The University of New Mexico is seeking a Community Health Worker to join the Office for Community Health Adult Inpatient Social Determinants of Health Team. The Office for Community Health is looking for a full-time Community Health Worker to work with adults during their inpatient stay at The University of New Mexico Hospital to help screen for and provide support for Social Determinates of Health.

Responsibilities:  
*Assists patients in the inpatient, hospital setting. Communicates to clients/patients the purposes of the Social Determinant of Health program and the impact it may have on their wellbeing. Helps patients identify socioeconomic issues that affect their overall health and develop health/social management plans and goals. Connect individuals with supportive programs and provide education and resources to help reach these health/social management plans and goals.
* Meet with adult individuals during their inpatient stay and assist with screening for Social Determinant of Health needs.
* Documents all client encounters and contracts made on behalf of patients; completes and submits referrals; maintains comprehensive electronic client files, which include patient notes, release of information, assessments and other medical documents acquired on behalf of the client. Documents activities, service plans, and outcomes achieved by client in an effective manner.
* Educates client on available supportive programs and resources. Coaches patients in effective management of their Social Determinate of Health needs and self-care. Assists patient in understanding care plans and instructions. Motivates patients/clients to be active and engaged participants in their health and overall wellbeing.
* Assists clients in accessing health related services, including but not limited to: obtaining a medical home, providing instruction on appropriate use of the medical home, overcoming barriers to obtaining needed medical care and /or social services, enrolling supportive programs, and accessing supportive services in their communities.
* Provides support and advocacy during inpatient medical visit.
* Participate in multidisciplinary conversations regarding individual patient needs including medical providers, nursing staff, social worker, care managers, therapists, pharmacists, and others.
* Under general supervision, as part of a multi-disciplinary team, provides services relating to addressing Social Determinates of Health needs
* Responsible for building patient relationships that encourage needs management and connection with healthcare providers, service providers, and other supportive resources
* Coordinates and monitors connection with supportive services during their inpatient stay.
* Other duties as assigned by supervisor.

See the Position Description for additional information.

• Possession of a valid New Mexico driver's license is a requirement for this job.
• Must pass a pre-employment criminal background check.
• Fingerprinting, and subsequent clearance, may be required for this position depending on assignment.
• May be required to obtain a Community Support Worker (CSW) certification within six months of hire.
• Employees who provide services or work in patient care or clinical areas are required to be in compliance with the University's influenza vaccination requirement.
• Successful candidate must submit to post-offer, pre-employment physical examination and medical history check.

High school diploma or GED; at least 1 year of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.

Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution that are above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.

Only applications submitted through the official UNMJobs site will be accepted. If you are viewing this job advertisement on a 3rd party site, please visit UNMJobs to submit an application.

Positions posted with a Staff Type of Regular or Term are eligible for the Veteran Preference Program. See the Veteran Preference Program webpage for additional details.

The University of New Mexico is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.

The University of New Mexico requires all regular staff positions successfully pass a pre-employment background check. This may include, but is not limited to, a criminal history background check, New Mexico Department of Health fingerprint screening, New Mexico Children, Youth, and Families Department fingerprint screening, verification of education credentials, and/or verification of prior employment. For more information about background checks, visit https://policy.unm.edu/university-policies/3000/3280.html. Refer to https://policy.unm.edu/university-policies/3000/3200.html for a definition of Regular Staff.