STI HIV Prevention and Harm Reduction Program Community Health Worker

Job Summary

The Community Health Worker (CHW) works in a population-based practice setting in Clark County. The CHW, a paraprofessional classification in the STI HIV Prevention and Harm Reduction Program, provides culturally competent community/public health services and works in a population-based practice setting in Clark County. The majority of health and outreach services are provided on-site at the Harm Reduction Center (HRC) located at the Center for Community Health or other community locations according to protocols, and under the oversight of a Program Coordinator (PC), Program Manager (PM), and the Health Officer (HO). This position is responsible for providing in-person harm reduction services, inclusive of staffing the Harm Reduction Syringe Services Program and community outreach events, providing operational support during STI HIV clinic, as well as other programmatic duties as assigned.

Organizational responsibilities include understanding and promoting the public health mission of the Department; providing courteous, respectful, efficient customer service to all Health Department clients; honoring diversity of all department employees and constituents; participating in Health Department training; and striving for personal excellence in public health work.

This position reports directly to the Program Manager of the STI HIV Prevention and Harm Reduction Program and will work an 8-hour schedule Monday through Friday.

This is a full-time represented position. It is represented by Local 335.

This position has the option of a remote/hybrid work schedule possibility. However, the candidate selected must reside in OR or WA. No Exceptions.

KEY OR TYPICAL TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Duties may include but are not limited to the following:
• Demonstrates proficiency in using various computer applications (e.g. MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Smartsheet) as applicable to design or complete forms, correspondence, spreadsheets, data entry, etc.
• Effectively operates complex equipment and office machinery, which includes computers, printers, scanners, and facsimile machines.
• Provides courteous customer service to providers, clients, and the public. Responds to routine inquiries by phone or face to face; listens to questions and explains procedures, rules or functions according to relevant program guidelines; fulfills requests for information or directs clients to appropriate person or section.
• Assist clients in accessing services through appropriate referral to: psychosocial support services; substance use treatment, harm reduction services, enrollment into a health insurance plan; access to medical treatment services for HIV and other diseases; domestic violence intervention; drug & alcohol referral; and public transportation; etc.
• Supports the HRC Syringe Services Program by performing syringe service roles, including client intake, service encounters, individual counseling and referrals, and sharps management.
• Participates in overdose prevention training at the HRC and outreach events within the community.
• Supports the HRC STI HIV clinical services by performing tasks including client check-in and registration, specimen ordering and processing, and other duties as needed.
• Package and ship specimens in accordance with requirements for shipping biological substances.
• Support the planning and implementation of programmatic outreach activities and other special projects.
• Participates in program specific or department-wide evaluation activities.
• Perform other related duties as requested by the PC or PM.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

High school diploma or GED equivalent and two (2) years of experience, training, or applicable community experience in counseling or health outreach.

Some positions may require oral and written fluency in both English and the language of the community being served.

Any satisfactory combination of education, experience and training which ensures the ability to perform the work will be considered.

Knowledge of: Principles, policies, procedures, methods, and techniques specific to general health, infectious disease control, prevention, and public health; communicable disease etiology, manifestations, progression, diagnosis, and treatment; medical and drug terminology; laboratory testing procedures; community resources; confidentiality guidelines; traditions, customs and health beliefs of the community being served.

Ability to: Establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, clients, and the public; communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; work independently and as part of a team; relate to a wide variety of people of varying ages, socioeconomic backgrounds and needs; apply concepts of cultural sensitivity; maintain records; operate computer software and other office equipment; follow written and verbal instructions; prepare and present written materials and oral presentations for the public.

Other Requirements:

• Must adhere to OSHA/WISHA guidelines, including but not limited to timely completion of mandatory trainings.
• Must adhere to the Department employee immunity policy and provide documents as requested.
• Some positions may require verbal and/or written proficiency in a second language.
• Must successfully pass a criminal history background check which may include state or national fingerprint records check, pursuant to RCW 43.43.830.
• Driving is required for County business on a regular basis or to accomplish work. Incumbents must possess a valid driver's license and possess and maintain current auto insurance and an acceptable driving record throughout the course of employment.
• Must be able to obtain Washington State MA-Phlebotomist certification.
• Must be able to respond to public health emergencies or exercises at any time, except while on scheduled vacation or other leave.  In addition, leaves may be cancelled under public health emergencies.
• Must protect the privacy and security of protected health information as defined in State and Federal law.

Selection Process:

Resumes and other documents must be attached together in the 'Resume Upload' section of the application.  Multiple files are allowed, but all applicant attachments must be uploaded simultaneously, as there is no way to edit or append uploaded materials after submitting the application.

Application Review (Pass/ Fail) - An online application is required.  Attaching a resume does not substitute for a completed application; incomplete applications will not pass the application review.  Candidates deemed most qualified will be invited to participate in the remainder of the selection process.

Practical Exam (Pass/Fail) - This recruitment may require a practical exam which will be job related and may include, but not limited to, the qualifications outlined in the job announcement.  Candidates deemed most qualified will be invited to participate in the remainder of the selection process.

Oral Interview - The interview will be job related and may include, not limited to, the qualifications outlined in the job announcement.  Top candidate(s) will continue in the process.

Employment references will be conducted for the final candidates and may include verification of education.

Examples of Duties

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Some positions may involve exposure to bodily fluids and routine contact with individuals who have communicable diseases. Some positions may involve frequent exposure to hostile clients. Duties in the field require occasional visits to community facilities and client living locations.  Work is generally performed indoors in client homes, offices or other community settings.  Incumbents must have sufficient mobility to access the various work and field locations during the day and after dark.  Tasks may require the incumbent to spend moderate periods of time standing and walking; some settings may require the ability to climb stairs.  Occasional lifting and carrying up to 20 pounds is required.  Travel throughout the local area is a requirement of the classification.

Salary Grade

Local 335.5B

Salary Range

$23.77 - $30.90- per hour

Close Date

Open Until Filled

Equal Opportunity Employer

Clark County is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing equal opportunity in employment, access, and delivery of all county services. Clark County’s Equal Employment Opportunity Plan is available at http://www.clark.wa.gov/human-resources/documents.

Employee Benefits and additional compensation

Clark County provides regular full-time and part-time employees with a comprehensive benefits package which includes medical, vision and dental insurance, paid leave, flexible spending accounts, life insurance and long-term disability, retirement, and deferred compensation.  Some types of employees in some positions and bargaining units might have different benefits and additional compensation.More specific benefit information for the different bargaining units can be found at https://clark.wa.gov/human-resources/employee-benefits. Also please refer to the specific bargaining unit contract for additional compensation at https://clark.wa.gov/human-resources/documents.

Retirement Information

All Clark County employees must participate in a WASHINGTON STATE RETIREMENT SYSTEM PLAN (PERS, PSERS or LEOFF).Employee contributions begin the first day of work.Current contribution rates vary by plan but could range from 5% to 15% of gross pay, depending on the plan choice. 
 

For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site here: http://www.drs.wa.gov/

If you are in need of ADA/Section 504 assistance for accommodations, please contact Human Resources at (564) 397-2456; Relay (800) 833-6388.