Community Health Worker

In 2020 united in a fierce commitment to deliver the highest quality care and exceptional patient experience Virginia Mason and CHI Franciscan Health came together as natural partners to build a new health system centered around the patient: Virginia Mason Franciscan Health. Our combined system builds upon the scale and expertise of our nearly 300 sites of care including 11 hospitals and nearly 5000 physicians and providers. Together we are empowered to make an even greater impact on the health and well-being of our communities.

This job is responsible for working in conjunction with a provider/interdisciplinary team to provide outreach services to patients with identified social, behavioral health, or mental health needs. An incumbent works in the field in a variety of settings, including physician clinics, patient homes, and the Emergency Department of the Virginia Mason Franciscan Health (VMFH) hospitals to provide linkages for the various health care and social needs of the enrolled patients.

Work is focused on: 1) establishing effective relationships and guiding the patient/caregiver through the health care system, working to eliminate barriers that might otherwise adversely impact patient care/outcomes; 2) assisting in the coordination of efforts with the medical team to facilitate continuity of care and enhance patient satisfaction; 3) providing general education/training designed to promote self-awareness and reinforce/maximize patient/caregiver self-management skills/tools/resources; and 4) facilitating access to support services, community resources and primary care for enrolled patients and tools for self-management support.

Focused on the most vulnerable populations, work is accomplished through effective coaching, patient/family education and planned follow-up activities, with an incumbent providing information/guidance to the patient/family for effective care transition and to reinforce the need for active participation in maximizing overall health.

Work requires excellent customer service skills with the ability to establish positive relationships with patients, in-person and over the phone, along with exceptional listening skills, excellent verbal and written communication skills, and an understanding of resources and available community support.

Education/Work Experience Requirements:
One year of healthcare and/or community-based work experience that would demonstrate attainment of the requisite job knowledge/abilities. Post-secondary community health worker training is preferred.
Certification/licensure as an MA, CNA, HHP or LPN is preferred.