Field Based Community Health Worker

Optum is a global organization that delivers care, aided by technology to help millions of people live healthier lives. The work you do with our team will directly improve health outcomes by connecting people with the care, pharmacy benefits, data, and resources they need to feel their best. Come make an impact on the communities we serve as we help advance health equity on a global scale. Here, you will find talented peers, comprehensive benefits, a culture guided by diversity and inclusion, career growth opportunities and your life’s best work. SM

The  Field Based   Community Health Worker is responsible for assessment, planning and implementing care strategies that are individualized by patient and directed toward the most appropriate, least restrictive level of care. They also Identify and initiate referrals for social service programs; including financial, psychosocial, community and state supportive services, and manage the care plan throughout the continuum of care as a single point of contact for the member. As a  Field Based   Community Health Worker (CHW), you will act with Medicaid members to ensure appropriate care is accessed as well as to provide home and social assessments and member education. The  Field Based   Community Health Worker also addresses social determinant of health such as transportation, housing, and food access.

Together, we're removing the barriers that keep people from receiving the kind of quality healthcare that makes a difference. We focus on Integrity, Compassion, Relationships, Innovation and Performance as we empower people to achieve better health and well - being.

Schedule: Schedule is Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00pm Central Standard Time. This position is a field-based position with a home-based office.

Location:   Houston and surrounding communities in Texas (Harris County). We work with the following hospitals:

Houston Behavioral Healthcare Hosp LLC

2801 Gessner Rd

Houston, TX, 77080

HARRIS (County)

Sun Behavioral Houston

7505 Fannin St

Houston, TX, 77054

HARRIS (County)

Texas West Oaks Hospital LP

6612 Hornwood Dr

Houston, TX, 77074

HARRIS (County)

Kingwood Pines Hospital

2001 Ladbrook Dr

Kingwood, TX, 77339

HARRIS (County)

Cypress Creek Hospital

17750 Cali Dr

Houston, TX, 77090

HARRIS (County)

Behavioral Hospital of Bellaire

5314 Dashwood Dr

Houston, TX, 77081

HARRIS (County)

Harris County Hosp District Ben Taub

(281) 454-0500

2800 S MacGregor Way, Houston, TX 77021

HARRIS (County)

Several locations in zip codes 77099, 77047, 77084, 77504, 77026, 77088, 77012, 77009, 44520, 77338, 77028, 77070,77506, 77039, 77074, 77018.

Local travel up to 75% and mileage is reimbursed at current government rate.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Assess, plan, and implement care strategies that are individualized by patient and directed toward the most appropriate, level of care
• Utilize both company and community-based resources to establish a safe and effective case management plan for members
• Collaborate with patient, family, and healthcare providers 
• Identify and initiate referrals for social service programs, including financial, psychosocial, community, and state supportive services 
• Communicate with all stakeholders the required health-related information to ensure quality coordinated care and services are provided expeditiously to all members
• Advocate for patients and families as needed to ensure the patient's needs and choices are fully represented and supported by the healthcare team
• Document all member assessments, care plan and referrals provided
• Accountable to understand role and how it affects utilization management benchmarks and quality outcomes
• You’ll need to be flexible, adaptable and, above all, patient in all types of situations
• Engage members either face to face, video or telephonically
• Help member set person-centered SMART goals and develop a care plan to achieve those goals with regular follow up calls and ongoing documentation of progress towards goals met
• Adhere to detailed, specific documentation requirements in the member’s health record
• Proactively engage the member to manage their own health and healthcare using Motivational Interviewing Skills
• Provide member education on community resources and benefits
• Utilize strong skill sets of managing multiple tasks at a time, being self-motivated, driven toward quality results, managing time well, being very detailed oriented and organized, work well in a team and on your own, and ability to manage multiple deadlines
• Conduct post discharge activities from hospital facility and support connection to social services in conjunction with Peer Support where applicable
• Performs other duties as assigned

What are the reasons to consider working for UnitedHealth Group? Put it all together - competitive base pay, a full and comprehensive benefit program, performance rewards, and a management team who demonstrates their commitment to your success. Some of our offerings include:

• Paid Time Off which you start to accrue with your first pay period plus 8 Paid Holidays
• Medical Plan options along with participation in a Health Spending Account or a Health Saving account
• Dental, Vision, Life& AD&D Insurance along with Short-term disability and Long-Term Disability coverage
• 401(k) Savings Plan, Employee Stock Purchase Plan
• Education Reimbursement
• Employee Discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee Referral Bonus Program
• Voluntary Benefits (pet insurance, legal insurance, LTC Insurance, etc.)
• More information can be downloaded at: 

You’ll be rewarded and recognized for your performance in an environment that will challenge you and give you clear direction on what it takes to succeed in your role as well as provide development for other roles you may be interested in.

Required Qualifications:

• High School Diploma / GED (or higher) OR 4+ years of community outreach work experience
• 2+ years of field-based experience
• 1+ years of experience with knowledge of the resources available, culture, and values in the community
• Intermediate level of computer proficiency including MS Word, Excel, and Outlook
• Must reside within a commutable distance to Houston and surrounding communities in Texas (Harris County)
• Access to a designated quiet workspace in your home (separated from non-workspace areas) with the ability to secure Protected Health Information (PHI)
• Current and non-restricted state of Texas driver’s license and state-required insurance
• Access to reliable transportation and the ability to travel locally approximately 75% of the time and up to 100 miles round trip  to client and/or patient sites within a designated area

Preferred Qualifications:

• Community Health Worker (CHW) State course completion
• Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), Certified Nursing Assistant/Home Health Aide, Certified Medical Assistant
• Background in managing populations with complex medical and behavioral needs
• Experience with arranging community resources
• Experience with electronic charting
• Knowledge of Medicaid population

Soft Skills:  

• Ability to work independently and maintain good judgment and accountability 
• Demonstrated ability to work well with health care providers 
• Strong organizational and time management skills 
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize tasks to meet all deadlines 
• Ability to work well under pressure in a fast-paced environment

At UnitedHealth Group, our mission is to help people live healthier lives and make the health system work better for everyone. We believe everyone–of every race, gender, sexuality, age, location, and income–deserves the opportunity to live their healthiest life. Today, however, there are still far too many barriers to good health which are disproportionately experienced by people of color, historically marginalized groups, and those with lower incomes. We are committed to mitigating our impact on the environment and enabling and delivering equitable care that addresses health disparities and improves health outcomes — an enterprise priority reflected in our mission.

Diversity creates a healthier atmosphere: UnitedHealth Group is an Equal Employment Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.

UnitedHealth Group is a drug - free workplace. Candidates are required to pass a drug test before beginning employment.

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