Community Health Worker

Overview

Essen Health Care is the largest privately held, multispecialty medical group in New York, providing high-quality, compassionate care to some of the state’s most vulnerable and underserved residents.

Founded in 1999, we’ve grown from a single primary care office into a network of 50+ locations offering urgent care, primary care and specialty services, from women’s health to endocrinology and psychiatry. We also provide nursing home support, care management, and in-home care through our Essen House Calls program. Guided by a Population Health model, our team of 500+ providers deliver care in-person, at home, or via telehealth, ensuring patients get the support they need when and where they need it.

We’re looking for talented, motivated individuals to join our growing team. Whether you’re a medical provider, administrator, or operations professional, there’s a career here for you. Join us in making a real difference in the health of our community.

Job Summary

We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate Community Health Worker (CHW) to provide essential health navigation, education, and advocacy support underserved individuals. This position plays a vital role in connecting community members to healthcare and community resources, addressing barriers to care, and empowering individuals to manage their health effectively. The ideal candidate will be culturally competent, skilled in advocacy, resource coordination, and health education, and committed to supporting individuals in overcoming health and social challenges.

Responsibilities

Health Navigation and Resource Coordination:

· Assist individuals in navigating healthcare services, ensuring access to both medical and community-based resources.

· Facilitate effective "closed loop" referrals, ensuring individuals are connected to the appropriate services and providers.

· Help individuals connect to support services addressing social determinants of health, including housing, employment, transportation, food security, childcare, and more.

· Support individuals in enrolling in and maintaining participation in government assistance programs, providing education on available services without making decisions on their behalf.

Health Education and Empowerment:

· Provide tailored health education that aligns with individual needs, life experiences, and goals, promoting health and preventing illness or injury.

· Deliver evidence-based training and information on health topics, addressing barriers to healthcare access and promoting self-management of health conditions.

· Promote self-confidence, informed decision-making, and active participation in health care, empowering individuals to take charge of their health and well-being.

Advocacy and Cultural Competency:

· Serve as an advocate for individuals, bridging gaps in healthcare and addressing barriers such as language, culture, and socioeconomic status.

· Act as a cultural and linguistic broker, ensuring equitable access to care for individuals from diverse backgrounds, including various ethnicities, races, and genders.

· Collaborate with healthcare teams and community partners to ensure individuals receive comprehensive and culturally appropriate care.

Collaboration and Communication:

· Work closely with healthcare teams, community organizations, and resources to ensure individuals receive the necessary support and follow-up.

· Maintain open and empathetic communication with individuals to ensure they feel heard and supported throughout their healthcare journey.

· Foster collaboration to empower individuals in making informed decisions about their health and utilizing available resources effectively.

Documentation and Reporting:

· Keep accurate records of interactions, referrals, and services provided to individuals, ensuring that all documentation is up-to-date and comprehensive.

· Prepare reports to evaluate the effectiveness of advocacy efforts and the overall health navigation and education program.

Qualifications

· High school diploma or equivalent; Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in public health, social work, or a related field preferred.

· Experience in community health, social services, or advocacy, particularly working with Medicaid members or diverse populations.

· Knowledge of Medicaid services, community resources, and social determinants of health.

· Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build trust and rapport with individuals from various backgrounds.

· Proficiency in culturally informed practices and evidence-based health education methods.

· Bilingual or multilingual skills are a plus.

· Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to handle multiple tasks and priorities effectively.

---

Working Conditions:

· This position is site based but may require travel within the community to meet with individuals and organizations.

Equal Opportunity Employer

ESSEN HEALTH CARE IS PROUD TO BE AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Essen Health care is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, and we seek candidates who desire to work in and serve an ethnically diverse population.