportation;

E. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED

1. Ability to work as a team member within a clinical environment;
2. Records maintenance skills;
3. Excellent verbal and written communication skills;
4. Customer service skills;
5. Reliable transportation needed as travel in the greater Albuquerque area may be required;
6. Must be willing to work in community settings, as needed;
7. Must be able to work autonomously;
8. Ability to plan, develop and maintain filing systems;
9. Ability to complete routine paperwork and evaluate individual client care plans; 
10. Ability to maintain confidentiality of records and information;
11. Skill in the use of operating basic office equipment, personal computers and related software applications, including electronic medical record, practice management system and e-mail;
12. Ability to follow routine verbal or written instructions;
13. Ability to maintain quality, safety, and/or infection control standards;
14. Ability to maintain patient confidentiality;
15. Knowledge of community agencies and resources;
16. Knowledge of/ability to navigate socio-economic barriers that may be encountered by the patient;
17. Knowledge and familiarity with compliance program. Cooperate fully and comply with laws and regulations

F. Age of Patients Served

All ages.

G. COVID-19 VACCINE REQUIRED

COVID-19 Vaccination required as a condition of employment. Individuals with medical issues or religious beliefs that prevent them from getting the vaccine may request an exemption from the vaccine requirement at the time an offer is delivered.

H. Physical Characteristics/Working Conditions

A person in this position has sufficient time to complete most tasks although under pressure depending on patient and organization demands. There are frequent opportunities to relax from any physical exertion or to change position in work activities.

1. Physical Effort and Dexterity: Good dexterity to operate personal computer, and files. Moderate physical activity. Requires handling of average-weight objects up to 25 pounds or standing and/or walking for more than four (4) hours per day. 
2. Machines, Tools, Equipment required to be operated: Capable of using office machines and personal computers for word processing, data entry and retrieval.    
3. Visual Acuity, Hearing, and Speaking: Must be able to read computer monitor output. Must be able to communicate clearly and accurately for work and safety compliance.
4. Environment/Working Conditions: Work is mostly inside a clinic in a controlled environment. Normal clinic safety precautions and practices are required. Position may require travel throughout the Albuquerque metropolitan area. Work regularly scheduled Monday-Friday, although weekends may be required to meet deadlines.