Community Health Worker I

Northwest Human Services is a non-profit leader in providing advocacy, quality healthcare and social services in Marion and Polk counties since 1970.  We are a mission focused organization providing compassionate and professional medical, dental, psychiatry, mental health, and wraparound services for those in our community who need it most - uninsured individuals, families, the homeless, and migrant workers.  As a Community Health Center we value a culture of equity, diverse perspectives, and life experiences. Our organization embraces innovation, collaboration, and work-life harmony.                               

Community Health Worker I

LOCATION:  West Salem Clinic & Total Health Community Clinic

JOB STATUS: 40 hours per week, Monday - Saturday, with occasional after-hours availability for community events

YOUR ROLE:

Community Health Workers (CHW’s) are trusted frontline public health employees who have a close connection to and understanding of the community served, including culturally and linguistically appropriate care, lived experience, or in-depth understanding of oppressed and marginalized identities. The CHW is an active member of the care team who has a deep understanding of health literacy and social determinates of health and their effect on health inequalities. CHW’s are commitment to promoting health equity through identifying and reducing barriers, assisting clients to navigate health care systems and social service resources by empowering clients to improve their health, well-being, and safety regardless of social or economic status, race, ethnicity, religion, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, or other socially determined circumstance, utilizing trauma informed practices. The CHW serves as the link between the health care services and Community Based Organizations (CBO’s) to facilitate access to services and resources, including but not limited to coordination with; specialty doctors, food assistance, pharmacy, insurance benefits, housing assistance, and addictions and recovery services; working directly with clients, natural supports, patients, healthcare personal and community-based organizations. The CHW works with client health information and must be able to maintain strict confidentiality using HIPAA requirements. This position requires a flexible, self-directed person, who is excellent at problem-solving and multitasking difficult situations where all the details may not yet be available or determined and can search for the information that is needed. As the CHW responds to immediate patient needs, frequent interruptions to workflow will occur.

Additional attributes of CHW’s include respect for the experiences and opinions of people in various socioeconomic communities, cultural humility, desire to empower others, mindset of continuous learning, ability to build trust and rapport, innovative, persistence, reliable, and ability to handle stressful situations and challenges. CHW’s must be able to offer resources and support while empowering clients to manage their own health. Engaged in entry level Trauma-Informed Care, Motivational Interviewing, and Community Health Worker training opportunities. 

SPECIFIC DUTIES:

• Builds trust and rapport with clients through professional communication.
• Utilizes motivational interviewing skills to offer patient-centered resources.
• Documents screening forms and interventions in NextGen.
• Responds to referrals and tasks within specified timeframes.
• Works within an interdisciplinary care team.
• Problem-solves patients/clients’ social services barriers.
  

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum of one year experience in a human service-related environment, through employment, volunteer, or lived experience.
• Must be able to build effective working relationships, solve problems in a self-directed manner, and maintain a strong sense of professional boundaries.
• Excellent phone and computer skills required.
• Must be able to find creative solutions to patient barriers that require initiative and creative thinking to locate the appropriate resource.
• Oregon Driver's License and proof of auto insurance (this position requires driving, and a motor vehicle report is conducted prior to hiring) 
• Bilingual English/Spanish 

SUMMARY OF BENEFITS: Our Agency strives to provide a benefits program that is comprehensive and competitive within our industry.

• Competitive Salary
• Full Comprehensive Medical with 2 plans, Dental, and Vision
• Flex Spending Account
• Group Life: Short-Term & Long-Term Disability 100% paid by employer
• 403(b) retirement plan with 3% employer match
• 10 hours of monthly Paid Time Off based on FTE
• 7½ paid holidays each year + 2 paid floating holidays
• Continuing Education Plan
• Employee Healthy Living Program

TO APPLY:

If you are interested in joining a team that makes a difference in the lives of many, apply online at: Employment (northwesthumanservices.org)

For more information, contact the HR/Recruiting Department at: HR@nwhumanservices.org | 503.588.5828

All candidates who receive a written offer of employment will be required to undergo a criminal records check and a motor vehicle report.

Equal Opportunity Employer | We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.