Job Information
Community Health Connections Community Health Worker/Patient Services Rep in Fitchburg, Massachusetts
Description
Under the supervision of the DOPSCO, the Community Health Worker (CHW)/Patient Services Representative (PSR) strives to provide services that are responsive to individual and community needs and that are delivered in ways that are caring, compassionate, and culturally and linguistically competent and appropriate. The CHW/PSR will also assist patients in obtaining medical insurance coverage.They provide follow-up to determine and ensure enrollment within the health center.
The CHW/PSR will provide critical links between individual patients and/or the community and the health center by: acting as cultural mediators between individuals/communities and the region's health and social services; providing culturally appropriate health education and information; ensuring that individuals get the care they need and deserve through CHC sites, and partner organizations; providing supportive services including assistance securing health insurance and other benefits, referrals, and general patient advocacy; and conveying community needs as they understand them.
This position relies on the individual to be: flexible, detail-oriented, organized, consistent, with strong interpersonal and teamwork skills. The ideal candidate will reside in the Fitchburg/Leominster area and have personal experience working with individuals.
Major responsibilities:
Conduct outreach to individuals and community-based organizations about CHC .
Provide information, guidance and health insurance enrollment assistance to individuals to help them through the process of obtaining medical care, dental care and behavioral health services.
Assist patients in accessing services by identifying barriers to accessing care such as transportation needs, interpretation needs, etc.; assist in providing solutions to these needs by utilizing available resources within the practice and/or community.
Work one-on-one with individuals to provide general health education; assistance applying for benefits including but not limited to health insurance, WIC, food stamps, housing, and child care; and making appropriate referrals to additional enabling services;
Represent CHC in the community by ensuring all interactions are professional and courteous. Identify new partnerships to be developed as new agencies come to be in the community. Act as a liaison between CHC and outside agencies in order to foster a collaborative relationship necessary for CHC’s programming,
Maintain effective communication with direct supervisor(s)
Maintain record keeping on patients, as required by Patient Services’ management
Assist in patient care by being part of the health center team to achieve optimal health outcomes
Attend community meetings and activities organized through community coalition s .
Attend required trainings.
Enrollment
Assist uninsured with enrollment applications making them aware of insurance and care options in the community and at CHC.
Facilitate enrollment process with uninsured and follow-up on needed enrollment documentation.
Explain health care benefits, coverage, and CHC services to applicants and the general community at large.
Provide post enrollment support to enrollees who experience barriers to care to reduce these barriers.
Have a working knowledge and make referrals to outside helping resources for CHC patients as needed.
General administrative duties
Assist Health Center staff with duties relating to reception, appointment setting, enrollment, and general patient services for all patients.
Track enrollment data of “community partners” and reporting statistics.
Foster a positive, professional, effective working relationship with CHC staff, clinical providers and other staff members at CHC.
Ensure all clients, staff, and service providers are treated in a professional and courteous manner.
Perform other duties as required or assigned.
Demonstrate understanding and commitment of the health center mission.
Demonstrate understanding and commitment to the established CHC Values & Standards.
Minimum Qualifications:
High School Diploma
Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred
One (1) years’ experience in a customer service or health care related field preferred.
Proficient reading, writing, and speaking in English and Spanish, required. Bilingual in English/Portuguese a plus
Demonstrated interpersonal relationship skills.
Valid driver’s license and good driving record
Demonstrated organizational and time management skills
Demonstrated ability to work independently
Demonstrated communication skills (verbal and written skills in English required)
Experience using Microsoft Office, (Word, Excel and Access) and other PC based software
Experience with health insurance enrollment helpful.
Strong background in customer service
Ability to multi-task and adapt to a changing environment and have a strong comfort level in approaching individuals in various settings.
Ability to adapt to a flexible schedule and the ability to work occasional nights and weekends.