The roles and activities of community health workers (CHWs) are tailored to meet the unique needs of the communities they serve. A CHW’s role depends on factors such their education, training, lived experience, and experience working with specific populations. A CHW acts as an advocate for patients in community settings, promoting and improving health by providing social support and individual counseling when necessary.
CHWs may perform the following duties:
· Create connections between vulnerable populations and healthcare providers.
· Help people understand their health condition(s) and develop strategies to improve their health and well-being.
· Help patients navigate healthcare and social service systems.
· Manage care and care transitions for vulnerable populations.
· Reduce social isolation among patients.
· Determine eligibility and enroll individuals in health insurance plans.
· Ensure cultural competence among healthcare providers serving vulnerable populations.
· Educate healthcare providers and stakeholders about community health needs.
· Provide culturally appropriate health education on topics related to chronic disease prevention, physical activity, and nutrition.
· Advocate for underserved individuals or communities to receive services and resources to address health needs.
· Collect data and relay information to stakeholders to inform programs and policies.
· Link people to health care/social service resources utilizing the social referral platform provided.
· Provide informal counseling, support, health screenings, referrals, and follow up as needed.
· Build community capacity to address health issues.
· Address social determinants of health.
Requirements and skills:
· Experience working with people of different cultures and socio-economic backgrounds.
· Understanding of the healthcare system and how to help patients find necessary resources.
· Knowledge of social determinants of health (SDOH) and related disparities.
· The ability to provide instructions and communicate effectively both orally and in writing with individuals of varying backgrounds and abilities.
Additional requirements:
· Must successfully complete CPR training.
· Must protect the privacy and security of protected health information as defined in State and Federal law.
· Must adhere to Federal and State OSHA guidelines, including but not limited to timely completion of mandatory training.
· Possession of a driver’s license valid in the State of Missouri and an acceptable driving record.
· Missouri State Community Health Worker Certification or the willingness and ability to achieve certification.
