Community Health Worker - Food is Medicine Specialist

Community Health Worker

We are looking for a Community Health Worker to work full-time in our clinic. The Care Team CHW for the aging population uses their expertise about the community they are working with to promote healthy aging, provide education about enhancing physical and mental health, social engagement, COVID-19, chronic disease prevention and treatment, and addressing challenges related to Alzheimer's and other dementias.

The CHW works with/coordinates with the Care Team to provide a comprehensive approach to address community health needs.

Our Mission:
Enhancing the lives of those we serve.

About Us:

Citizens Health is a community based, private, not-for-profit organization. It is comprised of Citizens Medical Center - a 25 bed critical access hospital, Family Center for Health Care - an outpatient rural health clinic, Prairie Senior - a skilled nursing facility, Citizens Clubhouse - an onsite childcare center that cares for children 6 weeks to school age for our workforce, Citizens Medical Equipment - our durable medical equipment business, Palace Drug Store - our outpatient pharmacy.

We strive to be progressive, dependable and knowledgeable, while providing compassionate, evidence-based care to the residents of northwest Kansas.

Location:

100 E College Ave, Colby, Ks

Days:
Monday through Friday.

Hours:

8 AM to 5 PM.

Pay Range:
Dependent upon experience.

What You'll Do:

• Complete Community Health Worker Certification course
• Healthy Heart Ambassador training and/or Diabetes Prevention Program lifestyle coach training
• Work under the guidance of the Registered Dietitian to reinforce nutrition education, healthy food choices, meal planning, cooking skills, and sustainable behavior change.
• Track activity for enrollments, educational activities, and referrals for grant requirements and reporting
• Educate patients about available CHW, AFIM, food access, and community-based services.
• Conduct and/or review Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) screenings to identify food insecurity and other barriers affecting health and well-being.
• Connect patients with appropriate internal and community resources, including food, transportation, housing, utilities, financial assistance, and other supportive services.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for patients referred to AFIM programming.
• Coordinate day-to-day operations of the on-campus food pantry.
• Monitor food inventory, utilization, storage, expiration dates, and restocking needs.
• Support expansion of pantry offerings to include nutritious shelf-stable foods, fresh produce, refrigerated products, and frozen foods.
• Maintain data necessary to evaluate patient participation, service utilization, and program outcomes.
• Support implementation and ongoing development of reimbursement processes for eligible CHW services.
• Maintain appropriate CHW training, competencies, and continuing education.
• Complete other duties as assigned.

What You Bring To The Table:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Firsthand lived experience or close connection to the community being served
• Believe that everyone can improve their health, and everyone deserves good healthcare
• Ability to communicate effectively and courteously with patients/families from diverse cultural backgrounds; sensitivity to the often-stressful situations patients/families are facing; effective relationship skills
• Good written and oral communication skills; excellent organizational skills
• Experience and working knowledge of local community resources
• Ability to work well with diverse members of a multi-disciplinary team, including patients, families, health care providers, community resource providers, co-workers
• Ability to describe screening processes and test results to patients in plain language
• Oral and written fluency in English
• Must have or be willing to learn technical skills in Microsoft Office, electronic records, and other programs
• Ability to fluctuate from working independently and within a team, shifting tasks, prioritize tasks, problem-solve daily, and complete work within deadlines
• Current drivers' license and reliable transportation

Preferred, but not required:

• Oral and written fluency in Spanish or a language other than English
• Pos…