Eastport Health Care, Inc.
School-Based Community Health Navigator/Community Health Worker (CHW)
Eastport, Maine•Full-time
About the Job
JOB DESCRIPTION:
Title: School-Based Community Health Navigator/Community Health Worker (CHW).
Position Category: Hourly/Non-Exempt, Full-Time, 40 hours per week.
Supervisor: Director of Care Management.
Position Summary: The School-Based Community Health Navigator/Community Health Worker (CHW) is a trained public health worker who serves as a bridge between students, families, schools, healthcare providers and community resources to promote health, reduce disparities, improve access to care, and support overall well-being. This year-round position supports students and families by connecting them to medical, behavioral health, social, and community-based services, including tele-behavioral health, care coordination, health insurance enrollment assistance, and social support resources.
The School-Based Community Health Navigator/CHW works closely with school personnel, health care providers, care coordinators, behavioral health staff, and community agencies to improve health outcomes and remove barriers to care. The position also supports outreach, enrollment, and patient navigation activities for Eastport Health Care (EHC) and the communities served.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
School-Based Behavioral Health Support:
- Coordinate and support school-based tele-behavioral health services.
- Maintain Student tele-behavioral health appointment schedules and coordinate student class pull-outs as needed.
- Promote student and family engagement with behavioral health providers and healthcare services.
- Collaborate with school personnel and health care teams to support student wellness and continuity of care.
Care Coordination and Patient Navigation:
- Serve as a liaison between students, families, schools, healthcare providers, hospitals, community agencies, government agencies, and insurance entities.
- Assist students and families in accessing healthcare, tele-behavioral health services, community-based clinicians, and social service resources.
- Facilitate communication between providers, school staff, students, and families regarding appointments, referrals, and follow-up care.
- Assist patient/clients in utilizing resources, including scheduling appointments and completing applications for programs and services.
- Identify and address barriers to care including transportation, food insecurity, housing instability, childcare, utility insecurity, and insurance coverage.
- Perform Non-Medical Drivers of Health (NMDOH) screenings and coordinate referrals to appropriate resources and services.
- Support Community Health Integration (CHI) activities and document services provided in the electronic medical record (EMR).
- Assist with prior authorizations, referrals, appointment reminders, and insurance eligibility verification.
- Liaison with billing to perform pre-visit planning.
- Recognize medical or mental health emergencies and follow established protocols.
Community Outreach and Health Education:
- Promote wellness and prevention through culturally appropriate health education and outreach activities.
- Distribute educational materials regarding common health concerns and available services.
- Coordinate and facilitate group sessions, workshops, outreach events, or presentations related to health education, insurance literacy, and community resources.
- Conduct outreach activities to increase awareness of services available through EHC and community partners.
- Develop and maintain positive working relationships with community organizations and resource agencies.
Outreach and Enrollment Assistance:
- Assist patients and community members with enrollment in the Health Insurance Marketplace (Healthcare.gov), MaineCare, and the EHC Sliding Fee Program.
- Help individuals identify qualifying life events and complete enrollment or renewal applications.
- Assist with uploading required documentation and making updates to Marketplace applications.
- Conduct outreach and educational activities related to open enrollment and insurance literacy.
- Track and report outreach, enrollment, and assistance activities as required.
Documentation and Administrative Responsibilities:
- Document all client interactions, referrals, CHI activities, and related services accurately in the EMR.
- Maintain confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA and organizational policies.
- Track and submit required program data and monthly reports.
- Maintain accurate records and ensure all client registration and consent information is complete.
- Utilize office technology and software systems effectively, including EMR systems, Microsoft Office, scanners, and communication platforms.
Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) Responsibilities:
- Participate in team-based care and interdisciplinary collaboration.
- Participate in daily huddles and care coordination activities.
- Attend required staff meetings, training, and quality improvement initiatives.
- Support patient self-management and engagement in care plans.
- Participate in Performance Improvement Team meetings and other assigned committees.
Other Duties:
- Maintain professional boundaries and respectful communication with all clients and partners.
- Continuously expand knowledge of community resources, healthcare systems, and support services.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
- Potential for some night and/or weekend services to foster participant enrollment and parent engagement.
General Expectations:
- Demonstrate commitment to the mission and values of the organization.
- Work collaboratively and professionally with staff, students, families, providers, schools, and community partners.
- Maintain strict confidentiality regarding organizational operations, patients, students, and employees.
- Follow all organizational, school, safety, infection control, and HIPAA policies and procedures.
Qualifications:
Education and Experience:
- High School diploma required; Associate degree in health, human services, social services, public health, or related field preferred.
- Equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience may be considered.
- Community Health Worker Certification required or must be obtained within designated timeframe.
- Experience working with community resources, healthcare systems, schools, behavioral health services, or case management preferred.
Skills and Abilities:
- Strong communication, interpersonal, and public speaking skills.
- Ability to work effectively with diverse populations and community partners.
- Knowledge of community resources and social service systems.
- Ability to organize and prioritize multiple tasks and responsibilities.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Outlook, EMR systems, and general office equipment.
- Ability to maintain professionalism, confidentiality, and appropriate boundaries.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
Licensure and Other Requirements:
- Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and proof of insurance required.
- Ability to travel between sites and community locations as needed.
- All potential new employees will undergo a background check and Office of Inspector General exclusion report, and periodically thereafter.
Physical Requirements:
- Frequent sitting, standing, walking, ending, and reaching.
- Frequent use of hands for keyboarding and operation of office equipment.
- Ability to lift and transport up to 25-40 pounds occasionally.
- Visual acuity for computer work and documentation.
- Ability to communicate effectively in person and by telephone.
- Reasonable accommodation may be provided for individuals with disabilities.
This job description may be changed or modified as needed to meet organizational needs.
**All requirements and skills are essential, unless otherwise indicated**
This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and the employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.