Community Health Worker/Engagement Specialist

Community Health Worker/Engagement Specialist

at Zócalo Health

Montgomery County, Prince George’s County or Baltimore City, MD

Compensation: $29.00 - $31.000/hr.

Remote  Full-time  

#communityhealth #healthequity #latinohealth #healthcare

About Us 

Zócalo Health is the first tech-driven provider built specifically for Latinos, by Latinos. We are developing a new approach to care that is designed around our very own shared and lived experiences and brings care to our gente. Founded in 2021 on the idea that our communities deserve more than just safety nets, we are backed by leading healthcare and social impact investors in the country to bring our vision to life.

Our mission is to improve the lives of our communities—communities that have dealt with generations of poor experiences. These experiences include waiting hours in waiting rooms, spending mere minutes with doctors who don’t speak their language, and depending on their youngest kids to help them navigate our complex healthcare system. At Zócalo Health, we meet our members where they are, bringing care into their homes and neighborhoods through our team of community-based care providers and virtual care offerings.

We partner with community-based organizations, local healthcare providers, and health plans that recognize the value of culturally aligned care, which are not limited to brief interactions in an exam room. Together, we are building a new experience that revolves around the use of modern technology, culturally competent primary care, behavioral health, and social services to provide a radically better experience of care for every member, their family, and the communities we serve.

We are committed to expanding our reach to serve more members and their communities. We are looking for passionate individuals who share our belief that healthcare should be accessible, personalized, and rooted in the community. Join us in our mission to ensure that no one has to navigate the complexities of the healthcare system alone and that everyone receives the local, culturally competent care they deserve.

Role Description

The Community Health Worker/Engagement Specialist (CHW/ES) plays a critical role in Zócalo Health’s mission by serving as a consistent, trusted presence within the community. This individual is responsible for identifying and enrolling eligible members into Zócalo Health programs, conducting high-volume outreach from health plan-provided eligibility files, and managing a panel of patients to ensure they receive coordinated, whole-person care.

The CHW/ES will provide hands-on support for social needs navigation and care coordination, while also helping patients access clinical services both within Zócalo Health and across the broader healthcare system.

This role reports to the Director, Clinical Operations.

About the Role

Community Engagement and Enrollment

• Represent Zócalo Health at community events to build trust and increase patient engagement.
• Identify and build trust with eligible members through in-person outreach, community events, and partner referrals.
• Conduct outreach to members on health plan eligibility files via phone, text, and in-person follow-up with the goal of enrolling them in care.
• Serve as the primary contact for new members, guiding them through enrollment and consent procedures.
• Conduct outreach via phone, SMS, email, and digital platforms to engage potential and existing patients.
• Make appointment reminder calls and coordinate follow-ups to ensure continuity of care.
• Assist members with technical issues related to patient portals, telehealth platforms, and digital resources.

Care Coordination and Patient Navigation

• Conduct initial intake assessments to identify patient needs, including SDOH screenings.
• Manage a panel of enrolled patients, serving as their primary point of contact for non-clinical support.
• Coordinate access to internal and external medical appointments, behavioral health services, and wraparound supports.
• Identify social determinants of health (SDOH) needs and connect patients with community-based resources (e.g., housing, food, transportation).
• Provide care navigation services, including assistance with referrals, prescription support, appointment logistics, and care plan adherence.
• Educate patients on disease prevention, wellness, and available healthcare resources.
• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary care team to contribute to patient care plans and resolve complex cases.
• Facilitate enrollment in government and community programs, such as food assistance, housing support, and healthcare access programs.

Program Support and Documentation

• Accurately document outreach and patient interactions using Zócalo Health systems (e.g., Athena, care management tools).
• Track enrollment, patient engagement, and outcomes aligned with contractual and programmatic requirements.
• Attend team huddles, training, and staff meetings to align care planning and share insights from the field.

Requirements for the Role

Education:

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Equivalent years of additional work experience may substitute for the degree requirements. 

Experience:

• Fluent in Spanish and English (required)
• 1-3 years in healthcare, patient navigation, or community outreach. 
• Strong ability to build rapport, educate patients, and provide culturally competent support.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment while meeting outreach and engagement goals.
• Familiarity with Medicaid programs preferred.
• Experience working with vulnerable or underserved populations.
• Must be comfortable with technology and able to document in EHR and outreach tools.

Skills:

• Passion for serving the Latino community and addressing healthcare disparities.
• Ability to translate business objectives into operational processes and ensure seamless execution.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work collaboratively across departments.

Additional Requirements:

• Fully vaccinated, per CDC standards. 
• Willingness to travel for community events and in-person patient visits as needed. 
• Reliable transportation. 

Work Schedule:

• Full-time, Monday – Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM.
• Occasional evening or weekend community events may be required.

Benefits & Perks

• Ground floor opportunity; shape the direction of a fast-growing, high impact healthcare company
• Comprehensive benefits (medical/dental/vision)
• Generous home office stipend 
• Competitive compensation 
• Generous PTO policy including 6 paid holidays.

You must be authorized to work in the United States. We are open to remote work anywhere in the locations outlined in this job description.

At Zócalo Health Inc., we see diversity and inclusion as a source of strength in transforming healthcare. We believe building trust and innovation are best achieved through diverse perspectives. To us, acceptance and respect are rooted in an understanding that people do not experience things in the same way, including our healthcare system. Individuals seeking employment at Zócalo Health are considered without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. 

Those seeking employment at Zócalo Health are considered without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status or disability status.