Community Health Worker – Hospital Care Transition Program

Rhode Island Parent Information Network

Full-time; permanent

Job Summary

The Community Health Worker (CHW) is a peer who has experience in navigating Rhode Island’s health system for themselves, a family member or through previous employment. This CHW will work in RIPIN’s Hospital Care Transition Program, which supports Rhode Islanders who may be good candidates to discharge from the hospital back to their homes or other community settings, but need a little extra assistance to make that possible. The CHW will be a critical part of a comprehensive team providing options counseling, resources and referrals for post-hospital care. CHWs will engage with consumers in hospital settings providing person centered, culturally sensitive support, and building on the values, strengths and preferences of the patient. The CHW will also serve as an effective role model and mentor.

Pay rate for this CHW position will be commensurate with the required in-person work assignment based in the hospital setting.

Essential Functions

  • Assist patients and families in understanding and accessing informal and formal options for post-discharge care benefits including copay and cost of care.
  • Review and educate on benefits and eligibility for Medicaid Fee-For-Service, Medicaid/Medicare Managed Care, Medicare Advantage Plans, and any available private insurances.
  • Assist the consumer in completion and submission of enrollment or benefit applications. Refer consumers to other services and public or private agencies for additional supports as needed.
  • Utilizing motivational interviewing skills and culturally sensitive methods to collaborate with patients to explore preferred post-discharge supports and identify social determinants of health and/or areas of need within their community environment.
  • Review care options including natural supports, home care services, medical equipment, adult day health programs, senior centers and assisted living communities.
  • Coordinate with hospital discharge and health plan staff to enable post-discharge home and community supports to be established in a timely manner.
  • Assist consumers as they transition to independence/case closure by engaging with consumers and providing follow up support.
  • Maintain timely, accurate records, documentation, and reports as required.
  • Actively participate and complete training and professional development activities
  • Assist in statewide system analysis, planning and coordination with state agencies, state and local boards, community-based organizations, and community rehabilitation programs.
  • Accept other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

  • Ability to demonstrate sensitivity towards, relate to, form trusting connections with, and motivate consumers as a peer mentor and to address barriers to care, health and wellness
  • Knowledge of Rhode Island health systems, terminology, supports, and services
  • Demonstrated ability and skill to work collaboratively with co-workers, consumers, families, service providers, and health plans, etc.
  • Skilled and/or willingness to learn and initiate motivational interviewing techniques with consumers
  • Demonstrated prior success in accessing community-based resources in Rhode Island
  • Strong written and oral communication skills
  • Excellent organizational skills to manage multiple priorities and tasks
  • A deep understanding of, commitment to, and ability to carry out the mission, vision, philosophy and values of RIPIN
  • Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office/computer skills to enter data, prepare reports and correspondence

Education and Experience

  • High School diploma or GED
  • Attained or working towards a bachelor’s degree, or a combination of education, experience, and skills to effectively carry out responsibilities and assignments
  • Community Health Workers certification preferred; non-certified incumbents are expected to earn certification within 18 months of hire date
  • Personal experience navigating state and community services and programs on behalf of self or a family member
  • Previous experience supporting families or individuals with special care needs or disabilities or families or individuals accessing health programs and services
  • Demonstrated ability to work both independently and as an effective team member
  • Demonstrated experience working with diverse populations
  • A combination of education and experience demonstrating acquisition of the skills and abilities required

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee regularly is required to stand, walk, sit, use hand to finger, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to climb stairs, reach, stretch, stand and bend. The employee frequently lifts and/or moves up to 25 pounds. Community Health Workers are required to climb up to three flights of stairs to conduct home and community visits.

Work Conditions/Environment

Primary work location is a climate-controlled indoor hospital or office environment; however, employee will also be required to conduct visits in private homes and various community locations
A significant portion of work may be based out of a hospital location, which may bring elevated risk of exposure to COVID-19 or other infectious diseases.
Must have suitable space to work remotely at home as needed.
Must be able to provide own reliable transportation to facilitate visits to client’s home or community setting and travel between multiple provider sites.
Flexibility for occasional travel related to job requirements
Willingness and ability to work limited evenings and weekends as needed
Provide own reliable transportation with proof of RI minimum requirements of auto insurance
The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

To Apply

Please apply here: https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=40758&clientkey=2065EACCEE3EBD0E3C48BE8B2A07F5BA