The final salary and offer components are subject to additional approvals based on Cook County Health (CCH) policy. Your placement within the salary range is dependent on a number of factors including your work experience and internal equity within this position classification at CCH. For positions that are represented by a labor union, placement within the salary range will be guided by the rules in the collective bargaining agreement.

Location: CORE Center

Shift: 9:00AM -5:00PM

This position is exempt from Career Service under the CCH Personnel Rules.

Job Summary

The Retention Outreach Worker helps promote and implement the strategic goals and objectives of Cook County Health (CCH) throughout the different communities of Cook County. They assist by fostering an environment in which community partnership objectives are viewed as a high business priority affecting the reputation and success of CCH. The Community Outreach Workers will conduct outreach to patients who are HIV positive and meet individuals on the Stroger Hospital Campus, and other Cook County Health (CCH) facilities to assist with initial engagement in care. The Retention Outreach Worker will develop relationship with patients who will receive or re-engaged in HIV primary care at a Cook County Health HIV Integrated Program (CCHIP) site and will assist patients in follow-up and execution of case management and medical treatment plans, address barriers to care, assist with obtaining public benefits, entitlements and conduct home visits. The Retention Outreach Worker will exemplify the CCH, CCHIP and Institute mission, vision and values and act in accordance with policies and procedures.

This is a grant-funded position. The Grant 2025 CCH Ryan White Title IV-PT D grant will expire on July 31, 2026, with the potential to be renewed.

Typical Duties

• Initiates immediate contact with patients in need of care coordination services meet on the Stroger Hospital campus and other CCH facilities to establish rapport and to assist with linkage to care to CCHIP Sites
• Develops and maintains a positive working relationship with government officials and community leaders in Cook County.
• Establishes and maintains a positive working relationship with the aforementioned parties.
• Reminds patients of appointments and assists with addressing barriers to care such as transportation, childcare, etc.
• Accompanies patients through their first visit to CCHIP site to orient them to each site's services and how to access them
• Develops and maintains an integrated contact database consisting of all our community, religious, business, and governmental partners to best achieve communication and programmatic strategies.
• Recommends and implements community events relevant to CountyCare's goals and strategic objectives of expanding our membership.
• Distributes literature at community meetings to promote healthy lifestyles and wellness programs and makes presentations at such events.
• Organizes health fairs and other community events to promote CountyCare programs throughout the surrounding community. Represents CountyCare at all events and activities.
• Assists in managing advisory council and member engagement meetings for the health plan.
• Helps highlight issues that need attention performs appropriate follow-up to ensure that these items are corrected.
• Remains current with insurance coverage news to support presentation topics of discussion.
• Prepares monthly reports on outreach activities.
• Attends all CCH, CCHIP and Hektoen mandatory training and meetings and adhere to specific Policies and Procedures.
• Communicates with the multidisciplinary care team at CCHIP sites and other CCH about individual client's needs and concerns.
• Prepares written communication, correspondence and report as required.
• Establishes strong relationships to help advance CountyCare in the community.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED is required (must provide copy at the time of interview)
• One (1) year of direct service experience working in the field of HIV service provision is required
• Experience working in a hospital or out-patient setting is required
• Must be able to travel to work sites throughout Cook County and community events is required
• Must be able to work flexible hours including evenings and weekends is required
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suites (Word, Excel, Access) is required

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with clients with multiple needs and comfortable working with high volumes of clients in a fast-paced environment is preferred
• Bilingual is preferred

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Other Characteristics

• Knowledge of principles, practices and policies of the health care industry.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills necessary to communicate complex concepts in a clear, concise manner with all levels of staff, patient population and the community composed of diverse cultures and age groups.
• Ability to maintain a professional demeanor and composure as a representative of CCH.
• Ability to prioritize, plan, and organize projects and tasks.
• Ability to initiate, develop and maintain mission-productive relationships with internal and external constituencies.
• Ability to work well with employees at all levels of the organization, including internal and external customers.
• Ability to handle all situations with tact, persuasiveness, and diplomacy.
• Ability to multi-task and meet deadlines in a fast paced and stressful environment.
• Ability to develop and write reports clearly and accurately.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and 2-3 weekends per month during the summer season.
• Must be self-directed and innovative Demonstrate attention to detail, accuracy, and precision.
• This position requires various types of physical exertion with the use of hands, legs, and fingers including but not limited to lifting, pushing, pulling, prolonged standing/walking, climbing stairs, operating any equipment and other devises or moving light to moderate weight.
• Must be able to travel to work sites throughout Cook County and community events.

Physical and Environmental Demands

This position is functioning within a healthcare environment. The incumbent is responsible for adherence to all hospital and department specific safety requirements. This includes but is not limited to the following policies and procedures: complying with Personal Protective Equipment requirements, hand washing and sanitizing practices, complying with department specific engineering and work practice controls and any other work area safety precautions as specified by hospital wide policy and departmental procedures.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of the personnel so classified.

For purposes of the American with Disabilities Act, "Typical Duties" are essential job functions.

VETERAN PREFERENCE

PLEASE READ

When applying for employment with the Cook County Health & Hospitals System, preference is given to honorably discharged Veterans who have served in the Armed Forces of the United States for not less than 6 months of continuous service

To take advantage of this preference a Veteran must:

* Meet the minimum qualifications for the position.

* Identify self as a Veteran on the employment application by answering yes to the question by answering yes to the question, "Are you a Military Veteran?"

* Attach a copy of their DD 214, DD 215 or NGB 22 (Notice of Separation at time of application filing. Please note: If you have multiple DD214s, 215s, or NGB 22S, Please submit the one with the latest date. Coast Guard must submit a certified copy of the military separation from either the Department of Transportation (Before 9/11) or the Department of Homeland Security (After 9/11). Discharge papers must list and Honorable Discharge Status. Discharge papers not listing an Honorable Discharge Status are not acceptable

OR

A copy of a valid State ID Card or Driver's License which identifies the holder of the ID as a Veteran, may also be attached to the application at time of filing.

If items are not attached, you will not be eligible for Veteran Preference

VETERANS MUST PROVIDE ORIGINAL APPLICABLE DISCHARGE PAPERS OR APPLICABLE STATE ID CARD OR DRIVER'S LICENSE AT TIME OF INTERVIEW.

BENEFITS PACKAGE
* Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage
* Basic Term Life Insurance
* Pension Plan
* Deferred Compensation Program
* Paid Holidays, Vacation, and Sick Time
* You may also qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)
For further information on our excellent benefits package, please click on the following link: http://www.cookcountyrisk.com/

MUST MEET ALL REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AT TIME OF APPLICATION FILING.

*Please note all offers of Employment are contingent upon the following conditions: satisfactory professional & employment references, healthcare and criminal background checks, appropriate licensure/certifications and the successful completion of a physical and pre-employment drug screen.

*CCHHS is strictly prohibited from conditioning, basing or knowingly prejudicing or affecting any term or aspect of County employment or hiring upon or because of any political reason or factor.

COOK COUNTY HEALTH & HOSPITALS SYSTEM IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER