At Northwestern Medicine, every patient interaction makes a difference in cultivating a positive workplace. This patient-first approach is what sets us apart as a leader in the healthcare industry. As an integral part of our team, you'll have the opportunity to join our quest for better healthcare, no matter where you work within the Northwestern Medicine system. At Northwestern Medicine, we pride ourselves on providing competitive benefits: from tuition reimbursement and loan forgiveness to 401(k) matching and lifecycle benefits, we take care of our employees. Ready to join our quest for better?

**This is a Full Time position at 40 hours per week for the new outpatient Complex Care clinic located in McHenry that will see geriatric patients.  Starting in February 2026 the clinic will move to Crystal Lake when construction is complete.  Schedule is Monday through Friday, 7:30a-4:00p and 8:00a-5:00p.**

The Community Health Worker II reflects the mission, vision, and values of NM, adheres to the organization’s Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines and all other regulatory and accreditation standards.

The NMHC Community Health Worker (CHW) is a frontline health professional who is a trusted member or has a very close understanding of the community served.  This trusting relationship enables the CHW to serve as bridge between health system, social services, and the community.  The CHW facilitates access to services and improves the quality and cultural competence of service delivery.  A CHW also builds individual and community capacity by increasing health knowledge and self-sufficiency through outreach, community education, informal counseling, social support and advocacy.  The CHW reflects the mission, vision, and values of NM, adheres to the organization’s Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines and all other regulatory and accreditation standards.

Responsibilities:

• Act as liaison between health system, social services, and the community.
• Acts as patient advocate to ensure patient receives necessary care and resources that are clinically and culturally appropriate.
• Serve panel of assigned patients across the episode of care to promote trust, continuity, and connection to appropriate services.
• Develop trusting relationships with patients to provide effective, longitudinal support, assist patients in achieving social stability, and close caps in care.
• As part of an interdisciplinary care team, provide services in an outpatient clinic, in the community, and via telephonic support.
• Supports individuals, families, and communities to build capacity and strengthen their access to resources related to NM’s social drivers of health screening, patient education, and other related NM resources.
• Facilitates patient and family education which promotes social wellness and increases knowledge of the health care system.
• Actively participates as a member of an inter-professional team, working with physicians, pharmacists, social workers, therapists, and clinicians to provide comprehensive patient care.
• Collaborates with the Complex Care Clinics, Population Health team, Primary Care, Community Affairs and FQHCs as appropriate to provide comprehensive patient support.
• Complete social drivers of health screenings and provide appropriate resources.
• Basic understanding of chronic, complex diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, COPD, and heart failure.
• Follows regulatory reporting requirements
• Documents appropriate data in the electronic medical record to support the care plan.
• Utilizes motivational interviewing and conflict resolution skills as necessary to ensure timely resolution of issues and system problems.
• Enhance professional growth and development through participation in appropriate educational activities, volunteering events, and community work.
• Train and orientate new community health workers
• Perform other administrative responsibilities as needed

Required:

• Associates Degree or commensurate experience.
• Community Health Worker Certification or commitment to complete certification within 2 years.
• Minimum two years of customer service experience in a clinical environment.

Preferred:

• Community outreach and education experience.
• Experience in patient facing role.
• Volunteer Experience

Northwestern Medicine is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation or any other protected status.

If we offer you a job, we will perform a background check that includes a review of any criminal convictions. A conviction does not disqualify you from employment at Northwestern Medicine. We consider this on a case-by-case basis and follow all state and federal guidelines.