Community Health Advocate

CHI Memorial, a member of CommonSpirit, is an award-winning, not-for-profit, faith-based health care organization dedicated to the healing ministry of Jesus Christ. Founded by the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth, we offer a comprehensive continuum of care, from preventative and primary care to acute hospital services specializing in cancer, cardiac, neuroscience, stroke, and orthopedic services. Our commitment to excellence has earned us top prestigious recognition repeatedly from U.S. News and World Report, PINC AI™, CMS, Healthgrades®, Leapfrog, and most recently as one of the Best Places to Work in Tennessee. We are proud to serve Southeast Tennessee and Northwest Georgia with the expertise of 4,700 team members and nearly 500 affiliated physicians.

Based in Cleveland, TN serving McMinn, Meigs, & Bradley County

Part Time

The role of the Continuing Care Community Health Worker is responsible for working in conjunction with an interdisciplinary team in order to improve patient social, behavioral, and mental health through outreach and engagement activities. Such activities include telephonic and written communication, as well as in-person opportunities with patients, providers, team members, and community-based organizations. Work may be focused on, but not limited to: 1) establishing effective relationships and guiding the patient/caregiver through the healthcare system, working to eliminate barriers that might otherwise adversely impact patient care/outcomes; 2) providing general education/training designed to promote self-awareness and reinforce/maximize patient/caregiver self-management skills/tools/resources; and 3) facilitating access to support services, community resources and primary care for enrolled patients and tools for self-management support.

ESSENTIAL KEY JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Relationship Building
Establishes rapport, assesses patient’s level of health literacy and comprehension, provides information/guidance for an effective care transition and ensures that information is understood by recipient.

Responsible for building and maintaining a positive working relationship with Providers, including, but not limited to, interactions within Provider offices, communication over the phone, and through digital means such as email and fax.

Acts as an advocate for the patient/family by locating appropriate community resources to address concerns and reduce risk of hospitalization.

Monitors effectiveness of services provided by external resources and provides timely feedback to the provider/interdisciplinary team.

Acts as liaison with members and families to physicians, staff, community resources, and others

Escalates any internal and external customer concerns to the interdisciplinary team and/or Supervisor

2. Patient Care

Acts as an advocate for the patient and family by locating appropriate community resources to address concerns and reduce risk of readmission.

Coaches participant/caregiver to improve their communication with physicians, nurses, and other members of the healthcare system; assists participant/caregiver in setting, tracking and meeting personal health goals.

Collaborates on Member care issues with interdisciplinary team, participating in weekly and ad hoc case review and Interdisciplinary Team Meetings, and consults with Nurse Care Manager and/or the Social Worker before taking any action that is clinical in nature.

Meets and/or follows-up with patients via phone and/or clinic visit to coordinate and/or provide timely direct assistance in meeting the self-management goals identified.

3. Documentation

Document activities, discussions, plans, and results in various formats and health records

Review, interpret, and escalate to care team the data and/or information in multiple different electronic platforms
May also be required to meet patients and/or family members either in the community, at clinic, home, or other locations.

High School Diploma/G.E.D.

1 year experience in a patient-care environment; or 2 years working in a health-related community outreach organization.

Preferred Education: AA or BA

Preferred Experience: Knowledge and ability to work with electronic medical records; knowledge of healthcare terminology

Preferred: CHW Certification

Excellent customer service skills

Collaborate with interdisciplinary partners, a mix of clinical, operational, and business activities related to that partnership ● Ability to communicate effectively using written and verbal skills.

Includes strong listening skills, listens to understand patient needs and wants

Excellent computer literacy, including ability to learn new systems. Proficient in email communications and internet usage along with basic use of Microsoft Excel and Word, as well as similar Google products

Able to adapt to changing environments and priorities

High skilled interpersonally with excellent team work and relationship skills.

Able to develop effective relationships with team members, working within provider offices.

Understanding of and sensitivity to mental health conditions and addictive disorders.

A high degree of skillful decision making and judgment