Women's Health Community Health Worker - East Side Clinic

Are you looking for an opportunity to do amazing work helping others? You've come to the right place. Let's make a difference!

Primary Health Care (PHC) was founded in 1981 by Dr. Bery Engebretsen in Des Moines, IA. Our mission has remained unchanged since that time, to provide healthcare and supportive services to all, regardless of insurance, immigration status, or ability to pay.

Based on the needs of the communities we serve, PHC offers a spectrum of medical and dental services including family practice, behavioral health, HIV care and services, and pharmacy.

PHC’s Homeless Support Services is the entry point for serving people experiencing homelessness in Polk County. Enabling services are available to help patients with benefits enrollment, case management, transportation, translation, and patient education.

We currently have locations in Ames, Des Moines, & Marshalltown.

As the Women’s Health Community Health Worker, you will support the lactation needs of a new parent, identifying the integrated health needs of patients, as well as social determinants of health (SDOH) barriers, and facilitating appropriate follow-up through care coordination.

You will lead engagement efforts in the community and coordinate with others to provide a positive experience for patients and their families.

You will provide services in clinic, the patient’s home, and community settings.

This position is funded by a HRSA Maternal Health Grant for a two-year period.

What's Great About This Position?

• Opportunity to collaborate with a team of dedicated professionals to achieve the goals of our new Maternal Health Grant.
• Help connect expectant parents to community resources, help the community connect to PHC, & help our team achieve healthy mom and baby outcomes.
• Typical work schedule is Monday - Friday 8 AM - 5 PM. However, you may occasionally need to work an evening until 8 PM or Saturday 9 AM - 1 PM.
• Earn 4 weeks of PTO over your first year of employment.

What You Will Do?

• Provides lactation consultation to new parents and babies.
• Coordinates care for prenatal patients, with a particular focus on patients with needs in social drivers of health (SDoH).

Provides timely follow-up to patients and their care team.

Coordinates access to PHC services : medical, dental, behavioral health, pharmacy, homeless support and HIV prevention and management services, in whatever form serves the patient best including telehealth and group visits as needed.

Facilitates referrals to community partners for services not provided by PHC. Completes any required applications or supplies requested documentation.

• Provides health related education to patients and their chosen supports to engage them in long term care.
• Performs data gathering activities with patients. Documents care management plans as appropriate in the electronic health record (EHR) or other tracking systems.
• Organizes and participates in patient or community outreach events.
• Assists patients with applications for services or entitlement / safety net programs. Ensures MCO patients are appropriately attributed to PHC or the provider of their choice.
• Other duties as assigned, including providing interpreter services and assisting Family Support Workers or other members of the care team as requested.

Qualifications You Need to Bring

Required :

• High school diploma or equivalent
• One year of experience in human services, healthcare, or related field
• Effective English and Spanish verbal and written communication skills
• Proficiency with computers, including Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint, and ability to learn and effectively use software applications, including practice management systems and electronic medical records.
• Ability to assist patients with data input into an online program.
• Knowledge of community resources, including entitlement programs.
• Ability to interact in a calm and empathetic, yet professional and efficient manner.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Reliable transportation to perform community activities at off-site locations.
• Licenses and Certifications : Valid Iowa Driver’s License, adequate automobile insurance coverage, Certified Lactation Counselor certification required within 3 months of starting in the position and must be maintained throughout employment thereafter

Preferred :

• Bachelor’s Degree (B.A.) from four-year college or university in health education or related degree.
• Experience working with marginalized populations.
• Community Health Center or public health experience.

We Take Care of Our People

Your experience and skills determine your base pay. The hiring range for this position is typically $15.50 - $19.38, though highly experienced candidates may earn up to $23.

25 per year. PHC also offers a comprehensive benefits package, including :

Generous PTO accrual (equal to 4 weeks at end of 1st year) plus paid holidays

License / certification fee reimbursement

Paid time off for continuing education & continuing education reimbursement

Tuition reimbursement program

401k with company match

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life & disability insurance

Flexible spending & health savings accounts

Supplemental accident & critical illness insurance

Discounts on pet insurance

Visit for a summary of PHC’s benefits.

Join the PHC Community