Community Health Worker (CHW)
Hometown Health Center (HHC) is excited to welcome a Community Health Worker (CHW) to our growing team. As we prepare to open our new state-of-the-art facility in Palmyra, we are expanding our commitment to removing barriers and improving access to quality healthcare for individuals and families throughout Central Maine.
Established in 2003, HHC is a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) providing over 32,000 medical, dental, and behavioral health visits annually to more than 8,200 patients. We serve our communities through locations in Dexter, Newport, a School-Based Health Center at Nokomis Regional High, and soon, our mobile dental unit and Palmyra health center.
About the Role
The Community Health Worker (CHW) plays a key role in connecting patients with essential community resources and supporting the healthcare team in delivering integrated, person-centered care. This position is focused on outreach, education, and improving health outcomes by addressing social determinants of health (SDOH). The CHW works directly with patients and families, building trusting relationships, supporting care plans and serving as an advocate and connector to services.
Key Responsibilities
- Utilize real-time tools such as PRAPARE and electronic health record (EHR) reports to identify patient needs
- Conduct assessments of patients’ social determinants of health and document findings
- Establish trusting relationships with patients and families to provide general support and encouragement
- Engage in motivational interviewing, goal-setting and regular follow-ups through phone calls, home visits, or other settings
- Coordinate with transportation services and assist with appointment reminders
- Refer patients to community services and resources as appropriate
- Collaborate with medical providers, licensed social workers and case managers on coordinated care plans
- Maintain timely and accurate documentation of patient interactions in the EHR
- Support HHC’s School-Based Health Center and participate in outreach as needed
- Maintain patient confidentiality and comply with HIPAA regulations
- Participate in safety training, drills, and emergency response assignments
Qualifications
Required:
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to work independently and as part of a care team
- Basic computer skills and comfort using electronic medical records
- Deep understanding of or connection to the local community
Preferred:
- Associate’s Degree in Business Administration or related field
- Prior CHW training/certification
- Experience in a healthcare or community-based setting
- Bilingual (English/Spanish)
- CNA, EMT or Paramedic certification
- Familiarity with medical terminology