The Sr. Community Health Worker serves as a liaison between the CHW, patient and the health system by providing an enhanced level of coordination and problem solving for more complex patients. Role supports increased access to care, community resources and improved communication to assure patient follow-up, improved quality of life and better health outcomes.

Essential Job Statements

• Provides screening and navigation for patients using approved tools and processes designed to meet TJC requirements.   

• Works with complex patients with multiple needs and/or chronic illness for connection to community resources, problem solving with the goal of teaching the patient/family/others how to navigate independently. 

• Provides in-person and/or virtual support to other CHWs and clinics to reduce patient hold time in assistance queue. 

• Accurately documents patient contact and clinical support activities in accordance with VCUHS Hospital and policies, procedures, and standards within specified timeframes  

• Manages patient caseload as evidenced by meeting productivity requirements as established by the program. 

• Provides support to student interns assigned to their clinics by setting daily screening expectations, supporting community resource procurement and providing feedback on student evaluations  

• Demonstrates skills in patient advocacy to assure access to care.   

• “Navigates” the systems of care while teaching the patient about self-care that is appropriate and timely. This shall include assisting with making appointments, obtaining referrals for specialty care, appropriate use of the ED, promotion of obtaining preventive services, etc. to promote “Right Care, Right Place, Right Time”. 

• Provides Culturally Appropriate Information/Education to Patients, Families & Staff Serves as a program liaison at public forums, community health fairs, school and church events to assure that community is informed of health and social resources. Assists program management in barriers to access to resources. 

• Works with enrollees to empower them to become an active participant in their health care. 

• Ensure responsibility and visible commitment of diversity equity and inclusion programs/initiatives through collaboration and implementation of initiatives across the health.

Patient Population

Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide equitable care appropriate to the age of the patients served on their assigned unit.    

Demonstrates knowledge and related competencies of the principles of growth and development of the life span and possesses the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status and interprets the appropriate information needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to  their age, specific needs and to provide the equitable care needed as described in departmental policies and procedures. 

Neonates (0-4 weeks)  

Infant (1-12 months)  

Pediatrics (1-12 years)  

Adolescents (13-17 years)  

Adults (18-64 years)   

Geriatrics (65 years and older)  

Employment Qualifications

Required Education: 

High School Diploma or equivalent education or training  

Combination of education and experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.

Preferred Education: 

Associate or bachelor’s degree in health or social sciences 

Licensure/Certification Required: 

VA CHW Certification 

Licensure/Certification Preferred: 

Minimum Qualifications 

Years and Type of Required Experience 

3-year prior experience working in a healthcare and/or community health setting or on-the-job training and orientation in health sciences, social services, or related field. 

Years and Type of Preferred Experience:

5-year prior experience working in a healthcare and/or community health setting or on-the-job training and orientation in health sciences, social services, or related field. 

Other Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required: 

Microsoft Office, communication and organizational skills, critical thinking  

Cultural Responsiveness 

Demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion through continuous development, modeling inclusive behaviors, and proactively managing bias. 

Other Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Preferred: 

Working Conditions 

 
Periods of high stress and fluctuating workloads may occur.      

May be exposed to physical altercations and verbal abuse.  

May be exposed to high noise levels and bright lights.   

May be exposed to limited hazardous substances or body fluids. *   

May have periods of constant interruptions.   

* Individuals in this position are required to exercise universal precautions, use personal protective equipment and devices, and learn the policies concerning infection control.  

Physical Requirements   

Physical Demands: Lifting/ Carrying (0-50 lbs.), Push/ Pull (0-50 lbs.), Stoop, Kneel, Squat, Bending  

Work Position: Sitting, Walking, Standing  

Additional Physical Requirements/ Hazards    

Physical Requirements: Manual dexterity (eye/hand coordination), Perform shift work, Hear alarms/telephone/tape recorder, Reach above shoulder, Finger Dexterity

Hazards:

Mental/Sensory – Emotional     

Mental / Sensory: Strong Recall, Reasoning, Problem Solving, Hearing, Speak Clearly, Write Legibly, Reading, Logical Thinking 

Emotional: Fast-paced environment, Able to Handle Multiple Priorities, Frequent and Intense Customer Interactions, Noisy Environment, Able to Adapt to Frequent Change 

EEO Employer/Disabled/Protected Veteran/41 CFR 60-1.4.