Community Health Worker (CHW) – Job Description

Position Summary

This role focuses on providing preventive health education, system navigation, self-management support, and advocacy to help clients overcome barriers, improve health outcomes, and achieve greater self-sufficiency. Services may be delivered as standard CHW preventive services or as Enhanced CHW Services for members meeting Specialty Mental Health Services (SMHS) criteria.

Key Responsibilities

• Build trusting relationships with clients through outreach, home visits, phone/telehealth, and community-based interactions.
• Provide health education and coaching on topics including chronic disease self-management, behavioral health wellness, nutrition, medication adherence, and preventive care.
• Assist with health system navigation — scheduling appointments, coordinating transportation, understanding insurance/benefits, and connecting to community resources.
• Address Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) barriers such as food insecurity, housing instability, transportation, and language/cultural needs.
• Conduct screenings and assessments to identify needs and link clients to appropriate services.
• Support care coordination by collaborating with primary care providers, behavioral health teams, managed care plans, and other agencies.
• Document all services accurately and timely using approved progress notes, contact notes, and care coordination forms.
• Participate in regular clinical supervision with a licensed supervising provider.
• Complete a minimum of 6 hours of continuing education annually.
• Advocate for clients and promote health equity in the Sacramento community.
• Maintain confidentiality and comply with all HIPAA, CMIA, DHCS, and Sacramento County BHS policies.

Qualifications

Required:

• High School Diploma or GED
• Lived experience that aligns with and connects to the population served (e.g., behavioral health challenges, chronic conditions, cultural/linguistic barriers, justice involvement, or other SDOH experiences).
• Minimum qualifications met via Certificate Pathway (approved CHW training certificate) or Work Experience Pathway (demonstrated competencies and relevant experience, subject to supervising provider approval).
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Bilingual skills (Spanish or other languages common in Sacramento) highly preferred.
• Basic computer skills for documentation and resource coordination.

Preferred:

• Previous experience as a Community Health Worker, peer support specialist, or in community outreach.
• Knowledge of Sacramento County resources, Medi-Cal, and behavioral health systems.
• Experience working with diverse populations, including those with mental health or substance use challenges.
• Reliable transportation and valid California driver’s license (if conducting field visits).

Supervision

This position works under the direct clinical and administrative supervision of a Medi-Cal-enrolled licensed provider (or designated supervising clinician). The CHW must attend  monthly  supervision (virtually) and respond to feedback to ensure high-quality, compliant service delivery.

Reports To: Supervising Provider / CHW Program Director

Hours & Compensation

• Contractor - Full-time / Part-time (specify based on your needs)
• Competitive hourly rate (based on experience)

Commitment to Diversity & Equity

Patchwork Community Outreach is an equal opportunity employer. We strongly encourage applications from individuals with lived experience, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those from communities historically underserved by the healthcare system.