Location: Stamford,CT, USA
Optimus Health Care is a Federally Qualified Health Care Center with sites operating in Bridgeport, Stamford and Stratford, CT. We are the largest provider of primary health care services in Fairfield County, proudly serving all patients regardless of their ability to pay. We are currently recruiting for a full-time bilingual- Spanish speaking Community Health Worker to join our team in Stamford, CT. Join our team-based model of care delivered in a kind and compassionate manner. this position is 100% grant funded. POSITION SUMMARY The Community Health Worker (CHW) will act as the liaison between medical, behavioral health, home, and community. The CHW will provide individualized comprehensive care management and coordination that supports, improves, and maintains overall health and wellbeing of patients served. The CHW will work closely with other members of the care team, social services agencies, and other community partners to assist with coordination of care and services. Must be comfortable working with culturally diverse populations (e.g., race, ethnicity, gender identity and sexual orientation). Highly personable, very organized, self-directed with reliable transportation. Must be open to working a flexible schedule when needed, coupled with strong verbal and written commination, in addition to a strong commitment to maintaining a high level of confidentiality ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES Care Coordination & Outreach Welcome new patients into the practice and introduce the Care Team model and complete designated assessments specific to the patient s cultural background. Coordinates all necessary referrals to community resources: such as housing, food, clothing, parenting classes, vocational services, educational resources, assist with completion of redetermination forms for social programs. Works with teams to create a trauma-informed environment for patients. Performs initial behavioral health pre-screening. Supports safe transitions of care for patients moving between care settings. Assists with creating, assessing, and re-evaluating patient-centered care plans that include patient self-management goals. Coaches patients in effective management of self-care. Assists patients in understanding care plans and instructions. Works with patients and their families/care givers to remain actively engaged in their health and overall well-being. Coaches patients and their families/care givers on proper use of the emergency department and offers alternative options. Participates in community health initiatives, health fairs and other pertinent events. Collaboration and Advocacy Builds and maintains positive working relationships with patients, all care team members, as well as agency representatives. Provides support and advocacy during office visits to assure behavioral health/medical needs and required referrals are conveyed. Advocates for special accommodations in school, home, community, and healthcare settings, when needed. Assists with transitioning youth to adult medical and/or behavioral health care. Identifies gaps in health services and coordinates comprehensive healthcare. Collaborates with school, community partners, home and healthcare providers to assist with achievement of established goals. Attends relevant community meetings to build collaboration and cultivate relationships with community members. ADDITIONAL GENERAL REQUIREMENTS Professional, positive attitude, understanding of customer service principals, intuitiveness, trustworthiness, and excellent interpersonal skills to successfully accomplish tasks necessary to meet high standards of ethical and social responsibility required by this position. Knowledge of some medical terminology preferred. Ability to understand the needs of the community to be served. Must have knowledge of the various services available in the community. Ability and willingness to provide emotional support, encouragement, and patient empowerment. Ability to type into an electronic health record. JOB QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS EDUCATION: High school or equivalent required. Bilingual (Spanish and English) required EXPERIENCE: Experience working with an ethnically, culturally, and racially diverse office staff and patient population. Preferred: Previous experience working with community-based programs for persons with serious psychiatric and addiction disorders helpful. Applicant has a well-developed understanding of chronic disease and its impact on behavioral/mental health treatment. COMMUNICATION SKILLS: Excellent interpersonal skills required including, but not limited to: appropriate email etiquette, active listening, and thorough revision of all written assignments. LICENSURE / CERTIFICATION: Certification of Community Health Worker formal training program preferred or ability to obtain within the first year of hire. Working for Optimus: OHC provides a fun, fast-paced working environment, where our commitment to quality is present in every job function. 100% Outpatient Setting * Excellent health & welfare benefit options Competitive Compensation Optimus and its caring, multilingual staff proudly serve our community in a patient-centered environment. To be part of our organization, every employee should understand and share in Optimus Vision, support our Mission, and live our Values. These values-outstanding, patient-centered, trustworthy, integrity, multicultural, understanding, and supportive -help guide what we do, as individuals and professionals, every day. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer