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Community Health Worker

Sanford Health · Rice Lake, WI · Full time

Posted Sep 30, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a time you helped someone navigate a complicated system like insurance, housing or benefits.

What they are checking: Whether they have real experience guiding people through confusing systems like insurance or housing, which is central to this work.

Tell me about a time you used active listening to understand what someone really needed.

What they are checking: Whether they truly listen to understand what someone needs, which the posting names as essential for building helpful relationships.

How do you stay culturally sensitive when working with people whose background differs from yours?

What they are checking: Whether they approach different cultures with respect and curiosity, since people engage more when they feel understood rather than judged.

What would you do

A patient keeps missing appointments because they lack transportation. How would you help?

What they are checking: Whether they can find practical resources like rides or vouchers that remove real barriers keeping patients from getting care.

How do you build trust with someone who is wary of the health care system?

What they are checking: Whether they engage people respectfully and without judgment, which the posting stresses, since trust is what keeps people coming back.

A patient tells you about a health concern that sounds serious. What do you do, given that this is a non-clinical role?

What they are checking: Knowing the limits of the role and connecting the patient to clinical staff.

About the work

What does it mean to work within a patient-centered medical home, and where does a community health worker fit?

What they are checking: Whether they understand team-based primary care and where a non-clinical role adds value without overstepping into clinical decisions.

How do you help patients manage a chronic condition like diabetes on their own?

What they are checking: Whether they help patients build skills and set small goals for managing chronic conditions themselves between their medical visits.

How do you keep track of your caseload and the referrals you have made?

What they are checking: Organization and follow-through so patients do not fall through the cracks.

What community resources do you know of, and how would you learn more in a new area?

What they are checking: Whether they know how to find and build a network of local services, since good referrals depend on knowing what exists nearby.

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The full job description

As published by Sanford Health.

Sanford Health, the largest rural health system in the United States, is dedicated to transforming the health care experience and providing access to world-class health care in America’s heartland. 

 Work Shift: 8 Hours - Day Shifts (United States of America)

 Scheduled Weekly Hours: 40

 Compensation: 



 Union Position: No

 Department Details Summary The Community Health Worker (CHW) will serve as a bridge between under-served communities and the health and social service systems. Job Description As a non-clinical role, work within the patient-centered medical home model, which embraces a team approach to chronic disease self-management. Provide information and assistance to help patients navigate a complex health and human services system. Strong advocacy and raising awareness of individual and community health needs are necessary for efficient and culturally sensitive work. Must strive to build capacity for access to services and community engagement. Strong communication skills from a non-judgmental perspective will be necessary to engage patients in their own care, articulate clearly and effectively when advocating for patients and community groups, and assist members in understanding and effectively navigating complex health systems. Effective active listening skills are essential. Actively engage in relationship building and work from a team-based perspective. Collaborate on goal setting and care planning within an inter-professional team context. Required to give presentations to community groups, and requires strong public speaking and presentation skills that include diplomacy and tact. Strong organization skills and the ability to anticipate future planning needs is required. Effective coordination skills are necessary in facilitating appointment attendance and individual plans of care. Serves as a point person for issues and related solutions while maintaining appropriate boundaries. Hold knowledge and experience of ethnic and cultural populations, government partners, community stakeholders, and other organizations. Model effective problem solving skills to empower patients to take an active role in their health care. Must have a thorough understanding of self-efficacy theory and its application when working with others who have chronic disease. Embrace cultural sensitivity when seeking information and working with others. Documents completion of assigned activities and support of community members as required. Provide services under supervision as directed by state or other regulatory requirements. Strictly adhere to the scope of their duties and will not give medical advice under any circumstance. Strong adherence to all patient privacy laws in health care settings and the community is essential. Qualifications High school diploma or equivalent required. College courses strongly preferred but not required. Preferred qualifications include a minimum of three years of ambulatory care experience, experience in community outreach, and/or working knowledge of various integrated systems of care in the community. Personal experience living with a chronic health condition is preferred. Motivational Interviewing skills are required with training, to be completed within six months of hire. Proof of certificate from a Community Health Worker program is required upon hire or within six months. Must have a valid driver’s license. Sanford is an EEO/AA Employer M/F/Disability/Vet. If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request an accommodation for help with your online application, please call 1-877-949-5678 or send an email to talent@sanfordhealth.org.

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