Community Health Worker

BestCare Treatment Services Inc•Bend, OR

About The Position

The Addiction Medicine Clinic is a specialty medical clinic focused on the treatment of substance use disorders and related medical conditions. We provide evidence-based medical care including medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD), long-acting injectable therapies, hepatitis C treatment, obesity medicine, and coordinated behavioral health services. We are seeking a skilled and mission-driven Community Health Worker (CHW) to join our interdisciplinary medical team. This is a structured, clinically integrated role supporting patient engagement, case management, and continuity of care. The CHW functions as a critical member of the medical team, supporting patients with complex medical and social needs. This role focuses on case coordination, care navigation, barrier reduction, and retention in treatment — in addition to preventive education. The CHW works directly alongside providers, nurses, and behavioral health staff to ensure patients remain connected to life-saving medical services. JOB SUMMARY: The Community Health Worker (CHW) is a trusted member of the care team who serves as a bridge between patients and clinical providers in the Addiction Medicine Clinic (AMC). Working under the supervision of a licensed medical provider, the CHW supports individuals with substance use disorder (SUD) and co-occurring chronic health conditions in navigating care, building health literacy, and addressing social determinants of health. This position emphasizes harm reduction, trauma-informed care, and low-barrier engagement to foster long-term recovery, wellness, and access to primary medical services. CHWs are not counselors or licensed clinicians but provide advocacy, education, and linkage to resources that medical and behavioral health providers may not be able to deliver directly. CHWs operate within the Oregon Health Authority’s approved scope of practice for Traditional Health Workers and bill services under “incident-to” supervision by a licensed provider where applicable.

Requirements

High School Diploma (or equivalent)
Minimum of two (2) years’ experience working with individuals with substance use disorders, behavioral health conditions, or in a related health or social service setting
Individuals in recovery from SUD must have maintained continuous recovery for the previous two (2) years at the time of hire
Requires Oregon Health Authority (OHA)-approved certification as a Community Health Worker (CHW) with eligibility to bill under “incident-to” provider billing protocols as a CHW, or eligibility/commitment to obtain within 6 months
Current CPR and First Aid certification, or ability and commitment to obtain within 30 days of hiring
Must maintain a valid Oregon Driver License or ability to obtain one upon hire, and be insurable under the organization’s auto liability coverage policy (minimum 21 years of age and with no Type A violations in the past 3 years, or three (3) or more Type B violations)
Knowledge of alcohol and drug addiction and detoxification, community resources and recovery programs
Demonstrated understanding of harm reduction, health equity, and trauma-informed care
Ability to demonstrate professionalism, cultural responsiveness, and a nonjudgmental approach to individuals at any stage of recovery
Communicate clearly, concisely, and effectively, orally and in writing
Ability to maintain documentation in the EMR program
Ability to take vital signs (blood pressure, heart rate, temperature, weight)
Ability to work effectively and respectfully in a diverse, multi-cultural environment
Ability to function effectively and use good judgment in crisis situations
Ability to work with the treatment team to maintain a healthy treatment milieu
Proficiency in MS Office 365 (Word, Excel, Outlook), EHR platform, databases, virtual meeting platforms, internet, and ability to learn new or updated software
Strong interpersonal, communication, and customer service skills
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, accuracy, and follow-through
Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines
Demonstrated critical thinking skills
Ability to maintain strict confidence as required by HIPAA, 42 CFR, and Oregon Statutes and BCTS Policies
Ability to build and maintain positive relationships
Ability to manage conflict resolution and anger/fear/hostility/violence of others appropriately and effectively

Nice To Haves

Bilingual in English/Spanish a plus
Lived experience with recovery with experience as a Certified Recovery Mentor (CRM) and/or Peer Support Services (PSS) Cert are a plus
Previous training and work experience in the disease of addiction
Familiarity with Medicaid (OHP), social services systems in Oregon, and local SUD resources
Experience working in medical clinics, integrated care settings, or with high-acuity patients

Responsibilities

Provides outreach and relationship-building with patients who are disengaged or at risk of leaving care, initiating contacts via phone, in person, or in the field
Participates in clinical case planning meetings and execution of care coordination plans for medical and SUD treatment
Provides low-barrier care navigation to help patients access medications for substance use disorders, preventative health care, and chronic disease management
Delivers Preventative Medicine counseling (CPT 99401-99404) under medical supervision on: Tobacco cessation Nutrition and physical activity Overdose prevention and naloxone use Risky substance use behavior Safe medication use and MAT adherence Hygiene, wound care, and infection prevention Medication safety for patients and families
Assists patients with appointment scheduling, transportation coordination, and accessing services such as food, housing, primary care, harm reduction supplies, and medication refills
Accompanies patients to medical, dental, or behavioral health appointments to support advocacy, understanding, and retention in care
Maintains contact with patients in residential or detox care to support transition and reengagement in outpatient services
Supports patients in navigating systems such as OHP enrollment, Oregon Prescription Drug Program, food assistance (SNAP), housing, and recovery resources
Conducts basic screenings (e.g. PHQ-9, SBIRT) under provider delegation and documenting in the EHR
Leads or co-facilitates non-clinical peer education groups and wellness programming (e.g. healthy living, coming strategies, stress management)
Participates in regular supervision, team meetings, and continuing education related to scope and role
Supports the clinic’s harm reduction approach, including syringe access referral, safe use education, and naloxone distribution coordination
Promotes equity by addressing systemic barriers to care and honoring patients’ autonomy and dignity
Participates in outreach activities such as health fairs, community events, and field-based engagement of high-risk populations
Documents services in the EHR in a timely and accurate manner, using appropriate visit types and billing codes
Other duties, as assigned by the Medical Provider or Medical Director
Performs work in alignment with BestCare’s mission, vision, values
Supports the organization’s commitment to fostering and maintaining a culture of inclusivity, equity, open-mindedness, cultural awareness, compassion, and respect for all individuals
Strives to meet Program/Department goals and supports the organization’s strategic goals
Adheres to the organization’s Code of Conduct, Business Ethics, Employee Handbook, and all other relevant policies, procedures, and other compliance needs
Understands and maintains professionalism and confidentiality per HIPAA, 42 CFR Part 2, and Oregon Statutes, and adheres to Traditional Health Worker standards
Participates in regular supervision and team meetings, and completes assigned training timely and satisfactorily
Ensures that any required certifications and/or licenses are kept current and renewed timely
Works independently as well as participates as a positive, collaborative team member
Performs other organizational duties as needed