Community Health Worker - Kansas City, Mo

At UnitedHealthcare, we're simplifying the health care experience, creating healthier communities and removing barriers to quality care. The work you do here impacts the lives of millions of people for the better. Come build the health care system of tomorrow, making it more responsive, affordable and equitable. Ready to make a difference? Join us to start Caring. Connecting. Growing together. 

The 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 Community Health Worker (CHW), you will act in a liaison role with Medicaid members to ensure appropriate care is accessed as well as to provide home and social assessments and member education. The coordinator also addresses social determinant of health such as transportation, housing, and food access.

Working Schedule: Monday through Friday between the hours of 8 am to 5pm. No nights, weekends, or holidays.

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

If you reside within commutable distance from Kansas City, MO area, you will have the flexibility to work remotely* as you take on some tough challenges. This position is a field-based position with a home-based office. You will work from home when not in the field.

Primary Responsibilities: 

• Engage members either face to face or telephonically to assist with closing gaps in care, linking to necessary services and providing education about their health
• Review available member services records and relevant documentation (e.g. utilization history, functional level, stratification information)
• Conduct member health assessments that include bio-psychosocial, functional, and behavioral health needs
• Utilize interviewing techniques and active listening to collect and retain member information and incorporating responses as they are presented to complete assessment
• Identify member service needs related to health concerns
• Identify urgent member situations and escalate to next level when necessary
• Engage member to participate in the assessment process and collaboratively develop Health Action Plan based on their individual needs, preferences, and objective with nursing oversight
• Work with members to develop healthcare goals and identify potential barriers to achieving healthcare goals
• Identify member support systems available and incorporate into their Health Action Plan
• Review plan benefits and identify appropriate programs and services based on health needs and benefits
• Integrate health care and service needs into a plan or recommendation for member care and service
• Work collaboratively with the interdisciplinary care team to ensure an integrated team approach
• Collaborate with member to create solutions to overcome barriers to achieving healthcare goals
• Identify relevant community resources available based on member needs
• Refer members to appropriate programs and services
• Facilitate member choice of preferred providers
• Advocate for individuals and communities within the health and social service systems

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. 

Years of post-high school education can be substituted/is equivalent to years of experience

Required Qualifications: 

• Valid driver's license and current automobile insurance with access to reliable transportation that will enable you to travel to client and/or patient sites within a designated area
• 1 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 Microsoft Outlook, Teams) and ability to use multiple web applications
• Access to a designated quiet workspace in your home (separated from non-workspace areas) with the ability to secure Protected Health Information (PHI)
• Reside within a commutable distance from the Kansas City, MO area
• Willing or ability to travel locally, up to 100 miles round trip and up to 75% of the time

Preferred Qualifications:

• LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse) Licensure or CNA / HHA
• Experience/position in a Community Health Related field
• Experience/position with Community outreach
• Experience/position in healthcare
• Community Health Worker (CHW) Accreditation
• Experience working in Managed Care
• Knowledge of Medicaid/Medicare population
• Knowledge and/or experience with behavioral health or substance use disorders
• 2 years as a resident within the local community

*All employees working remotely will be required to adhere to UnitedHealth Group's Telecommuter Policy  

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.