Patient Health Educator

Henrietta Johnson Medical Center (HJMC) is a Federally Qualified Health Center with sites in Wilmington and Claymont, Delaware, providing an all-inclusive range of medical and dental services for the entire family. HJMC provides affordable access to integrated and coordinated family practice, women's health, dental, and behavioral health care services under one roof, with a team of caring, competent, and productive providers and staff focused on quality, compassionate, and coordinated care.

The Patient Health Educator works with patients with chronic diseases who need additional support between visits. The role provides culturally responsive education, coaching, and follow-up to strengthen self-management, reinforce care plans, reduce avoidable utilization, and improve quality outcomes in a federally qualified health center environment.

• Receives referrals from care coordination or clinical teams for patients experiencing difficulty following treatment plans, medications, or recommended preventive care.
• Provides one-to-one and small-group education regarding chronic disease self-management, nutrition, medication adherence, preventive care, and healthy lifestyle practices using plain language and evidence-based teaching methods.
• Assesses barriers to adherence, including transportation, health literacy, financial hardship, housing instability, and other social determinants of health, and escalates needs to the appropriate team member.
• Conducts outbound outreach and follow-up by telephone, portal, and in-person contact as appropriate to reinforce care plans and assist patients with staying engaged in care.
• Documents patient contacts, education provided, and identified barriers in the electronic health record in a timely and accurate manner.
• Collaborates with providers, nurses, case managers, community health workers, and referral partners to support plan-of-care goals and close gaps in care.
• Supports quality improvement, preventive care campaigns, and value-based initiatives through patient engagement and panel management activities.
• Maintains confidentiality, follows HIPAA minimum-necessary standards, and participates in training, huddles, and team meetings.

• Bachelor's degree in health education, public health, nursing, social work, or a related field; equivalent relevant experience may be considered.
• At least two years of experience in patient education, community health, care coordination, or a related ambulatory care setting.
• Knowledge of chronic disease management principles and patient-centered communication techniques.
• Ability to document accurately in an electronic health record and use standard business software.

• Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) or comparable certification.
• Experience working in an FQHC, primary care setting, or value-based care environment.
• Training in motivational interviewing, trauma-informed communication, and health literacy best practices.

This position is funded through Delaware's federal Rural Health Transformation Program grant, awarded through the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services. Although the RHT award covers a five-year project period, funding is approved and allocated annually, and continued employment in this role is contingent on annual grant reapproval.

This role offers a competitive salary based on experience and community health center pay standards in Delaware. Employees enjoy a range of benefits, including:

• Health Insurance (Medical / Dental / Vision)
• Long-Term Disability
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Short-Term Disability Option

Henrietta Johnson Medical Center is an equal opportunity employer.

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