Community Health Worker - Health Information Assistance

Welcome to Cherry Health - video about Cherry Health

Job Description Summary:

The Community Health Worker (CHW) plays a vital role in improving the health and well-being of the population served by assisting high-risk families with accessing available resources and providing education relevant to the community program’s focus. This position supports patients in connecting to Medicaid providers, health services, and community resources, and assists in overcoming barriers to care. Level I is a pathway opportunity leading to certification, with the expectation that all CHWs will become certified by 12/31/2025 as per MDHHS guidelines. The CHW adheres to the organization’s policies, procedures, and compliance standards and represents the organization's mission in all actions and communications.

Outreach and education to community residents regarding their health insurance options under Medicaid, Marketplace, and CHIP. Responsible for assisting persons with enrolling in these insurance plans. This is a 40 hour per week, benefit-eligible position typically working during normal clinic hours (Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) but there will be community events that this Community Health Worker will need to attend. Times for the events vary during the week. Certification as a CHW from an accredited program required.

Responsibilities:

• Patient Engagement & Support:
  • Help engage, re-engage, or ensure patient-led follow-up in primary care and routine preventive care.
  • Assist patients in adhering to treatment plans and managing chronic conditions.
  • Help patients find appropriate Medicaid providers for covered services and ensure they attend appointments.
  • Connect patients to medical translation/interpretation or transportation services as needed.
  • Support telehealth appointments and educate patients on telehealth technology.
• Health Education & Promotion:
  • Provide health education to promote the patient’s overall health, addressing barriers to physical, oral, and mental health care.
  • Educate patients on preventative services, such as cancer screenings and immunizations.
  • Set health improvement goals with patients and provide screenings and assessments.
• Collaboration:
  • Act as a cultural liaison or assist a licensed healthcare provider in creating and implementing a care plan as part of the healthcare team.
  • Help patients access other relevant community resources.
• Compliance & Other Duties:
  • Adhere to the organizational policies, procedures, Code of Ethics, and all applicable licensing and accreditation standards.
  • Complete other duties as assigned.
     

Qualifications:

• Education:
  • High School Diploma or Equivalent required.
  • Associates Degree or higher preferred.
• Certification or License:
  • Certification as a CHW from an accredited program
• Experience:
  • Previous experience in a healthcare or community setting preferred.
  • Experience in related programs or volunteer work is an advantage.
• Knowledge/Skills:
  • Ability to work with diverse populations.
  • Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
  • Effective communication and organizational skills.
  • Basic knowledge of community healthcare or public health principles.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Outlook, Word, Excel, etc.).
  • Ability to work independently with limited supervision.
     

Physical Requirements:

• Standing: Occasionally
• Sitting: Frequently
• Movement: Independently mobile, including movement between floors and across various locations.
• Manual Dexterity: Frequent use of hands for typing, grasping, and fine motor tasks.
• Vision & Hearing: Must meet visual acuity and hearing requirements necessary for the role.
• Lifting: Must be able to lift up to 10 lbs occasionally.

Equipment / Tools / Technology:

• Desktop or laptop computer
• Telephone with voicemail
• Networked copier/printer/fax machine
• Microsoft applications (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Electronic Health Record (EHR) software (NextGen)
• Ophthalmic Diagnostic Equipment (e.g., OCT, HVF, Fundus Camera)

Environmental Factors:

• Indoor Work Environment: Primarily office setting with occasional exposure to outdoor weather conditions.
• Exposure to Bodily Fluids: Occasional exposure to blood, bodily fluids, or patients with illness/infection.

Supervision:

• Received by this Position: Work progress is checked occasionally, with independence in task completion.
• Given by this Position: This position does not have direct supervisory responsibilities.

Client Population Served:

This position may serve all patient populations.

The essential functions of this position must be able to be accomplished with or without accommodations.

Who we are:

Cherry Health, Michigan’s largest Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), operates in six counties across the state, is based in Grand Rapids. With a team of more than 800 health care professionals at 20 locations, Cherry Health focuses on removing barriers, expanding access, and delivering comprehensive quality health care services to underserved communities, regardless of an individual’s insurance status or ability to pay. We provide primary care, dental, vision, behavioral health, pharmacy services, substance abuse services, residential re-entry services, school-based health centers and more.

Our Mission: 

Cherry Health improves the health and wellness of individuals by providing comprehensive primary and behavioral health care while encouraging access by those who are underserved.

Our Vision: 

Our community will be healthier because we will seek out and welcome those who need our services. All will be treated as family with integrated, coordinated care to improve health and personal well-being.

Our Values:

• Collaboration – Support the Cherry Health mission by encouraging teamwork to accomplish organizational goals.
• Customer Service – Serve internal and external customers in a welcoming manner with compassionate care.
• Innovation – Embrace creativity to improve patient care and workplace efficiency while remaining curious and open to learning.
• Integrity – Uphold the highest ethical standards by being honest and trustworthy.
• Professionalism – Create a positive work environment where we care accountable for our decision, our action and the results.

Benefits:

Cherry Health has excellent benefit offerings dependent on employment status.  Check out a sample of the benefits available to our team members below!

• Loan repayment through the NHSC and Michigan State Loan Repayment Program for select roles
• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance for you and your family
• Generous Paid Time Off benefit – 4 weeks per year for full time
• Paid holidays - 8 full day paid holidays (Including Black Friday!) and 2 half day paid holidays!
• 403(b) Retirement Savings Plan with generous employer match - $ for $ match up to 5% 
• MET and MESP 529 Savings Plans
• Pet Insurance!
• Employee Assistance Program  

Our policy is to offer all employees and applicants for employment equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, height, weight, sexual orientation, gender identity, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws, or any other protected category.