Community Health Worker

Community Health Worker

Mercy One is seeking a dedicated Community Health Worker to assist patients and families in navigating community resources, promoting healthy behaviors, and ensuring comprehensive care.

The CHW will screen patients for basic human needs, connect those with unmet needs to appropriate services, provide social support and informal counseling, and advocate for individual and community health needs. The position is funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation grant and requires proactive follow‑up and coordination with medical providers.

• Establish trusting relationships with patients and families, offering general support and encouragement.
• Conduct intake interviews and enrollment into community resource programs.
• Provide ongoing follow‑up via phone, home visits, or other settings.
• Assist with application and registration forms, determining eligibility and enrolling uninsured patients.
• Help patients set personal goals, attend appointments, and connect with transportation resources.
• Advocate as a liaison between patients, family, and community agencies such as schools, Department of Human Services, health care for the homeless, hospitals, support groups, etc.
• Record patient care management in Data Shop and other software within 24 hours of contact; document time and submit expense reports for the RWJF Grant.
• Attend staff meetings, trainings, and other meetings as required.
• Manage assigned caseload, ensuring continuous follow‑up from identification through closure.
• Collaborate closely with medical providers and other clinical personnel.
• Maintain knowledge of community resources relevant to patients’ needs.
• Provide consistent communication to care‑management staff, clearly describing progress.
• Volunteer hours per applicable addendum.

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Successful completion of a formal Community Health Worker training program or equivalent experience preferred.
• Experience working in multicultural, community‑based settings (1‑2 years preferred).
• Basic medical terminology knowledge preferred.
• Proficient computer skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build positive relationships with public health staff and partner organizations.
• Understanding of the community served and strong community connectedness.
• Excellent communication skills (listening, language use).
• Ability and willingness to provide emotional support, encouragement, and motivation.

Rooted in our Mission and Core Values, Mercy One honors the dignity of every person and embraces diversity. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status.

Full‑time, Day Shift. Seniority:
Entry level.

Location:

Des Moines, IA. Salary: $67,261 - $105,788 annually.