COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKER-BH

COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKER-BH

September 4, 2026 Alabama, Mobile Full-time

BH COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKER (CHW)

Reports To: Director of Behavioral Health

Department: Behavioral Health

Classification: Non-Exempt

JOB SUMMARY

The Community Health Worker (CHW) provides a range of client-centered services that link clients with health care, psychosocial support, and other services. The CHW connects community members with resources such as health screening information, healthcare providers, assistance with publicly funded health insurance, financial assistance, mental health and substance abuse treatment, and transportation services. This position enhances the Care Coordination team's ability to provide proactive patient management, increase patient and provider satisfaction, and promote continuity of patient care.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provides outreach to individuals in a variety of settings, including health fairs, clinic outreach, and targeted patient outreach.
• Delivers culturally appropriate and accessible health education and information, including the use of education tools within the electronic health record (EHR).
• Assists clients with utilizing available resources, including scheduling appointments and completing applications for programs for which they may be eligible.
• Administers evidence-based screening tools to identify individuals who may need mental health and/or substance abuse services.
• Assists patients with navigating the healthcare system, including enrollment, appointments, referrals, transportation, continuity of behavioral health services, and other appropriate resources.
• Assists the care team with coordination of care by tracking and supporting patients when they obtain services outside the practice.
• Works with provider care teams using internal and external data sources to identify and contact patients through established practice protocols and initiatives.
• Provides support to patients, their families, support staff, and physicians in addressing mental health and substance abuse concerns.
• Provides patients with basic mental health education regarding symptoms, treatment options, and coping mechanisms to help reduce stigma.
• Builds relationships within the community to promote mental health and wellness among community members and leaders.
• Educates patients and families to assist them in making informed personal healthcare decisions.
• Assists the care team and patient with implementing and evaluating patient self-management goals using motivational interviewing skills.
• Understands and follows organizational policies and procedures and prepares and submits required reports in a timely manner.
• Maintains effective communication within the Behavioral Health Department and documents appropriate actions in the patient's medical record.
• Collaborates with clinical staff and social workers as needed in the development and implementation of the patient's plan of care and achievement of established goals.
• Serves as a patient advocate and liaison between the patient care team, behavioral healthcare facilities, community agencies, and Franklin Primary Health Center clinics.
• Assists clients by providing education and support to build trust, encourage attendance at scheduled appointments, and reduce social isolation from available community resources.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

CUSTOMER SATISFACTION

Must provide the highest level of customer satisfaction to patients, visitors, and coworkers at all times in a professional and courteous manner. Provides assistance in resolving concerns, coordinates with other departments as necessary, protects confidentiality, maintains a professional and welcoming environment, demonstrates professionalism in appearance and conduct, involves patients in decisions affecting their care, and follows through on commitments in a timely manner.

PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

Performance will be evaluated annually by the Program Coordinator or designee. An overall satisfactory rating is considered the minimum acceptable level of performance.

HEALTH AND SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

• Must adhere to safety policies and procedures.
• Must complete Safety and Hazard Communication training annually.
• Must exercise universal precautions and comply with applicable safety standards and procedures.
• Must maintain knowledge of applicable OSHA and CLIA requirements to support compliance.

PRIVACY RULE COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENTS

• Adheres to Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA Privacy Rule) policies and procedures.
• Must successfully complete Privacy Rule compliance training annually or as revisions are made to policies and procedures.
• Must comply with Privacy Rule guidelines and protect FPHC patients' medical privacy.
• Must appropriately maintain patient information in compliance with applicable standards.
• Must provide appropriate security for FPHC patient records and confidential information.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:

• Successful completion of a formal Community Health Worker training program through a college or other educational institution is preferred.
• Minimum bachelor's degree in Health Education, Health Promotion, Psychology, Social Work, or an equivalent combination of training, education, and work experience related to the position.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills required.
• Must be able to work with minimal supervision and manage multiple priorities.
• Must possess strong organizational and analytical skills.
• Must possess a valid Alabama driver's license.
• Familiarity with social service agencies and Medicare and Medicaid regulations is preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of organizational policies, regulations, and procedures applicable to Community Health Worker responsibilities.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with patients, medical staff, community partners, and the public.
• Ability to prepare and maintain records, write reports, and respond to correspondence.
• Ability to maintain applicable quality control standards.
• Ability to interpret, adapt, and apply guidelines and procedures.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively.
• Ability to maintain patient privacy and confidentiality.

PHYSICAL/MENTAL DEMANDS

Requires the ability to work under stressful conditions and, when necessary, irregular hours. The position may involve some exposure to communicable diseases. Must be able to occasionally lift and carry items weighing up to 30 pounds and possess the ability to distinguish letters and symbols.

PROTECTED HEALTH INFORMATION (PHI) ACCESS

RESTRICTED: For purposes of HIPAA compliance, this position is classified under Social Services and is granted restricted access to Protected Health Information (PHI) as necessary to provide patient assistance and perform assigned job responsibilities. Use and disclosure of PHI must be in accordance with applicable privacy policies and procedures.

CLASSIFICATION: NON-EXEMPT

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