Community Health Worker (Pathways To Better Health Program)

Under the direction of the Nurse Supervisor, the Community Health Worker connects community members experiencing barriers to care with the health, social, education, and employment resources they need. Using the Pathways to Better Health model, this role delivers direct outreach and home visits while serving as a liaison between clients and their primary care and hospital providers to support coordinated, continuous care.

This is a full-time, benefitted position based out of the Public Health Offices in Holland located at 12251 James St, Holland, MI 49424 with substantial travel throughout the county. Typical work hours are Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm.

The essential functions of this position include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Conducts client interviews to identify needs related to health, employment, housing, utilities, social support, and physical or mental health, and completes all required documentation. 
2. Determines client eligibility for services and assistance programs; makes appropriate referrals to community resources and partner agencies.
3. Research, documents, and maintains information on client needs and available community resources.
4. Performs timely and accurate documentation related to client interactions and resource coordination.
5. Advocates for clients and serves as a liaison between clients, service providers, health systems, and community agencies.
6. Facilitates individual or group discussions to help clients and families understand and follow medical and health care recommendations.
7. Implement follow-up activities based on care plans and recommendations developed by clinical professionals. 
8. Maintains required certifications and continuing education, including the Community Health Worker Certification and Pathways model training.
9. Adheres to departmental and Pathways to Better Health protocols for care coordination and service delivery.
10. Performs other functions as assigned.

A high school diploma or GED is required. Prior experience in social services or public health is preferred, as is knowledge of and experience with the diverse cultural and ethnic communities of Ottawa County. Bilingual proficiency in Spanish (written and verbal, including medical translation) is preferred. Lived experience with physical or behavioral health conditions, navigating safety-net services, or personal adversity is recognized and valued.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

1. Exceptional interpersonal and customer service skills, with the ability to communicate effectively and engage individuals across diverse cultures, socioeconomic backgrounds, and age groups.
2. Proficiency in computer applications, including electronic medical records, word processing, spreadsheets, and database management.
3. Adheres to all regulatory requirements governing the confidentiality of patient health information, including the provisions under HIPAA.
4. Knowledge of the cultural and ethnic communities of Ottawa County, including the norms and values that influence health behaviors and health care engagement.
5. Working knowledge of health care services and public and private human service resources available to client populations.
6. Awareness of the Michigan Public Health Code, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Ottawa County Department of Public Health, and Medicaid regulations and standards.

1. Community Health Worker Certification required (or ability to obtain upon hire).
2. Valid driver's license required.

1. Ability to sit, stand, walk and access clients’ homes in various environments, bending over and lifting/holding/carrying objects found in an office environment.
2. Ability to communicate and respond to co-worker and customer inquiries both in person and over the phone.
3. Ability to handle varied and often high levels of stress.
4. Frequent travel throughout the County is a necessary part of this role. Ability to travel throughout the County using your own vehicle.  Must be able to drive.  Mileage will be reimbursed according to County and IRS guidelines. 

Work environments vary. Office work follows standard workplace safety practices. Home visits extend work into community settings that may include exposure to environmental hazards such as pets, smoke, or other household conditions.